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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
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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
 February 20, 2001
 NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
 John Winston (202) 418-7450



FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION FINES MATRIX TELECOM, INC. FOR FAILURE TO MAKE REQUIRED UNIVERSAL SERVICE CONTRIBUTIONS

Washington, D.C. -- Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) found Matrix Telecom, Inc. (``Matrix'') liable for a forfeiture in the amount of $113,000. The Commission found that Matrix failed to make its universal service contributions for November and December 1999, and thus violated the statutory and regulatory requirements that interstate telecommunications providers make contributions to foster universal service.

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, February 8, 2001, by Forfeiture Order (FCC 01-48), Chairman Powell, Commissioners Ness, Furtchgott-Roth, and Tristani.

File No. EB-00-IH-0057.

- FCC -

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