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APPLAUDING THE RHODE ISLAND PUBLIC UTILITIES COMMISSION FOR ITS EFFORTS IN FOSTERING COMPETITION IN RHODE ISLAND BY IMPLEMENTING THE PROVISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996

WHEREAS, The Telecommunications Act of 1996 was enacted for the express purpose of increasing competition in both the long distance and local telephone marketplace; and

WHEREAS, The Telecommunications Act of 1996, requires that incumbent local or exchange carriers (ILECs) establish by means of an application to the Federal Communications Commission that it has opened its local market to competition before it is permitted to provide in-region, interLATA long distance telecommunications services; and

WHEREAS, Since the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 over 100 telecommunications companies, commonly referred to as "Competitive Local Exchange Carriers" have entered the Rhode Island marketplace and currently offer local and long distance telephone services; and

WHEREAS, The substantial increase in the number of competitors providing telecommunications services to consumers in the state of Rhode Island has significantly increased competition for telecommunications services in the state of Rhode Island since the passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; and

WHEREAS, As a direct result of the increased competition Rhode Island consumers have begun to realize the benefit of competition in the form lower local and long distance telephone rates; and

WHEREAS, In several states, including New York, Texas, Kansas, Oklahoma, and most recently Massachusetts, ILECs have successfully received authorization from the FCC to offer in-region, interLATA long distance telecommunications services; and

WHEREAS, New York and Texas both experienced significant benefits in the form of increased competition, enhanced consumer choice, and lower prices for telecommunications services following these approvals and the ILECs entry into the long distance telecommunications market in those states and similar benefits are anticipated in the other states in which such approvals have been secured; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission is charged with the responsibility of implementing the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and creating a regulatory environment that fosters fair competition; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly is: (1) committed to the successful implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; (2) supports the Commission's efforts to promote fair competition as required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996; and (3) is desirous that as soon as possible the state of Rhode Island receives the increased consumer benefits enjoyed by other states whose incumbent ILECs have secured FCC approval to provide in-region, interLATA long distance services; and

WHEREAS, The Rhode Island General Assembly believes that these additional benefits will further strengthen the telecommunications market in Rhode Island and a strong telecommunications industry will assist our state in job creation and economic development; now, therefore be it

RESOLVED, That the Rhode Island General Assembly applauds the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission for its efforts in fostering competition in Rhode Island and urges the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission to maintain a regulatory environment that will promote fair competition consistent with the requirements of the Act and the guidance of the FCC, and that enhances the prospect of a successful application by the state ILEC to the FCC to provide in-region, interLATA long distance services so that the resulting benefits may soon be realized by Rhode Island consumers; and be it further

RESOLVED, That the Secretary of state be and he hereby is authorized and directed to transmit a duly certified copy of this resolution to the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.