[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 35 (Wednesday, March 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E480]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                COMPETITION IN THE LONG DISTANCE MARKETS

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                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 25, 1998

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I don't understand why a potential 
key player in the long distance market is being systematically 
eliminated.
  For the past two years the FCC has detracted from the process and has 
not assisted in making local telecommunication competition a reality.
  Some long distance companies have been quoted publicly as saying that 
they are going to ignore the local residential market because of the 
limited revenue it produces. Meanwhile, they have pursued with great 
zeal local business markets.
  Why has the FCC ignored these factors? The Regional Bell Companies 
are not offering long distance service today because of the FCC's 
misinterpretation of the 1996 Telecommunications Law. The FCC continues 
to reject approved recommendations from states suggesting the absence 
of competition in local markets. That is not correct. Competition is 
out there. Why has it been overlooked?
  The FCC should take off its dark glasses and open its eyes to the 
intense competition in the local market. The Bells shouldn't be kept 
out of the long distance market because of business decisions made by 
their potential competitors. The Bells have made a good faith effort to 
open the market and judging from the amount of local business 
competition, they've succeeded. They deserve entry into the long 
distance market.

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