Background: Today the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission
(PUC) revealed its blueprint settling numerous local phone competition
issues that had been unresolved for years. Among those, are key
decisions on competitors' access to - and pricing for - leasing
unbundled elements of the Bell Atlantic-controlled public phone
network.
(The following statement should be attributed Carl Giesy, regional
director for MCI WorldCom Public Policy.)
HARRISBURG, Pa., August 26, 1999 - "The PUC made a strong
pro-competitive statement today, defining what it will take to finally
open the local phone market in Pennsylvania.
"Although we don't agree with all parts of this blueprint,
it's a good foundation to begin building a competitive local phone
market in the state.
"MCI WorldCom challenges Bell Atlantic to forego the usual
delay tactics and implement this pro-competitive, pro-consumer decision
as soon as possible."
