INDUSTRY LEADERSHIP

CableLabs, founded in 1988 by members of the cable television industry, is a nonprofit research and development consortium that is dedicated to pursuing new cable telecommunications technologies and to helping its cable operator members integrate those technical advancements into their business objectives.

MetaSwitch's support for CableLabs includes live technology demonstrations, participation in the development of PacketCable standards, and interoperability testing.

CompTel/ASCENT was formed in November 2003 by the merger of the two leading trade associations in the competitive telecommunications industry, the Competitive Telecommunications Association (CompTel) and the Association of Communications Enterprises (ASCENT). With 400 members, CompTel/ASCENT is the largest association representing facilities-based carriers, providers using unbundled network elements, global integrated communications companies, and their supplier partners.

CompTel/ASCENT, which is based in Washington, D.C., includes companies of all sizes and profiles that provide voice, data and video services in the U.S. and around the world. Despite a wide variety of business models, CompTel/ASCENT members share a common objective: to create and sustain true competition in the telecommunications industry.

DSL Forum is a consortium of more than 400 leading industry players covering telecommunications, equipment, computing, networking and service provider companies. Established in 1994, the Forum continues its drive for a mass market for DSL, to deliver the benefits of this technology to end users around the world over existing copper telephone wire infrastructures.

MetaSwitch has made substantial technical contributions to the DSL Forum's efforts, including acting as editors for a number of documents such as the Broadband Loop Emulation Service Testing Specification.

The Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) is the protocol engineering and development arm of the Internet. The IETF is a large open international community of network designers, operators, vendors, and researchers concerned with the evolution of the Internet architecture and the smooth operation of the Internet. The actual technical work of the IETF is done in its working groups, which are organized by topic into several areas (e.g., routing, transport, security, etc.).

MetaSwitch supports the IETF's activities through participation in standards drafting and review.

The Muni Consortium is a select team of highly qualified and experienced telecommunications, equipment and consulting companies, providing a complete set of mission critical services to Municipalities and Utilities. The Muni Consortium website and bulletin board help educate, answer questions, share information, and provide member services. The Muni Consortium is designed to evolve and grow along with the Municipal and Utility broadband deployment market.

NICC is a technical forum for the UK communications sector that develops interoperability standards for public communications networks and services in the UK. Historically NICC was formally constituted as a committee reporting to Ofcom. In June 2008, NICC reformed as an independent industry body that is owned and managed by organisations involved in interoperability standards development.

The SIP Forum serves as a focal point for organizations and individuals involved in SIP-based communications markets to promote the commercial value and benefits of the technology. Developed by the IETF, the international organization responsible for Internet standards, to embed SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) as the protocol which ties the telecom and the Internet together. Membership in the SIP Forum is made up of individuals, network engineers, application developers and other Internet professionals who want to contribute to the development of global Internet communications based on IETF and W3C standards. SIP is rapidly emerging as the protocol of choice for setting up conferencing, telephony, multi-media and other types of communications sessions over IP networks.

MetaSwitch supports the SIP Forum and participate in the SIP Forum events.

The Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers (SCTE) is a non-profit professional association dedicated to advancing the careers of cable telecommunications professionals and serving the industry through excellence in professional development, information and standards. Since 1969, SCTE has continually expanded its resources and services to meet the changing needs of its members in a rapidly evolving industry. Today, more than 15,000 CTOs, engineers, system operations managers, technicians, and field operations personnel from the U.S. and 70 countries worldwide depend upon SCTE to deliver the tools they need to maintain their competitive edge. SCTE offers a variety of programs and services for the industry's educational benefit for more than 70 chapters and meeting groups and has technically certified more than 3,000 employees of the cable telecommunications industry.

TIA is the leading trade association in the communications and information technology industry with proven strengths in market development, trade promotion, trade shows, domestic and international advocacy, standards development and enabling e-business. Through its worldwide activities, the association facilitates business development opportunities and a competitive market environment.

MetaSwitch supports TIA through sponsorship and attendance at TIA-organized events.

The Alabama-Mississippi Telecommunications Association (AMTA) represents telephone companies in the states of Alabama and Mississippi.

The Alaska Telephone Association (ATA) sets out in the first paragraph of its Bylaws its goal: "maintaining of high grade telecommunications services to the public." Comprised of 22 regular members certificated by the Alaska Public Utilities Commission and more than 100 associate members, the ATA is a trade association representing the interests of the incumbent local exchange telephone industry in the state.

