NEWS
	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: October 5, 1999 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Balmoris at (202) 418-0253 Email: mbalmoris@fcc.gov
	STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD ON PROPOSED MERGER OF MCI WORLDCOM, INC. AND SPRINT CORP.
	American consumers are enjoying the lowest long distance rates in history and the lowest Internet rates in the world for one reason: competition. Competition has produced a price war in the long distance market. This merger appears to be a surrender. How can this be good for consumers? The parties will bear a heavy burden to show how consumers would be better off. - FCC -