Discussion

Commission Practice and Procedure Rule 51.1(e) provides that, prior to approval, the Commission must find a settlement "reasonable in light of the whole record, consistent with the law, and in the public interest." This accord enables MCI and SBC California to satisfy the terms of their ICA by providing what MCI seeks: an interim and permanent process for ordering and implementing the LATA-wide MWI's. As such, we find the agreement to meet the first two prongs of our Rule. In addition, the settlement enhances the local market by increasing the number of full-service voicemail providers. Thus, local competition in California is strengthened to the benefit of the public interest and in satisfaction of the third prong of Rule 51.1(e). In sum, we find the essential terms of MCI and SBC California's accord to be reasonable, consistent with the law and in the public interest. We approve the settlement.