FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 1, 2003

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Suzanne Tetreault (202) 418-7450

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission entered into a Consent Decree with SBC Communications to resolve an investigation into whether SBC had violated certain provisions of the Communications Act governing the provision of long distance services. SBC has agreed to make a voluntary payment of $1.35 million to the United States Treasury, and to take additional specific steps to ensure future compliance with statutory requirements at issue in the investigation.

In addition to the $1.35 million voluntary payment, as part of the settlement, SBC has agreed to revise certain training and compliance programs, and to implement changes to its ordering and provisioning systems. These remedial measures are designed to ensure SBC's future compliance with the requirements of sections 271(a) and (b) and 272 of the Communications Act.

The investigation resolved by today's action involved possible violations of sections 271(a) and (b) of the Communications Act, which prohibit Bell Operating Companies (``BOCs'') from providing long distance services originating in their local service regions prior to receiving FCC approval.

Action by the Commission, September 25, 2003, by Order (FCC 03-229), Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: Suzanne Tetreault at (202) 418-7450 or David Janas at (202) 418-2913.