I've mentioned some examples already. Another good example is the Consent Decree with MCI WorldCom on its dial-around advertising practices. MCI WorldCom agreed to review all of its dial-around ads and retract those that may not have been as clear as they should have been. Plus, consent decrees can be quick. This is good for the target, for the FCC, and, most importantly, for consumers.
Consent decrees avoid delay and the expense of litigation.
The company cleans up its act and makes a payment, the public gets results and everybody moves on. One piece of advice if you're negotiating a consent decree with us. In addition to voluntary payments, most of the consent decrees we negotiate include significant compliance plans. A credible, comprehensive compliance plan for the future will be viewed favorably and may serve as a mitigating factor for enforcement action. When pursuing enforcement matters, we've also been increasing our coordination with state agencies, the Federal Trade Commission and, in some instances, the Department of Justice.