FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 1, 1999
CONTACT: Michelle Tober
(202) 326-7370

Speaker of the House Supports Key Local Telco
Initiatives at USTA Leadership Event

LA QUINTA, CA -- During a speech at the United States Telephone Association's (USTA) Telco Leadership Roundtable yesterday in La Quinta, Calif., Speaker of the House Dennis Hastert (R-Ill.) emphasized his commitment to the local exchange carrier industry's agenda before Congress.

"I know you have frustrations with how the 1996 Telecom Act is progressing, specifically the implementation by the Federal Communications Commission," Hastert said. "I also know you agree with me that the Act made substantial regulatory reform in order to create a competitive landscape for this huge industry. Obviously, we're not there yet.

"There are many things the FCC needs to do to fulfill the Congressional intent of the Act, and I know you are working hard on reaching an agreement for a sound universal service plan, decreased regulations, and much-awaited long-distance access. I understand your concerns and goals, and I will continue to work to see them addressed."

USTA President and CEO Roy Neel said of Hastert, "The Congress -- indeed the country -- is fortunate to have a House Speaker with such an in-depth knowledge of the nation's fastest growing industry. Speaker Hastert has been instrumental in bi-partisan telecom deregulation efforts in the Congress and in his home state of Illinois and brings a wealth of experience to the national debate on the future of telecommunications."

Hastert also discussed plans for hearings in the House to examine the role of the FCC in implementing the Telecom Act. "I am confident that we can restructure the FCC and help drag the overly bureaucratic FCC 'kicking and screaming' into the 21st century," he said.

"My first priority is to focus on the four great challenges facing America today, namely improving each American's life by securing America's future on Social Security, education, tax relief and national security," Hastert said. "But I'm also eager to focus on this area -- telecommunications -- that has long interested me. Telecommunications is a vital part of moving America into the 21st century, and I intend to continue focusing on telecom issues in the upcoming Congress."

Last month, USTA launched its "Resolve to Solve" initiative, calling on the FCC to return to the spirit and the letter of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. USTA proposed three steps for speeding the delivery of new services to customers nationwide: preserve universal service, fully deregulate the local exchange carrier industry, and open the long distance market to competition.

For more than 100 years, USTA has been representing the interests of the small, mid-size and large companies of the nation's local exchange carrier industry. The association represents more than 1,200 companies worldwide that provide local exchange, long distance, wireless, Internet, and cable services.

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