And it worked. In 1996, Congress adopted a different approach a regulatory one to break up the local phone monopoly. Instead of forcing the locals to divest, Congress gave the FCC the power to pry open the network and make it available to competitors. More important, Congress said that all firms had to be able to interconnect on non-discriminatory terms and conditions. It said that competitors must have access to all existing phone customers and without that access, competition would be stifled.
Interconnection is fundamental.
It makes possible our vision of multiple networks a network of networks using different technologies and battling for consumer dollars. Throughout my tenure, the FCC has used every tool at its disposal to fulfill Congress' vision of a competitive marketplace. To address these concerns, SBC and Ameritech proffered a comprehensive package of conditions to bring competition to the marketplace. The company will offer advanced services through a separate subsidiary, improve systems to support competitive entry, and compete in at least 30 new markets. And we will enforce these conditions.