May 2, 1994

              CHAIRMAN HUNDT SPEAKS AT NATIONAL PRESS CLUB

    Calls for Competition Based on Choice, Opportunity and Fairness 


     FCC Chairman Reed Hundt speaking today at the National Press Club discussed what
he called "one of the great events in our history:  the development of the information
highway."  Hundt explained why he favors competition as the way to build that highway, and
called for the the adoption of three key principles as a framework for that competition: 
choice, opportunity, and fairness.

     "I do not believe that the public wants government to pick its favorite network for
development.  The public does not want government to choose among different proposals for
technological innovation of the networks.  I agree with the public.  Instead, competition
should determine who wins.  Our role is to referee the game.  As a referee, I prefer -- just as
they do in the NBA playoffs -- to let the players play. " 
     
     Hundt outlined three principles as the framework for this competition: choice,
opportunity and fairness.  "Choice," he said, "will be good for consumers and business.  But
now, the communications market does not offer enough choice....  We must assure that the
communications revolution provides all Americans the opportunity to participate.  [And] the
competition to build the information highway must be fair."

     "These basic rules of fairness in competition that have long been followed in our
capitalist economy.  They will have to be applied to competition in communications just as
they apply in all other sectors of our economy."

     "And if we commit now to vigorous competition in communications, guided by the
principles of choice, opportunity and fairness, we will see that another parent gets a job that
does not now exist.  Another parent will be able to make ends meet where hope might
otherwise not exist.  Another parent will be able to give his or her child a better life.  And
the cycle of progress will continue.  The American Dream will endure."

                                                                       - FCC -