The Arizona-New Mexico Telecommunications Association's (ANMTA) mission is to enhance and promote telecommunications services for members in Arizona and New Mexico. With the direction from the board, members set high standards to provide affordable and reliable communications services with a competent and professional work force.

The California Communications Association (CalCom) is a statewide trade association comprised of all of the incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) providing telecommunications services within California. In addition to these core members, over 200 providers of products and services to the industry are CalCom associates.

The Canadian Independent Telephone Association (CITA), founded in 1905, was initially comprised of small independent telephone companies located within the provinces of Ontario and Quebec. Today, it is a Canada-wide association of companies which provide telephone service within British Columbia, Ontario and Quebec. In addition to the 39 independent telephone companies that form the Active Members of the Association, CITA has over 120 Associate and Special Associate Members, most of whom are equipment and service suppliers.

The CITA represents Canada's independent telephone companies before federal and provincial bodies and deals with matters of major concerns to its members. The Association also actively promotes the increase and advancement of telephone service in the communities served by its members.

The Caribbean Association of National Telecommunication Organizations (CANTO) was founded in 1985 as a non-profit association of telephone operating companies in the Caribbean. CANTO's objective is to establish a forum through which Caribbean Telecommunication Organizations may exchange information and expertise pertaining to the telecommunications field, generate inputs for orderly growth of the sector, formulate policy and consider matters of mutual interest to its members.

The Caribbean Cable & Telecommunications Association (CCTA) was founded in 1983 by three pioneers in the cable television industry in the region, in order to foster and promote the development of cable television service in the U.S. regions and independent nations or territories of the Caribbean.

CCTA was launched with just nine members; since that modest beginning it has grown to 127 members (Dec 2007). These include 30 cable operators (six in the U.S. regions and 23 in other areas of the Caribbean), and 93 program, hardware and software suppliers from around the world. Member cable operators serve a combined total of over 800,000 subscribers. The Association holds an Annual Meeting each year, bringing together cable operators and vendors to discuss trends in the industry, devise solutions to common problems, and provide a forum for information exchange and education.

The Colorado Telecommunications Association was formed in 1963. Today, it has 28 Rural Local Exchange Company Members, two Affiliate Company Members and nearly 100 Vendor and Supplier Members. The "Companies Connecting Colorado" provide local exchange and other telecommunications service to customers spread over 50% of the state. The goals of the Connection Companies are to preserve, protect and advance the concept of affordable, universal telecommunications services for all the citizens of the state, to give customers advanced service and broadband choices, and to deliver every service via a modern and continuously updated network.

The Georgia Telephone Association (GTA) was established to provide a vehicle through which members' interests could be represented in legislative, regulatory and public arenas.

The active members of GTA are comprised of Georgia's incumbent independent local exchange carriers, also defined as Tier 2 companies in Georgia's Telecom Act of 1995. GTA has thirty (30) Active members. GTA's members provide consumers and businesses in rural Georgia with the highest quality advanced telecommunications services available. In addition to voice, data and a wide variety of vertical services, GTA's Active member companies and their affiliated operations provide long distance, ISP, CLEC, transport, wireless, video, satellite, broadband and other related telecommunications services.

The Hawaii Telecommunications Association (HTCA) exists to establish and maintain professional standards among its members, and support their technological research and training.

The Idaho Telephone Association is a member of the Tri-state Telecom Association and represents telephone companies in the state of Idaho.

The Illinois Telecommunications Association (ITA) represents telephone companies in the state of Illinois.

The Indiana Telecommunications Association (ITA) is a non-profit trade association representing Indiana's telecommunications industry. Its members include 40 local competitive wireline and wireless companies and over 125 companies that supply goods and services to telecommunications companies.

The Iowa Telecommunications Association (ITA) has over 150 active telephone company members. The ITA offers leadership on key telecommunication issues and supports its member companies in the legislative and regulatory arena to ensure a fair and competitive environment in the state. Established in 1896, it is the largest and second oldest state telephone association in the United States.

Founded in 1900 as the Kansas Independent Telephone Association, the Kansas Telecommunications Industry Association (KTIA) represents companies that provide local telephone service, long distance service and wireless service, as well as firms and individuals who provide services and products to support the telecommunications industry in Kansas.

