FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 2000

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

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found Intellicall Operator Services (Intellicall) liable for a forfeiture in the amount of $99,000. The Commission found that Intellicall failed to make its universal service contribution for January 2000 and thus violated the statutory and regulatory requirements that interstate telecommunications providers make contributions to foster universal service. In determining the forfeiture amount, the FCC took into account the amount of Intellicall's unpaid contributions and the fact that Intellicall made efforts to pay and submitted a plan to become current on its obligations.

In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress mandated that the FCC establish mechanisms to collect contributions to preserve and advance universal service. In 1997, the FCC 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 FCC oversees the administration of the universal service program and imposes sanctions on carriers that fail to meet their full obligations.

Action by the Commission, October 27, 2000, by Forfeiture Order (FCC 00-390), Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furtchgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani.

File No. EB-00-IH-0055.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 or William Knowles-Kellett at (717) 338-2505