October 14,1999 FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD STATEMENT ON TELECOMMUNICATIONS FOR ALL AMERICANS The new digital economy is dramatically changing our world. This New Economy is being defined principally by its power to unlock the potential of markets, to transform retailing and to create unimaginable wealth for a privileged few in our society. I believe that the New Economy must be defined, first and foremost, by its power to unlock the potential of all of our people by its power to educate our poorest children, to empower people with disabilities, to lift up people in rural and inner city communities and to repair and revitalize the social fabric of our communities. Only then will America realize the true power of the New Economy. Last month, the FCC issued sweeping rules to ensure Americans with disabilities will have access to the communications tools in the New Economy. I will work to make sure that no one turns back the clock on our progress. And I urge all of you to join me in meeting the challenge to make telecommunications accessible to all Americans. -FCC-