The purpose and objective of the Association is to further the highest and best interest of telecommunications companies engaged in the telecommunications industry and the public they serve, and of promoting in all reasonable and lawful ways the spirit of cooperation and harmony within the telecommunications industry.

Established in 1937, the Kentucky Telephone Association (KTA) is a non-profit organization that aims to promote and support the general interests and welfare of the telecommunications industry in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

The Minnesota Association for Rural Telecommunications (MART) exists to support, foster, and promote the interests of rural telecommunications providers in Minnesota. It does this by representing its members to government agencies, providing educational opportunities, and helping to position rural telecommunications providers as leaders in providing their customers with advanced services.

The Minnesota Telecom Alliance (MTA) is a non-profit, professional association that represents the interests of over 100 small, medium and large telecommunications companies that provide advanced telecommunications services like voice, data, wireless and Internet access to Minnesota's metro and rural communities.

The Missouri Cable Telecommunications Association (MCTA) is a trade association that has been representing the cable / telecommunications industry throughout the state of Missouri for more than 25 years.

The Association's continuing goal is to improve the association and to assist its members in improving the programs and services they offer to Missourians.

The Missouri Telecommunications Industry Association (MTIA) is dedicated to being the leading forum for Missouri telecommunications companies. It aims to help its members communicate in order to build consensus on public policy, foster mutually beneficial business relationships, and promote greater public understanding of the industry.

The Montana Telecommunications Association (MTA) is a non-profit corporation serving since 1955 independent telephone companies, cooperatives, and other telecommunications service providers doing business in Montana. The Association represents its members before the Montana Public Service Commission, other state and federal agencies, Congress and the Montana Legislature. MTA hosts an Annual Convention, an Associate Member Showcase, and a wide variety of communications, education and other training services.

The National Telephone Cooperative Association, "the voice of rural telecommunications", is a non-profit association representing 545 small and rural telephone cooperatives and commercial companies. MetaSwitch supports NTCA in a variety of ways, from lead sponsorship of the annual VoIPossibilities show to participation by Matt Byrd, Director of Marketing, on the NTCA Expo Advisory Council.

The Nebraska Independent Telephone Association is comprised of 34 rural independent telephone companies in Nebraska. This represents 100,415 access lines in rural Nebraska.

The Nebraska Telecommunications Association is a trade association representing the local telecommunications industry in Nebraska through three categories of membership: active, associate, and affiliate. The active membership is comprised of 39 local exchange carriers operating in Nebraska.

The Nevada Telecommunications Association supports its member organizations through regulatory, legislative and public relations advocacy. NTA enhances the communications business environment, advances the business interests and promotes the reputation of its member organizations. NTA fosters cooperation, mutual respect and unity among its members in pursuit of the Associations goals and objectives.

The New York State Telecommunications Association, Inc. (NYSTA) includes the state's premier telecommunications service providers which serve virtually all individuals and businesses in the state. From larger national firms to smaller providers across New York, NYSTA's 54 members provide service to over 90% of the state's customers.

Founded in 1921 by 13 telephone companies as the "Upstate Telephone Association of New York," in 1935 the name was changed to the New York State Telephone Association, Inc. to reflect a broadened scope of interests. In 1997, responding to major changes in the industry, the Association changed its name to the New York State Telecommunications Association, Inc. Currently, in addition to the 54 telecommunications carriers, the Association includes 19 internet service providers and more than 170 associate members.

North Carolina Telecommunications Industry is proud of its heritage of providing high-quality service at the lowest cost. To maintain pace with the growth and development in the state, telecommunications companies have continued to expand and construct new facilities to meet the needs of residential and business customers. In addition to providing and maintaining needed communications services in North Carolina, corporate support of individual community and economic development activities continues to be a high priority for NCTIA members.

Providing dependable global telecommunications services to the citizens of North Carolina in a rapidly changing telecommunications environment is a responsibility the industry proudly accepts. Since 1932, the North Carolina Telecommunications Industry Association (NCTIA), has been the premier trade organization representing carriers who are certified by the North Carolina Utilities Commission to provide telecommunications services to the citizens of North Carolina.

The North Dakota Association of Telephone Cooperative (NDATC) represents members of North Dakota's independent telephone industry. The NDATC is working tirelessly to ensure that its residents have access to the information technologies that allow them to compete with anyone in the world and a telecommunications network that is second-to-none.

