NEWS                  
 June 6, 1996


CHAIRMAN HUNDT HAILS THE UNITED KINGDOM'S
DECISION TO E  ND ITS DUOPOLY POLICY FOR THE PROVISION OF
FACILITIES BA          SED INTERNATIONAL SERVICES

                              
                               Today, the United Kingdom's Science and Technology Minister
Ian Taylor announced that the present restrictions on licensing
international telecommunications carriers in the United Kingdom
are to end.

 FCC Chairman Reed Hundt said today, "The United Kingdom's
decision has reduced the virtual distance across the Atlantic.
The ending of the BT-Mercury duopoly for provision of facilities
based international services will increase economic opportunities
between our countries."

 Hundt continued, "With this bold decision from the United
Kingdom, the opportunities for international communications will
increase dramatically between the United States and the United
Kingdom.  The U.S./UK telecommunications route is the third
largest in the world, and now our telecommunications and
information businesses have a greater opportunity to
revolutionize international telecommunications."

 "Removing this regulatory barrier will result in increased
competition in the provision of facilities based international
communications between the United States and the United Kingdom. 
This change will lead to lower telecommunications costs for
conducting business and pleasure with one of our major trading
partners," said Chairman Hundt.

 "This policy change by the U.K. Government is also a
positive contribution to the ongoing multilateral efforts in
reaching a successful conclusion at the World Trade Organization
in February 1997.  We will continue to work with countries to
obtain the best offer possible for our industry and users," said
Chairman Hundt.