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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

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:
December18, 2000
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
Michael Balmoris (202) 418-0253
Email: mbalmori@fcc.gov

Statement of FCC Chairman William E. Kennard on Verizon 271 Filing

Washington, D.C. - In an ex parte filed today, on Monday, December 18, 2000, Verizon Communications, Inc. (Verizon) has asked that its pending application for long distance service in Massachusetts be withdrawn. The Commission's primary and steadfast objective in evaluating Bell Operating Company long distance applications is to ensure that new competitors have meaningful opportunities to compete in local markets. Verizon came close to meeting this standard in Massachusetts. A re-filed application should contain verified data reflecting acceptable levels of performance, including an independent showing for loops used to provide advanced services, and sufficient information to permit competitors an adequate opportunity to respond.

Specifically, I believe the company needs to address the following issues that have been raised in this record:

  1. Non-discriminatory provisioning of loops used by competitors to provide advanced services;

  2. Improved access to the systems and information necessary to order loops used to provide advanced services; and,

  3. Pricing of elements used by competitors, which reflects forward-looking costs.
Throughout this process, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy (DTE) has undertaken tremendous efforts to ensure that local markets in Massachusetts are open to competition. I personally appreciate the commitment of Chairman Connelly, Commissioner Vasington and other Commissioners and staff of the DTE and look forward to working with them in ensuring that consumers in Massachusetts receive the benefits of full and open competition in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

-- FCC --