NEWSReport No. DC 96-27  ACTION IN DOCKET CASE              March 25, 1996


                FCC IMPLEMENTS TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT PROVISION
          GOVERNING MOBILE SERVICES ACCESS TO LONG DISTANCE CARRIERS
                             (CC Docket No. 94-54)


     In an Order released today, the FCC terminated its inquiry into whether
commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) providers should be required to afford equal
access to long distance carriers.  This action implements Section 705 of the
Telecommunications Act of 1996, which states that CMRS providers shall not be required
to provide equal access to common carriers for the provision of telephone toll services.

     Section 705 permits the Commission to require CMRS providers to allow
subscribers unblocked access to the long distance carrier of their choice through the use
of a carrier identification code or other means if the Commission determines (1) that
subscribers are denied such access and (2) that such denial is contrary to the public
interest, convenience, and necessity.  The Commission stated that information currently
available to it does not establish a need at this time to initiate an inquiry into the
imposition of an unblocked access rule.

     Action by the Commission March 21, 1996, by Order (FCC 96-126).  Chairman
Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness and Chong.
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  -FCC-

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Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact:  Jeffrey Steinberg at (202) 418-1310