FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:        NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
  June 22, 1999                 Emily Hoffnar at (202) 418-0253
  
  
        Statement of FCC Chairman William E. Kennard
Regarding the DC Circuit Order Granting the FCC Motion for Stay
  
     This stay is good news for consumers.  It means that the FCC's access
  charge reform plan remains in effect and long distance companies will see
  huge reductions in access charges effective July 1.  If long distance
  companies pass these savings along to their customers, consumers will see a
  half billion dollars in long distance savings.
  
  
                              
                          - FCC -