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 FCC NEWS

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
445 12th STREET S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554

News media information 202/418-0500
TTY 202/418-2555
Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830
Internet http://www.fcc.gov
ftp://ftp.fcc.gov
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission Action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 516 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
 May 8, 2001
 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 John Winston (202) 418-7450



FCC Upholds $750,000 Slamming Fine to Coleman Enterprises, Inc.

Washington, D.C. - Today the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) released an order denying a Petition for Reconsideration filed by Coleman Enterprises, Inc., d/b/a Local Long Distance, Inc. (CEI) in which CEI requests review of the Commission's November, 2000 Order of Forfeiture.

The Commission had imposed a $750,000 fine on CEI for violation of the Commission's rules against slamming. That order was based on an investigation that followed the Commission's receipt of hundreds of written consumer complaints against CEI during an eleven-month period.

In its request for reconsideration, CEI argued, among other things, that the fine should be reduced or rescinded because CEI had filed for bankruptcy under Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code. In today's order, however, the Commission determined that the egregious nature of the violations at issue, combined with the fact that CEI is a going concern, militates against reduction or recession of the fine.

Action by the Commission, May 3, 2001, by Order (FCC 01-154). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth and Tristani.

File No. EB-99-09

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 or Katherine Power at (202) 418-0919.

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