SMS/800 Transition Committee Update

In case you missed it, here is there latest update from the Transition Committee. We are almost done with the plans for the election and will meeting with the FCC in early November to present the plan to them. It is hoped the nomination process for the new SMS/800, Inc. board will happen in early January.

SMS/800 Transition Committee Update

To all Resp Orgs and SCP Owner/Operators:

The SMS/800 Transition Committee continues to work toward the transition of responsibility for the SMS/800 Tariff from the Bell Operating Companies to SMS/800, Inc. under an industry-elected Board of Directors. We believe we have defined a path for this transition, and will be scheduling an industry-wide call for all Resp Orgs and SCP Owner/Operators, to review our recommendations. In short, the path is as follows:

1) Create rules and requirements for nominating and electing a Board of Directors that represents the toll-free number industry;
2) Provide materials related to the election of the industry-lead Board of Director to all Resp Orgs and SCP Owner/Operators;
3) Seek feedback and guidance from all Resp Orgs and SCP Owner/Operators;
4) Seek feedback and guidance from the FCC;
5) Hold fair and open nominations, and elections, to elect a Board that represents the toll-free number industry; and
6) Work with the exiting SMS/800, Inc. Board to transition responsibility of the tariff.

The SMS/800 Transition Committee is working diligently to define the rules for electing a Board of Directors that represents the toll-free number industry, and oversee the creation of such a Board. Once elected, the Board members, as representatives of the toll-free industry, will work together to create and implement the rules related to the transition of the SMS/800 tariff. As such, this Board will act as an Advisory Board to the existing SMS/800, Inc. Board, until the responsibility of the SMS/800 tariff can be transitioned. Upon final approval of the FCC for the change in control, this elected Advisory Board will become the new Board of Directors for SMS/800, Inc. With this objective in mind, the SMS/800 Transition Committee:

• Has developed a Conflict of Interest policy and is preparing a draft Nomination process packet (to be complete before an industry wide call);
• Has requested a meeting with the FCC to provide information and solicit feedback and guidance;
• Is planning to host an industry wide call, including all Resp Orgs and SCP Owner/Operators, prior to the FCC meeting to share our findings and seek feedback and guidance;
• Is planning a target of Q1 2012 for holding our first election of an Advisory Board/Board of Directors (pending FCC buy-in); and
• Is planning to host a follow-up call with all Resp Orgs and SCP Owner/Operators after the FCC meeting, to more formally define the transition process.

Please review all emails coming from SMS/800, Inc or SMS/800 Transition Committee, and please watch for updates in the “Transition Documents” section of www.sms800.com.

SMS/800 Transition Committee.