February 28, 2002 -- "The legislation would free the Bell companies from the market-opening requirements of the 1996 Telecommunications Act and allow them an opportunity to expand their monopolies in the provision of broadband data services," said J. Richard Devlin, Executive Vice President and General Counsel of Sprint Corporation. "While Sprint is obviously disappointed with the House's action, we are encouraged by the large numbers of Members of Congress who expressed their opposition to the bill and their outrage over the procedural gamesmanship that occurred during the debate. "

"Sprint is dismayed that this procedural wrangling resulted in no opportunity for a straightforward, up-or-down vote on the Cannon-Conyers amendment, which was supported by Sprint and the competitive industry," added Devlin. "This demonstration of concern over the bill, coupled with public statements by key Members of the Senate, should help to ensure that this bad legislation dies with today's House action."

"American consumers and businesses have benefited tremendously from a competitive market for long-distance," said Devlin. "The Tauzin-Dingell bill's rush to monopolize broadband can only do harm to our nation's economy. We remain confident that the Senate and other public policy makers will agree that a competitive telecommunications marketplace is the key to vibrant economic prosperity in the 21st-century, and Sprint will fight for that goal."

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