May 11, 1998

           STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD 
          ON THE POTENTIAL MERGER OF SBC AND AMERITECH


     The bottom line question is:  Is this merger going to create competition, or will it be a
non-aggression pact?  The Telecom Act was all about opening markets for competition.  SBC
and Ameritech must show us that this merger will serve the public interest and enhance
competition. 

                             - FCC -