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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).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 17, 2002 |
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Balmoris 202-418-0253 Email: mbalmori@fcc.gov |
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION AUTHORIZES VERIZON TO
PROVIDE
LONG DISTANCE SERVICE IN VERMONT
Washington, D.C. -- The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) today voted unanimously to approve Verizon's application to provide in-region, interLATA service originating in Vermont. Approval of Verizon's application promises substantial benefits for the state's consumers in the form of enhanced competition in both the local and long distance markets.
Competing carriers serve approximately 21,500 lines in Vermont. Competitors serve approximately 5,600 lines using unbundled network elements or their own facilities, and approximately 15,900 lines through resale.
With the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress envisioned fundamental, pro-competitive changes in the telecommunications markets by making a Bell Operating Company's (BOC) entry into the long distance market subject to the BOC first opening its local service monopoly to competition. A BOC satisfies this contingency by demonstrating compliance with section 271 of the 1996 Act. After a BOC files a section 271 long distance application with the FCC, the Commission has 90 days to determine whether a BOC has taken the statutorily required steps to open its local telecommunications markets to competition, including compliance with the 1996 Act's section 271 14-point "competitive checklist."
Since the passage of the 1996 Act, the FCC has denied five long distance applications, and now has approved applications to provide in-region, long distance service in 11 states. Additionally, applications for seven states have been withdrawn. Currently, there are applications for four states pending before the Commission. A summary of all section 271 applications can be accessed at the following FCC web page:
www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/in-region_applications/
The Commission emphasizes that Verizon must continue to comply with the section 271 checklist requirements, and the Commission has a number of enforcement tools at its disposal, including imposing penalties or suspension of approval.
-FCC-
Docket No.: CC 02-7
Action by the Commission April 17, 2002, by Report and Order (FCC 02-118). Chairman Powell and Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, and Martin; with Commissioner Copps issuing a statement.
Common Carrier Bureau Staff Contact: Julie Veach at 202-418-1580
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