FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is COMPTEL?
How long has COMPTEL been in existence?
What are the benefits of becoming a member?
Who are COMPTEL’s members?
How do I get in touch with COMPTEL staff?

What is COMPTEL?

Based in Washington, D.C., COMPTEL is the leading industry association representing competitive communications service providers and their supplier partners. COMPTEL members are entrepreneurial companies driving technological innovation and creating economic growth through competitive broadband voice, video, Internet and data offerings. COMPTEL members offer a wide array of broadband products, services and solutions services in both the wireline (copper/fiber) and wireless markets, including managed services, cloud computing and unique applications that are developed and deployed via next-generation, IP-based managed networks. COMPTEL advances its members’ interests through twice-annual trade shows; networking; education; and policy advocacy before Congress, the Federal Communications Commission and the courts. COMPTEL works to ensure that competitive communications providers can continue to offer lower prices, better service, and greater innovation to consumers.

How long has COMPTEL been in existence?

COMPTEL originated in 1981 as the Association of Long Distance Telephone Companies (ALTEL) to promote competition with AT&T. In 1984, ALTEL merged with the American Council of Competitive Communications (ACCT) and expanded its services to include local service providers, wireless communications companies and Internet service providers. At that time, the association's name was changed to the Competitive Telecommunications Association (COMPTEL). Then, in 1999, COMPTEL merged with America's Carriers Telecommunications Association (ACTA).

This merger was followed by the November 2003 union with the Association of Communications Enterprises (ASCENT). ASCENT was formed 1992 when the Telecommunications Marketing Association and the Interexchange Resellers Association merged to form the Telecommunications Resellers Association (TRA) in an entrepreneurial effort to promote switchless long distance resale. In November 1997, TRA merged with the National Wireless Resellers Association, creating a trade association designed to serve the entire telecommunications industry. In May 2000, TRA changed its name to ASCENT.

Most recently, in March 2005, the association merged with the Association for Local Telecommunications Services (ALTS). ALTS was created in 1987 to represent companies that build, own and operate competitive local networks.

What are the benefits of becoming a member?

COMPTEL membership opens doors to new and exciting opportunities that will help you succeed in today's communications marketplace.  At our industry-leading Spring and Fall COMPTEL PLUS Conventions & EXPOs, members have the ability to expand networking and sales opportunities.  Members receive priority access to exhibit space and meeting rooms; discounts for exhibit space and registration fees; and the ability to sponsor events and speak at our shows and conferences.  In addition, members have the opportunity to publicize their companies through our web site, association publications, and various public relations efforts.

COMPTEL also provides a broad range of resources to assist its members in obtaining the tools necessary to compete in an ever-changing marketplace, and to understand how new technologies and services, as well as policy changes, will affect day-to-day and long-term business operations.  From information on activities before the U.S. Congress and state legislatures to pending proceedings before the Federal Communications Commission, the Department of Justice, state regulatory agencies, and the courts, COMPTEL is your one-stop shop for staying up-to-date on what’s happening in the communications industry.

Who are COMPTEL’s members?

COMPTEL’s members include entrepreneurial companies of all sizes that are innovating the way broadband communications products and services are delivered to businesses and residential customers alike. COMPTEL members offer a wide array of services, including: 

Companies can join COMPTEL in one of four membership categories:

• Service Provider (Voting) Member: Communications service providers (including VoIP service providers) with annual revenues of less than $70 billion. Service provider members are eligible to vote on association matters and to serve on the Board of Directors. Service provider member CEOs may serve on COMPTEL's CEO Council.
   
• Supplier Associate Member: Companies engaged in the provision of communications facilities (e.g., network construction, but not companies engaged as “carrier’s carrier”), systems (e.g., billing and OSS software), equipment, and services (e.g., network management and technical planning) to communications service providers.
   
• International Associate Member: Non-U.S. entities deriving revenues predominantly from non-U.S. sources.
    
• Professional Associate Member: Applies to attorneys, consultants and financial institutions.

How do I get in touch with COMPTEL staff?

COMPTEL is located at:
900 17th Street, NW
Suite 400
Washington D.C.,
Phone: 202-296-6650
Fax: 202-296-7585

To find a specific staff member, please visit the Contact Us page.