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 STATEMENT  OF  COMMISSIONER  MICHAEL  J.  COPPS 
 RE:  Modifying  the  Commission’s  Process  to  Avert  Harm  to  U.  S.  Competition  and  U.  S.  Customers  Caused  by  Anticompetitive  Conduct  (NOI). 
 Circuit  disruptions  are  an  unacceptable  tactic  in  negotiations  over  settlement  rate  increases.  They  harm  consumers,  discourage  competition  and  undermine  international 
 cooperation.  It  is  cause  for  serious  concern  that  the  number  of  circuit  disruption  cases  appears  to  be  on  the  rise.  So  it  is  both  necessary  and  proper  that  we  initiate  this  NOI  to 
 explore  ways  for  better  protecting  U.  S.  consumers  when  circuit  disruptions,  or  the  threat  thereof,  occur.  The  International  Bureau  serves  the  public  interest  and  encourages  more 
 acceptable  international  practices  with  the  Notice,  and  I  commend  IB  for  its  good  and  fast  work  on  this  item  and  look  forward  to  determining  quickly  what  further  action  is 
 necessary. 
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