Communications Workers Urge FCC to Approve Bellsouth's Entry into Long Distance Markets In Georgia a

BellSouth has met necessary regulatory requirements, and allowing its entry into long distance markets in Georgia and Louisiana would benefit consumers and create good jobs at a critical time for the economy, the Communications Workers of America stated in today’s filing with the Federal Communications Commission.

CWA represents 17,800 BellSouth workers in the two states as well as employees of AT&T and other telecom companies.

The union noted that BellSouth’s entry into long distance will increase competition, especially for residential customers. Citing the experience of consumers after SBC began offering long distance in Texas, Oklahoma and Kansas, as well as after Verizon’s entry into the New York and Massachusetts markets, CWA said that lower prices and new service offerings can be predicted for customers in Georgia and Louisiana.

CWA also noted that the two state public service commissions “unanimously determined that BellSouth has met the requirements of Section 271 of the Communications Act to open local markets to competition.” Further, “BellSouth’s performance monitoring plans which would require BellSouth annually to put at risk up to $336 million in Georgia and an uncapped amount in Louisiana for non-compliance provide adequate safeguards against backsliding... and create incentives for BellSouth to engage in continuous improvement of its wholesale services.”

A copy of the complete filing can be found on CWA’s website: ga.cwa-union.org.