FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 5, 2000

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: John Winston (202) 418-7450

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) imposed a fine of $154,000 on America's Tele-Network Corp. (ATNC). The Commission found that ATNC violated statutory and regulatory requirements that interstate telecommunications providers make certain contributions to foster universal service. The Commission also found that ATNC's violations were intentional and egregious, which resulted in an upward adjustment to the fine.

The Commission found ATNC liable for its failure to make universal service contributions in two months. Although ATNC ultimately made some contributions to the fund, those payments were neither timely nor in the amounts specified by USAC. In determining the forfeiture amount, the Commission took into account the amount of the unpaid contributions as well as the fact that ATNC had made some contributions to the Universal Service Fund.

In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the ``Act''), Congress mandated that the Commission establish mechanisms to collect contributions to preserve and advance universal service. In 1997, the Commission authorized the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to perform the administrative tasks as well as the billing and collections functions necessary for the universal service program. The Commission oversees the administration of the universal service program and imposes sanctions on carriers that fail to meet their full obligations. USAC bills for and collects universal service contributions.

Action by the Commission, November 30, 2000, by Forfeiture Order (FCC 00-423), Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani. File No. EB-00-IH-0053.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 James Shook at (202) 418-1420