October 4, 1999

As government and industry alike make final tests and preparations for the January 1, 2000 roll-over, it is important that we not only take actions to insure Y2K readiness, but also that we be conscious of not taking actions that could adversely affect Y2K preparations.

The Year 2000 Network Stabilization Policy Statement will be an important tool for the FCC to apply in the waning days of 1999 as a guide in reviewing communications industry requests for temporary stays or waivers of FCC rules or regulations, or in taking forbearance or other actions on our own initiative, where strict enforcement of the rules could impede Y2K remediation work.

I commend the many industries over which the FCC has regulatory oversight for their significant efforts to date to eliminate the potential for Y2K computer problems, and for the hard work I know they will be engaged in for the rest of the year. I hope the stabilization principles adopted by the FCC today will enable us to be as helpful and responsive to these industries in meeting the Y2K deadline as we can.