Birch Communications Supports FCC ‘Third Way’ Initiative

Atlanta, GA – July 6, 2010 - Birch Communications, Inc. announced today its support of FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski’s “Third Way” plan for broadband oversight. The Third Way plan would grant the FCC limited control over broadband companies, over the transmission component of broadband Internet service, fostering competition and making way for technological innovation and job creation. The Third Way would also allow the FCC to continue to work toward the key goals of the federal broadband plan announced earlier this year.

“The ‘Third Way’ approach allows the Commission to move forward on broadband initiatives that are vital for global competitiveness and job creation,” said Vincent M. Oddo, Birch Communications president and chief executive officer. “This light-touch approach promotes an open and competitive market, which creates greater opportunity for innovation and investment in the technology sector.”

“Adoption of a Notice of Inquiry on the FCC Chairman’s Third Way initiative is the right step to ensure protection of broadband competition,” stated Christopher Bunce, Birch vice president and general counsel. “Those who support the plan recognize all of the benefits that increased customer choice brings to the digital marketplace. Adopting this approach is critically important to every business and residential consumer of telecommunications services.”

About Birch Communications
Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, Birch Communications is one of the largest IP-based telecommunications and managed services providers serving small business customers in 32 states in the southeast, southwest and midwest. Birch is the first in its class to deploy a private IP-Network utilizing soft switch technology to deliver innovative, high quality, affordable voice and broadband communications services to small and medium-sized business customers. Please visit www.birch.com for more information.

Contact:
Greg Corwin, Marketing Director
greg.corwin@birch.com
816.300.1686