NEWS
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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).
	January 12, 1999
	STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD ON TODAY'S COURT DECISION UPHOLDING THE FCC'S BENCHMARKS ORDER
	Today, the D.C. Circuit released its opinion in the international settlement benchmarks case, Cable & Wireless v. FCC. The Court upheld the Commission's benchmarks order "in all repects" against numerous challenges brought by a consortium of foreign telephone companies. The Court concluded that, "given the expansive powers delegated to the Commission . . . we have no doubt that the Commission has the authority to prescribe maximum settlement rates." FCC Chairman William Kennard issued the following statement: "This is a great day for US consumers who call relatives and friends, and conduct business in foreign countries. In its decision, the D.C. Circuit has upheld the important actions taken by the Commission to lower the cost of making international calls. We will continue to push for lower international rates by consistently enforcing our benchmark rules and promoting competition around the world." - FCC - The full text of the court's decision is available on the court's website: www.cadc.uscourts.gov and on the FCC's website at: www.fcc.gov/ogc/recopin.html