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IDEG 4 1990 BOOK 82 PAGE v` Chairman Eggert introduced Sid Poe, a representative of Southern Bell, who urged the Board to adopt the following proposed resolution in favor of lifting the antitrust restrictions on the Bell companies. RESOLUTION OF SUPPORT FOR FULL PARTICIPATION OF AMERICAN INDUSTRY IN THE PROVISION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS EQUIPMENT AND SERVICE WHEREAS, more competition in the telephone equipment marketplace will benefit cities through lower prices, and ( &counties ) WHEREAS, allowing the Bell Operating Companies to manufacture telephone equipment may increase domestic jobs in our cities, and ( & counties) WHEREAS, freeing the Bell Operating Companies from the information services restrictions will increase the availability of new and innovative services to serve our citizens, and AND WHEREAS, permitting the Bell Operating Companies to provide a full -range of information services will increase the availability of educational resources via communications for the schools in our counties. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY 1. That the elected representatives of our citizens determine the national telecommunications policy of the land. 2. That Congress pass legislation that would lift the restrictions on the Bell Operating Companies in manufacturing and information services, with proper safeguards to ensure fair and open competition by all. 3. That this resolution be sent to the Florida congressional delegation signed by the Four Reasons Why the M1l:J Lin** of Business Restrictions . Shbuld 5e Lift0a rom the 9611 R89-135al-Holding om -ari e• P. The national interest would by beet served by Congrses lifting the MFJ's lines of business restrictions which prohibit the Bell Reqional Holding Companies (RRCs) from providing information and interexchange service and engaoing in manufacturinq. 1) National telecommunications policy. today is set, by default; by the Federal Court: usino antitrust law as its quidepost:. "a Congress has the responsibility to set policy and should do so using the public interest as its guide. 2) American consumers of telecommunications and information services do not have access to a fully competitive marketplace, i.e., the lowest: prices and the widest range of products and services. The RHCs, represent two-thirds of the U.S. telecommunications industry assets, but are restricted from fully participating in the marketplace to the detriment of competition and innovation. knother detrimental effect. is that American consumers are fallinq behind their counterparts in France and Javan in the availability of information services. 38