FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:             NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS:
  October 25, 2000                        Linda Paris at 202-418-7121
                                     Mike Balmoris at 202-418-0253
                              
                              
  statement of william e. kennard, chairman of the federal
 communications commission, regarding at&T's restructuring
                        announcement
  
  Over 60 million American consumers rely on AT&T's long distance phone service. 
  The Commission has the authority and the responsibility to ensure that this restructuring
  does not adversely impact the quality of consumer service, competition in the
  telecommunications markets, and the integrity of the telecommunications network.
  
  I will continue to closely question the company about today's announcement and
  will insist that consumers' interests are protected.  
  
                           -FCC-