News media Information 202 / 418-0500
                                                Fax-On-Demand   202 / 418-2830
                                                  Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
                                                                   ftp.fcc.gov
Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554

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).

NEWS  
  
                                  
                                              June 30, 1999
  
  
      PRESS STATEMENT OF COMMISIONER MICHAEL K. POWELL
          REGARDING PROPOSED SBC-AMERITECH MERGER
                              
     In response to numerous press inquiries, I would like to state unequivocally that I have
  not reached a decision regarding the proposed merger of SBC and Ameritech.  The proposed
  merger involves highly complex factual, economic and legal questions.  It is my practice to
  remain neutral with respect to proposed mergers until I have had the opportunity to evaluate
  the staff's final written recommendation fully and carefully.  I have not yet received that
  recommendation.  Thus, I have formed no opinion as to whether the transaction satisfies the
  public interest.  Similarly, I also am unprepared to say whether, in the event the proposed
  transaction fails to pass muster, there are conditions that I believe would remedy any
  shortcomings.  
  
     It has been several months since the parties applied for authority to transfer the
  authorizations associated with this proposed merger, and I am sympathetic to their desire to
  close the deal.  But I am duty-bound to reserve judgment until I have had an adequate
  opportunity to evaluate thoroughly the staff's analysis and its relationship to the underlying
  record.  I eagerly await that opportunity.