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Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 |
News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 202/418-2555 |
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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). |
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FCC ACTS TO FOSTER TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMPETITION AND CONSUMER CHOICE IN MULTIPLE TENANT ENVIRONMENTS |
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Washington, DC - The Federal Communications Commission took action today furthering its
ongoing efforts under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to foster competition in local communications
markets. The FCC implemented measures to enhance the ability of competing telecommunications providers
to provide services to customers in residential and commercial buildings or other multiple tenant environments
(MTEs). In the Competitive Networks Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC requested comment on the state of access to MTEs and on a variety of potential measures to improve such access. Based on the extensive record compiled in response to that Notice, today the FCC adopted several measures to remove obstacles to competitive access in this important portion of the telecommunications market. The Commission noted that, while the adopted measures will help significantly to advance competition and customer choice, they may well be insufficient in themselves to secure a full measure of choice for businesses and individuals located in MTEs. The FCC recognized that the real estate industry has taken positive steps to facilitate tenant choice of telecommunications providers by working towards the development of best practices and model agreements. In particular, a coalition of 11 trade associations representing over 1 million owners and operators has committed to a best practices implementation plan regarding these issues. The Commission stated it will closely monitor these industry efforts and, if such efforts ultimately do not resolve concerns regarding the ability of premises owners to unreasonably deny competing telecommunications service providers access to customers in MTEs, the FCC is prepared to consider taking additional action, including adopting rules to ensure that competing telecommunications service providers receive access to MTE premises. In order to be prepared to take further action quickly, if necessary, the FCC also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Actions Taken Today by the Commission:
Comment Sought in the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking:
Action by the Commission on October 12, 2000 by First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in WT Docket No. 99-217, Fifth Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order in CC Docket No. 96-98, and Fourth Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order in CC Docket No. 88- 57 (FCC 00-366). Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Powell and Tristani with Commissioner Futchtgott-Roth dissenting and issuing a separate statement. Wireless Bureau Contacts: Joel Taubenblatt at (202) 418-1513, e-mail: jtaubenb@fcc.gov; or Lauren Van Wazer at (202) 418-0030, e-mail lvanwaze@fcc.gov; TTY at (202) 418-7233.
WT Docket No. 99-217
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