NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th 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). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: June 28, 2007 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253 Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov FCC Declares Carrier Call Blocking Unlawful Self-Help Remedy in Access Charge Dispute and Suspends Tariffs to Investigate Claims of Access Traffic Stimulation Bureau Stresses That Carriers Must Not Block Calls Washington, D.C. – The Wireline Competition Bureau today released an Order clarifying that carriers may not resort to the “self-help” remedy of blocking calls to avoid potentially inflated termination charges resulting from alleged access stimulation activities. This action affirms that all customers will continue to be able to connect with anyone on the network that they so choose. Noting that the ubiquity and reliability of the nation’s telecommunications network is of paramount importance, the Bureau emphasized that the Commission has several mechanisms, including tariff investigations, to address allegations of unreasonable access charges. To address concerns expressed by long-distance and wireless companies, the Bureau suspended the tariffs of 39 rural carriers due to substantial questions raised about the lawfulness of the rates filed, in light of possible efforts by the carriers to stimulate long-distance access traffic. The Bureau will commence an investigation of the tariffs. The specific issues that will be the subject of the investigation will be identified in an upcoming designation order. Action by the Wireline Competition Bureau, June 28, 2007, by Declaratory Ruling and Order (DA 07-2863), and by Order (DA 07-2862). Docket No.: 07-135 (Declaratory Ruling and Order) WCB/Pricing No.: 07-10 (Tariff Suspension Order) Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact for Declaratory Ruling and Order: Lynne Engledow, 202-418-1520, lynne.engledow@fcc.gov. For Tariff Suspension Order: Doug Slotten, 202-418-1520, doug.slotten@fcc.gov. -FCC- News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found on the Commission’s web site www.fcc.gov.