FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact: September 28, 2000 William J. Friedman, (202) 418- 2300 Press Statement of Commissioner Gloria Tristani Regarding the Commission's Inquiry on Access to High-Speed Internet Services Today I join my fellow commissioners in initiating a general inquiry regarding open access to high-speed Internet services. I support today's item because this Commission should use all means available to develop a record on this issue, which may be critical to the free flow of information and, in turn, the vitality of our democracy in the 21st century. While we must fully inform ourselves of the implications of establishing a national framework for all high-speed service delivery methods, our action here does not prejudge our approach in specific cases that come before us. I strongly caution those who may believe the adoption of this item signals an intent to limit or constrain the Commission's ability to impose conditions in any particular case. Protection of the public interest is our touchstone and I will not hesitate to act while the answers to these questions are still meaningful for America's citizens. - FCC -