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Federal Communications Commission
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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. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

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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