STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER ROBERT M. McDOWELL
Re: Promotion of Competitive Networks in Local Telecommunications Markets, WT 
Docket No. 99-217, Report and Order 
Today, the Commission helps millions of Americans who live in apartments enjoy 
the same benefits of telecommunications competition that have been available to 
businesses since 2001.  They too will now have a choice of telecommunications providers 
and not be hampered by exclusive contracts.  Additionally, incumbent 
telecommunications service providers and new entrants will be on an equal footing when 
serving residential consumers in MTEs.  I am hopeful that this decision will spur more 
competition among telecommunications providers in all MTEs.  As I have said before, as 
regulators we need to make sure that competition for all services, and across all platforms 
does not stop, literally at the doorstep of any multi-unit building in America.