BellSouth Responds To Sen. McCain Internet Legislation

For Immediate Release:

May 14, 1999

BACKGROUND: Senator John McCain (R-Ariz.) has introduced legislation, S.1043, entitled the Internet Regulatory Freedom Act of 1999, that would prevent the Federal Communications Commission from regulating Internet services. Among other things, the McCain legislation would limit the FCC's power to impose wholesale discount obligations on local telecommunications offerings of advanced services under Sect. 251 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

The following statement should be attributed to David J. Markey, BellSouth's vice president, governmental affairs:

"The legislation introduced by Senator McCain reflects the reality of today's competing telecommunications networks, which are fast adopting technologies that will route Internet traffic more efficiently than existing networks.

"During the debate at the FCC over how to implement Sect. 706, BellSouth strongly resisted what we perceived to be new regulatory burdens on the phone companies' advanced services that were not being imposed on our competitors. We continue to believe that over-regulation is a much greater problem than too little regulation in this emerging marketplace.

"This legislation would give local phone companies the freedom to compete effectively as we build advanced networks. We support the efforts of Sen. McCain."

For more information, contact:

John Schneidawind (202)463-4183

NOTE: For more information about BellSouth, visit the BellSouth Web page at http://www.bellsouth.com/. Also, BellSouth news releases dating back one year are available by fax at no charge by calling 1-800-758-5804, ext. 095650.

A list of BellSouth Media Relations Contacts is available in the Corporate Information Center.

Click here to find the latest on BellSouth Application to FCC to Offer Long-Distance Service in Georgia and Louisiana.

NOTE: For more information about BellSouth, visit the BellSouth Web page at http://www.bellsouth.com/. Also, BellSouth news releases dating back one year are available by fax at no charge by calling 1-800-758-5804, ext. 095650 or write: for Atlanta releases 1155 Peachtree St., N.E.; Atlanta, Ga. 30309-3610 and for DC releases; 1133 21st St., N.W.; Suite 900; Washington, D.C. 20036.

A list of BellSouth Media Relations Contacts is available in the Corporate Information Center.

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