1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
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).
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD
ON BELLSOUTH'S 271 APPLICATION
While BellSouth continues to make progress towards opening its local markets to competition, the Commission was compelled by law to deny BellSouth's application because it has not yet opened its markets markets as required by section 271. BellSouth in Louisiana proposed the same systems for delivering interconnection, unbundled elements, and switching customers' service that the Commission previously found inadequate in the South Carolina decision. In an open market, customers must be able to exercise choice. When a customer signed up for BellSouth service, the ordering process worked without a hitch more than 80% of the time. But when a customer signed up for a competitor's service, the ordering process worked without a hitch only 39% of the time. I am confident that BellSouth can ultimately address these concerns and I am committed to ensuring that the Commission works with BellSouth and all interested parties as they attempt to do so.
In the three months since BellSouth filed its application for Louisiana, much progress has been made. We have benefitted from our experience in evaluating each 271 application, and we have committed to engaging in a more productive and better-informed dialogue prior to the time a BOC files its application. Commission staff has already had extensive meetings with the BOCs and other interested parties. I am confident that future 271 applications will reflect the benefits of these discussions. I am committed to the goal of enhancing competition in local and long distance markets, and I look forward to the day that we grant the first 271 application.