*Pages 1--1 from  Microsoft Word - MKP Statement on Completion of 271 Application Process.doc*
 NEWS  News  media  Information  202  /  418-  0500  TTY  202  /  418-  2555  Fax-  On-  Demand  202  /  418-  2830  Internet:  http://  www.  fcc.  gov  ftp.  fcc.  gov  Federal  Communications  Commission  445  12  th  Street,  S.  W.  Washington,  D.  C.  20554  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). 
 PRESS  STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  MICHAEL  K.  POWELL  WATERSHED  MOMENT  FOR  TELECOM:  NO  MORE  LOCAL  MARKETS 
 End  of  the  Road  for  the  271  Process 
 Today  the  Federal  Communications  Commission  completed  work  on  the  49  th  and  final  application  of  a  regional  Bell  company  seeking  to  offer  long-  distance  service,  marking  the 
 completion  of  the  process  known  as  271. 
 “We’re  at  the  end  of  a  long  and  difficult  road,”  said  FCC  Chairman  Michael  K.  Powell.  “The  barrier  between  local  and  long  distance  service  has  finally  been  removed.  The  271  process 
 has  contributed  to  the  creation  of  true  facilities-  based  competition  that  promises  significant  long-term  benefits  for  individuals  and  the  economy.  Consumers  throughout  the  country  will  continue 
 to  enjoy  innovative  new  choices  that  make  the  concept  of  separate  local  and  long  distance  markets  a  thing  of  the  past.” 


 Under  section  271  of  the  Telecommunications  Act,  the  Bell  Operating  Companies  file  applications  with  the  FCC  on  a  state-  by-  state  basis  in  order  to  provide  in-  region  long-  distance 
 services.  These  companies  must  meet  a  series  of  criteria  to  ensure  competitive  requirements  are  met  prior  to  approval. 


 “While  the  application  process  is  now  complete,  our  work  is  not  completely  done.  The  FCC  will  be  vigilant  in  ensuring  that  Bell  companies  continue  to  meet  the  competitive  checklist 
 through  various  enforcement  tools  at  the  FCC’s  disposal  including  section  271(  d)(  6),”  said  Powell. 


 “This  result  would  not  have  been  possible  without  the  tremendous  effort  and  hard  work  of  the  Commission’s  staff  and  Commissioners  over  the  past  six  years,”  said  Powell.  “I  am 
 incredibly  proud  of  what  we’ve  accomplished.” 
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