NEWSReport No. CC96-9                                  April  10, 1996
                             COMMON CARRIER ACTION

                       COMMON CARRIER BUREAU RELEASES 
                      COMMON CARRIER COMPETITION REPORT

     The Federal Communications Commission's Common Carrier Bureau has released the
Spring 1996 Common Carrier Competition Report.  The Report contains information on the
current state of competition in the rapidly changing telecommunications market.  Among its
highlights is the Consumer Information Page, which provides some pointers to help
consumers make informed choices among long-distance services.  The Report also
emphasizes the international calling market and high-growth sectors in the
telecommunications industry, including cellular service.  In addition, the Report features a
state-by-state snapshot of competition in local telephone markets.

     Earlier this year, federal lawmakers passed the Telecommunications Act of 1996,
which will encourage greater competition among telecommunications companies.  Future
Competition Reports will seek to monitor competition fostered by the 1996 Act and the rules
adopted by the FCC to implement the Act.     
     
     The report is available for reference in the Common Carrier Bureau's public reference
room on the 5th floor, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, DC.  The report is also available
from the Commission's Fax-on-Demand system at (202) 418-2830 -- document number
6719.  The report can also be downloaded from the FCC-STATE LINK computer bulletin
board at (202) 418-0241 (file name: CCC2Q96.ZIP).  The FCC- STATE LINK also can be
reached through the National Technical Information Service's FedWorld telnet internet node
(fedworld.gov).   Copies may be purchased by calling International Transcription Services,
Inc. at (202) 857-3800.   

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