FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 13, 2001

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

Washington, D.C. - Today the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released a Notice of Apparent Liability proposing a $1,020,000 fine against America's Tele-Network Corp. (ATNC) for apparent violations of the Commission's rules against slamming. Slamming is the illegal practice of switching a consumer's preferred long distance or other telephone service provider without the consumer's consent.

Last year, the Commission received over 260 consumer complaints against ATNC. Commission staff investigated many of the allegations and based the proposed fine on 16 consumer complaints, representing 17 alleged violations.

The Commission determined that ATNC is apparently liable for a fine of $40,000 for each of the 17 alleged violations, or $680,000. The Commission further determined that, due to an apparent pattern of intentional and egregious misconduct, the fine should be increased by 50%, for a total fine of $1,020,000. ATNC has 30 days to either pay the proposed fine, or show why it should be reduced or not imposed.

ATNC is a corporation headquartered in Roswell, Georgia. The consumers described in this forfeiture action reside in Florida, New York, Delaware, Washington, D.C, Rhode Island and Missouri.

Action by the Commission, March 12, 2001, by Notice of Apparent Liability (FCC 01-87) Chairman Powell, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, and Tristani.

File No. EB-00-TC-164

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 or Colleen Heitkamp at (202) 418-7320.