To: Katie Kommando who wrote (19887 ) 1/12/2000 2:17:00 PM From: SSP Read Replies (1) | Respond to of 150070
ADGI - ADGI Announces That FCC Grants International Facilities-Based Authority to Global Transmedia Communications Corporation HICKORY, N.C., Jan 12, 2000 (BUSINESS WIRE) -- American Diversified Group, Inc. (OTCBB:ADGI) announced today that Global Transmedia Communications Corporation ("Global") has been granted authority to operate as a facilities-based carrier by the FCC. Under this authority, Global is approved to provide switched telecommunications services between the United States and international points. In an action taken by the FCC on December 24, 1999, Global has been issued an International Telecommunications Certificate in accordance with Section 214 of the FCC operating authority rules. Global through its 214 authority now enjoys similar benefits afforded to Tier I carriers such as AT&T, MCI, & Sprint in the international markets. The fact that Global received its international telecommunications certificate at the turn of the century ties into its strategic business plan and the theme of the recent address made to Congress by William E. Kennard, Chairman of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). Chairman Kennard delivered to Congress a draft strategic plan for the future, entitled "A New FCC for the 21st Century." "With this plan," Chairman Kennard noted, "the FCC is meeting the challenge of reinventing itself to keep pace with the rapidly changing communications industry landscape." The plan notes that the advent of Internet-based and other new technology-driven communications services will erode the traditional regulatory distinctions between different sectors of the communications industry. The FCC's primary goals, however, of promoting competition in communications, protecting consumers, and supporting access for every American to existing and advanced telecommunications services will continue unabated. What will change is the means and mix of resources necessary to achieve these goals in an environment marked by greater competition and convergence of technology and industry sectors. Global continues to deploy its international Internet Protocol (IP) telephony network on schedule. The added flexibility, cost-effectiveness and intelligent system matrix of an IP telephony network is particularly important in increasingly deregulated and competitive market environment. Deregulation is acting as the catalyst for the rapid deployment of Global's services by allowing it to quickly enter formerly regulated markets at extremely competitive rates. As reported by Frost & Sullivan, the number of calling minutes being transmitted by IP telephony-based carriers is expected to continue to grow at a annual compounded growth rate of 325% through 2002. ADGI believes Global will capture significant amounts of volume in the international markets due to the tremendous cost savings offered by GTCNetLink over traditional calling rates. Certain statements in this release constitute forward-looking statements or statements which may be deemed or construed to be forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Act of 1995. The words "forecast", "project", "intend", "expect", "should", "would", and similar expressions and all statements, which are not historical facts, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements involve and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance (financing or operating) or achievements to differ from future results, performance (financing or operating) or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. The above factors are more fully disclosed in the Company's SEC filings. Copyright (C) 2000 Business Wire. All rights reserved. Distributed via COMTEX. -0- CONTACT: American Diversified Group, Inc., Hickory Jerrold R. Hinton, Ph.D., President 828/322-2044, 828/322-3798 (fax) e-mail: adgi@abts.net or Global Transmedia Communications Corp., 305/579-9922