For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C.
August 21, 1997

                         Press Statement of
                      Commissioner Susan Ness
          on FCC's Approval of MCI/British Telecom Merger


     Our approval today of the merger of MCI
Communications Corporation (MCI) and British
Telecommunications plc (BT) is an important step for
competition both in the United States and around the world. 
Subject to important conditions and safeguards, MCI and BT
will now be able to combine their expertise to compete in the
global marketplace.

     This merger may be the first of many others around the
world in light of the market-opening World Trade Organization
Basic Telecommunications Services Agreement, which will
take effect  January 1, 1998.

     Our competitive analysis focuses on whether the merger
of MCI and BT will enhance competition in the United States. 
I believe that this merger increases MCI's ability to compete in
the U.S. local exchange market to the benefit of U.S.
consumers.  Consumers will also benefit from the fact that BT
has lowered its settlement rate to virtually the lowest level in
the world, and the cost of calling to the United Kingdom has
now dropped to as low as 10-12 cents per minute.

     Another important factor in our decision is the fact that
the U.S.-U.K. route is one of the most competitive in the
world.  The commitments made and actions taken by MCI and
BT ensure that these markets will become even more
competitive. 

     Given these factors, I believe the merger is in the public
interest.

                              - FCC -