NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov
	This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
	July 19, 1997
	STATEMENT OF FCC COMMISSIONER SUSAN NESS ON PROPOSED BELL ATLANTIC/NYNEX MERGER CONDITIONS
	The Bell Atlantic/NYNEX commitments eliminate stumbling blocks that have impeded the development of competition in the local phone market. As a result, competitors will be able to obtain the pricing and operational arrangements necessary to make competition work from Maine to West Virginia. With these enforceable promises, I expect to be able to approve the merger expeditiously. Merger mania is driven by the interests of corporate management and shareholders. The FCC's responsibility, though, is to safeguard the interests of the American consumer. Our uncompromising commitment is to foster competition. The conditions announced today further both objectives. --FCC --