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Technology Stocks : WCOM -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Daiju Kohno who wrote (4089)	3/29/1999 8:27:00 AM
From: rachel	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 11568

COLUMBUS, Ohio, March 26 /PRNewswire/ -- A small handful of SBC-Ameritech merger opponents is trying to deny Ohio consumers the benefits of a landmark agreement that would freeze residential rates, protect and enhance service quality, guarantee job levels in Ohio and encourage increased telecommunications investment and competition throughout the state. The opposition, led by global communications giants like AT&T, MCI/WorldCom and Sprint, are acting "out of their own narrow self-interest" and have demonstrated "beyond doubt that these parties have no concern for the interests of Ohioans," according to the final brief filed today with the Public Utility Commission of Ohio (PUCO) by SBC and Ameritech. Today's brief focused on the sweeping settlement agreement that, if approved, would provide concrete benefits to Ohio consumers and telecommunications competitors. The settlement is supported by the staff of the Public Utility Commission of Ohio, Ohio's Office of Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the Edgemont Neighborhood Coalition, SBC Communications and Ameritech. Two new competitive providers of local service in Ohio, Time Warner Telecom and CoreComm also signed as Non-Opposing Stipulating parties. Both agreed not to oppose the merger in Ohio based on the PUCO's approval of the agreement. Many other Ohio consumer groups and civic and business organizations have also expressed their support for the settlement and the merger. In the brief, the companies examined every issue raised by the dwindling number of merger opponents and methodically struck down each one. "Like a runaway train, [the opponents] cannot change from their 'just say no' strategies, regardless of the facts," said the companies in noting that the opposition has disregarded every tangible benefit the settlement would provide. The PUCO is expected to vote on the merger in April. The proposed agreement required more than 100 hours of talks during 17 negotiating sessions.