The North Dakota Telephone Association (NDTA) purpose is to address common telephone industry needs by: providing members with information and assistance in matters of industry-wide importance; providing workshops, seminars, and conferences as a means of establishing a forum for the expression of ideas, discussion of problems of the member companies and educational opportunities; providing a clearinghouse for the compilation, publication and distribution of information affecting or of interest to its member companies.

The Ohio Telecom Association (OTA) is a statewide trade association that promotes the common interests of telecommunications companies serving and employing Ohioans. The OTA currently represents 42 telecommunications providers along with over 100 associate member companies that supply goods and services to the telecommunications industry.

The Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telecommunications Companies (OPASTCO) is a national trade association representing more than 500 small, independently owned local exchange carriers (LECs) and their affiliate telecommunications companies. Primarily serving rural areas of the United States and Canada, these commercial telephone companies and cooperatives range in size from fewer than 100 to as many as 100,000 access lines and collectively serve more than 2.5 million customers.

The Oregon Telecommunications Association is a trade association representing the telecommunications industry in Oregon. The Association conducts meetings for eighteen committees; holds educational and training seminars; coordinates industry activities during legislative sessions; represents the industry on regulatory issues; and works with member companies on individual projects.

The Pennsylvania Telephone Association is comprised of the local telephone exchange providers serving business and residential customers throughout the Commonwealth. The Association is headquartered in Harrisburg and provides its 37 active members and over 130 associate members a clear voice in the future of telecommunications.

The Rural Iowa Independent Telephone Association (RIITA) exists to promote and support the interests of the rural Iowa independent telecommunications industry to legislative and regulatory bodies and to the public at large.

TANE is the oldest and largest trade association for the local exchange carrier industry in the six states region of New England. TANE's telco membership is comprised of facilities-based telecommunications incumbent carriers, including two of the regional bell companies and all independent New England companies. TANE's associate membership is comprised of businesses that have a professional interest in telecommunications. These businesses include manufacturers and suppliers of telecommunications equipment, professional consultants to the industry, information service providers, wireless providers as well as CLECs, ISPs, cable companies and others.

The Telecommunications Association of Michigan, which was created in 1935, works to ensure a business environment that allows its members to provide the telecommunications infrastructure that meets customer needs and encourages economic growth.

The Tennessee Telecommunications Association (TTA) is based in Nashville, Tennessee. We are an industry trade organization that includes all types of telecommunications service providers as well as suppliers to the industry. Our membership is open to Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers (ILECs), Competitive Local Exchange Carriers (CLECs), Interexchange Carriers, Resellers, Wireless Carriers, and Internet Service Providers (ISPs).

Founded in 1905, the Texas Telephone Association (TTA) is a trade association that represents the incumbent local exchange telephone companies of Texas. The mission of the TTA is to promote and enhance the performance of each member company and protect the integrity of the local exchange telephone industry and the services offered within each company's certificated exchange areas within the State of Texas.

The United States Telecom Association (USTA) is the leading broad-based association for the local exchange carrier worldwide. USTA's mission is to promote the general welfare of the telephone industry, to collect and disseminate industry information and to provide a forum for the discussion and resolution of issues of mutual concern.

Utah Rural Telecom Association (URTA) members are committed to providing rural Utah with the best telecommunications services available. URTA is an association representing 12 independent telephone companies which serve approximately 75% of the geographical area of the state to over 50,000 residents.

The Western Telecommunications Alliance (WTA) is the result of a recent merger between the Rocky Mountain Telecommunications Association (RMTA) and the Western Rural Telephone Association (WRTA). The WTA aims to unite a diverse industry in the western states for the purpose of advocating the telecom interests of rural Americans before federal and state regulators and the United States Congress. Western Telecommunication Alliance members are generally small local exchange carriers serving sparsely populated rural areas.

The Wisconsin State Telecommunications Association has, since 1910, served as a unified voice for its members in matters of interest to legislators, regulators, and the public. Interacting within its nationwide network of telecommunications experts, the Association serves as a clearinghouse for pertinent and accurate information for its members. It represents 83 local incumbent telephone carriers, 32 Internet Service Providers (ISPs) and 10 wireless carriers.

The Wyoming Telecommunications Association is a member of the Tri-state Telecom Association and represents telephone companies in the state of Wyoming.