For Immediate Release
Washington, D.C.
July 18, 1997


                         Press Statement of 

                  FCC Commissioner Rachelle B. Chong

                Re Iowa Utilities Board, et. al v. FCC


     Today's decision by the Eighth Circuit represents another speed bump in our arduous
journey to bring competition to the local telephone marketplace, consistent with Congress'
intent.

     Although I am gravely disappointed by the 8th Circuit's decision regarding our pricing
authority, I wish to highlight that the decision affirmed our authority to issue rules of "special
concern to the CMRS providers" pursuant to our authority under Section 332(c) (1)(B), our
decision determining what network elements must be unbundled, and the ability of a
competitive carrier to provide local telephone service by combining unbundled network
elements.

     Today's decision means that we at the FCC must roll up our sleeves and redouble our
efforts to work cooperatively with our state colleagues.  Only with a joint effort can we make a
reality Congress' goal for competitive choice, quality service, and affordable rates for local
telephone service.

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