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 March  16,  2001 
 Separate  Statement  of  Commissioner  Susan  Ness 


 Re:  2000  Biennial  Regulatory  Review;  Policy  and  Rules  Concerning  the 
 International,  Interexchange  Marketplace  (IB  Docket  No.  00-  202) 


 Today’s  decision  to  eliminate  unnecessary  tariff  filing  requirements  underscores 
 our  commitment  to  deregulate  whenever  there  is  competition  and  consumers  are 
 protected.  Carriers  providing  international  services  –  like  those  providing  domestic  long 
 distance  services  --  will  now  establish  contractual  arrangements  with  their  customers  just 
 as  virtually  every  other  business  in  this  country. 


 I  also  support  our  decision  to  require  that  carriers  make  public  information  about 
 the  rates  and  terms  of  their  offerings.  Competition  has  provided  consumers  with  a 
 dizzying  array  of  services  and  calling  plan  options.  Consumers  often  find  carriers’ 
 marketing  and  billing  information  confusing  and  difficult  to  understand. 


 Public  disclosure  of  rates  and  terms  will  increase  the  availability  of  information  so 
 that  consumers  can  choose  the  telecommunications  services  that  best  meet  their 
 individual  needs.  Consumers  will  have  a  powerful  tool  to  shop  around  and  compare 
 rates,  thereby  leading  to  more  informed  decisions,  and  fewer  unpleasant  surprises  when 
 the  bill  arrives. 


 Consumers  today  can  log  onto  a  website,  input  their  calling  patterns,  and  receive  a 
 comparison  of  the  interstate  rates  they  would  pay  under  different  plans.  The  public 
 disclosure  requirement  ensures  that  consumer  organizations  continue  to  have  access  to 
 the  information  necessary  to  provide  and  expand  such  services  to  consumers. 


 Economists  generally  agree  that  consumer  access  to  accurate  information  is  vital 
 for  the  efficient  functioning  of  competitive  markets.  I  am  pleased  that  this  decision 
 provides  for  such  access.  As  a  result  of  today’s  action,  I  expect  competition  in  the 
 international  services  market  to  intensify  and  consumers  to  reap  the  benefits. 
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