NEWS
	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
	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 June 30, 1999   CONTACT: Sarah Whitesell (202/418-2300) (Office of Commissioner Tristani) Kevin Martin (202/418-2000) (Office of Commissioner Furchtgott-Roth)
	PRESS STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONERS GLORIA TRISTANI AND HAROLD FURCHTGOTT-ROTH REGARDING THE PROPOSED SBC-AMERITECH CONDITIONS
	We were surprised and disturbed by press characterizations of the proposed conditions that Commission staff has negotiated regarding SBC's proposed acquisition of Ameritech. Contrary to the suggestion of some press accounts, neither we nor the full Commission has indicated even tentative approval of the SBC-Ameritech transaction or conditions. Indeed, to do so before the record has even closed would be improper. Nearly three months ago, Chairman Kennard issued an invitation to SBC and Ameritech to enter into negotiations with FCC bureau staff to discuss terms and conditions on their proposed merger. Those negotiations have proceeded without the participation of the other four Commissioners that must approve the transaction. While we were apprised of the negotiations, we did not participate in the negotiations process in any manner. Commission staff will soon place on public notice the conditions that the companies and FCC staff agreed may mitigate public interest concerns associated with the proposed transaction. We will reserve judgment on whether the transaction is in the public interest and, if not, to what extent there are any conditions that would make it so, until we have carefully read staff proposals and considered the comments filed by interested parties in response to those proposals.