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 SEPARATE  STATEMENT  OF  CHAIRMAN  MICHAEL  K.  POWELL 
 Re:  In  the  Matter  of  International  Settlements  Policies  Reform,  IB  Docket  No.  02-  324;  International  Settlements  Rates,  IB  Docket  No.  96-  261  (Adopted  March  11,  2004) 


 Today’s  decision  reforms  longstanding  Commission  policies  in  light  of  the  changes  that  have  taken  place  in  the  U.  S.  market  for  international  calling  services.  The  Commission’s 
 policies  in  this  area  have  been  successful  in  contributing  to  lower  calling  prices  for  consumers  in  the  U.  S.  and  worldwide  and  increasing  competition  and  the  promotion  of 
 innovative  services. 
 I  believe  that,  now,  more  market-  oriented  policies  will  benefit  consumers,  as  well  as  competition.  This  item  reaches  the  right  balance  in  permitting  flexibility  for  U.  S. 
 international  service  providers,  while  protecting  U.  S.  consumers  from  high  rates  and  anticompetitive  practices. 


 We  will  continue  to  be  vigilant,  with  regard  to  both  fixed  and  mobile  termination  rates,  to  ensure  that  U.  S.  consumers  are  not  harmed  when  placing  calls  to  foreign  countries.  In 
 addition,  we  intend  to  inquire  further  about  the  possible  effect  of  high  foreign  mobile  termination  rates  on  U.  S.  consumers  and  competition. 


 I  look  forward  to  continuing  a  dialogue  with  my  colleagues  throughout  the  world  on  these  important  issues. 
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