NEWS
Report No. CC 95-58 COMMON CARRIER ACTION         October 11, 1995

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU RELEASES 
           COMMON CARRIER COMPETITION REPORT

In the last decade, increasing competition in the long distance market has resulted in lower prices and
more choices for consumers.  Today, consumers use debit cards, calling cards, access codes and other
methods to reach the party of their choice at the best price they believe is available.  At the same
time, not all consumers have benefited.  Some consumers have been slammed -- had their phone
service switched without authorization.  Other consumers make few long distance calls and have seen
their basic long distance calling rates increase.  Many other consumers simply lack the information
they need to get the best deal available to them.

The Common Carrier Bureau's second issue of "Common Carrier Competition" focuses on these new
trends with hints on selecting a calling card, information about the growing popularity of debit cards
and the emergence of hundreds of smaller long distance companies.  This report also includes
information on consumer complaints and the development of local telephone competition.

The bottom line is consumers won't get the top dollar from competition without information. 
Through this report and other releases, the FCC leads the effort to provide that information. 
     
The Report and other background materials are available for reference in the Industry Analysis
Division Reference Room, Common Carrier Bureau, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 533.  Copies may
be purchased by calling International Transcription Services, Inc. (ITS) at (202) 857-3800.  The
Report [BBS file name: CCC4Q95.ZIP] and other information on the common carrier industry can
also be downloaded from the FCC-STATE LINK computer bulletin board at (202) 418-0241.  The
FCC- STATE LINK also can be reached through the National Technical Information Service's
FedWorld system at (703) 321-3339 or through FedWorld's telnet internet node (fedworld.gov).

   FCC

For additional information, contact the Common Carrier Bureau's Industry Analysis Division at (202)
418-0940.