November 19, 1997

                 STATEMENT OF WILLIAM KENNARD 
                      CHAIRMAN OF THE FCC
       ON THE FILING OF PETITION FOR WRIT OF CERTIORARI 


     The Solicitor General of the United States today filed a petition for a writ of certiorari
with the Supreme Court challenging the Eighth Circuit's decisions in Iowa Utilities Board v.
FCC and People of the State of California v. FCC.  Among other issues, we have asked the
Court to clarify the jurisdictional boundaries on the scope of this agency's rulemaking
authority.

     It is vital that we seek to clarify these issues on behalf of the American people.  What is
at stake in this case is whether the FCC can act to assure competition, choice, and universal
telephone service for all Americans. 

     The goal of assuring competition, choice and universal telephone service will only be
achieved if the FCC and the states work together.  The pendency of this case should not deter
the FCC and the states from finding common ground to achieve these goals. I intend to
continue to work closely with the States to forge common solutions that deliver choice and
universal telephone service for American consumers.  I am fully committed to doing so.

                             - FCC -