FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:             NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS: 
May 25, 2000                            Meribeth McCarrick 202-418-0654    
                                        Linda Paris 202-418-7121
                                   


         STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD 
                                
REGARDING U.S. COURT OF APPEALS FOR THE SECOND CIRCUIT DECISION
      GRANTING THE FCC'S PETITION FOR A WRIT OF MANDAMUS 

Today's decision puts us one step closer to bringing this spectrum to the marketplace so
consumers can enjoy next generation wireless services.  

We are pleased that the Court has reaffirmed our regulatory role in licensing spectrum as
well as our authority to insist upon timely payment as a licensing condition.

                             - FCC -