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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 22, 2002 |
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Balmoris 202-418-0253 Email: mbalmori@fcc.gov | |
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AUTHORIZES
VERIZON TO PROVIDE LONG DISTANCE SERVICE IN RHODE ISLAND
Washington, D.C. � The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today voted unanimously to approve Verizon�s application to provide in-region, interLATA service originating in Rhode Island. Approval of Verizon�s application promises substantial benefits for the states� consumers in the form of enhanced competition in both the local and long distance markets.
Competing carriers serve approximately 119,000 lines in Rhode Island, or 16% of the total access lines in the state. Competitors serve approximately 94,000 lines using unbundled network elements or their own facilities, and approximately 25,000 lines through resale. Almost 38% of competitors� lines are residential.
With the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress envisioned fundamental, pro-competitive changes in the telecommunications markets by making a Bell Operating Company�s (BOC) entry into the long distance market subject to the BOC first opening its local service monopoly to competition. A BOC satisfies this contingency by demonstrating compliance with section 271 of the 1996 Act. After a BOC files a section 271 long distance application with the FCC, the Commission has 90 days to determine whether a BOC has taken the statutorily required steps to open its local telecommunications markets to competition, including compliance with the 1996 Act�s section 271 14-point �competitive checklist.�
Since the passage of the 1996 Act, the FCC has denied five long distance applications, and now has approved applications to provide in-region, long distance service in 10 states. Additionally, four applications have been withdrawn. A summary of all section 271 applications can be accessed at the following FCC web page: www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/in-region_applications/
The Commission emphasizes that Verizon must continue to comply with the section 271 checklist requirements, and the Commission has a number of enforcement tools at its disposal, including imposing penalties or suspension of approval.
-FCC-
Docket No.: CC 01-324
Action by the Commission February 22, 2002, by Report and Order (FCC 02-63). Chairman Powell and Commissioner Abernathy; Commissioner Copps concurring and issuing a statement; and Commissioner Martin approving in part, concurring in part, and issuing a statement.
Common Carrier Bureau Staff Contact: Julie Veach at 202-418-1580
News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found on the Commission�s web site www.fcc.gov.