[ Text | WordPerfect ]


fcclogo NEWS

Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
News media information 202 / 418-0500
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov


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).

March 16, 1999


STATEMENT OF LAWRENCE STRICKLING, CHIEF, FCC COMMON CARRIER BUREAU ON OPINION OF D.C. CIRCUIT COURT IN CTIA V. FCC


In this case the wireless industry argued that wireless providers do not have to contribute to a Texas fund designed to keep telephone service affordable. The FCC argued that our state colleagues have an important role to play in keeping telephone service affordable, and the court agreed with us. Today's decision is a victory for consumers.

- FCC -


(The U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit today handed down its opinion in Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association, et al . v FCC No. 97-1690 (and consolidated cases). In these consolidated cases, the petitioners challenged the FCC's conclusion that the Communications Act did not preempt a Texas statute that required contributions to the state's universal service fund by providers of commercial mobile radio services. The court denied the petitions for review.)