4. Public Interest

The application states that the merger and resulting transfer of control will serve the public interest by providing World Access and Star an opportunity to combine and expand their network facilities in a cost effective manner. Applicants contend that the merger will produce significant economic, marketing, and administrative efficiencies by combining the complementary network facilities and business systems of World Access and Star. The combined company will operate telecommunications networks in the United States and 14 Western European countries as well as maintain ownership positions in 26 international fiber optic cable networks.

Applicants also expect the merger to increase the financial base and strength of both companies and thereby better enable the combined companies to compete in intrastate, interstate and international markets. Furthermore, applicants state that there will be no change in the rates, terms or conditions of service to existing customers as a result of this transaction.