PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                  DA 97-471

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov


                                          Released: March 4, 1997


   U S West Files Petition for Expedited Waiver to Introduce
       New Rate Elements for SST on Switched Access Service
                                
                         CCB/CPD 97-13
                                
                   Pleading Cycle Established
                                
COMMENTS DUE:  March 25, 1997

REPLY COMMENTS DUE: April 4, 1997

     On February 26, 1997, U S West Communications, Inc. (U S West), pursuant to section 1.3
(47 C.F.R.  1.3) of the Commission's Rules, filed a Petition for Expedited Waiver (Petition) seeking
expedited waiver of sections 69.110, 69.111 and 69.112 of the Commission's Rules.  47 C.F.R.
 69.110 - 69.112.  The Petition seeks the waiver to introduce two new rate elements in connection
with U S West's Synchronous Service Transport (SST) on Switched Access Service.  The two SST
rate elements U S West seeks to introduce are: (1) OC3 Node; and (2) SST Central Office (CO)
Multiplexing.

     The OC3 Node will be an optional feature that provides a concatenated signal with either
multimode or single mode fiber.  U S West states that the purpose is to provide an automatic switch
from the working to protect the fiber pair within the OC3 Node, and a synchronous optical network
interface for alarms, performance monitoring and loop-back testing.  U S West states that the single
and multimode options will be available and charged on a per node basis.  The SST CO Multiplexing
feature will be an option that provides existing DS1 and DS3 with CO Multiplexing options for
utilization with SST.

     U S West states that the establishment of these rate elements would serve the public interest
by enabling it to offer its Switched Access Service customers expanded choices and increased
network reliability.  Further, U S West states that granting its Petition would allow it to maintain the
pricing parity between Switched and Special Access Transport Services.

     Interested parties may file comments on this Petition no later than March 25, 1997.  Replies
must be filed by April 4, 1997.  When filing comments and/or replies, please refer to 







the following internal file number:   CCB/CPD 97-13.  An original and four copies of all comments
and replies must be filed in accordance with section 1.51(c) of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R.
 1.51(c).  In addition, one copy of each pleading must be filed with International Transcription
Service (ITS), the Commission's duplicating contractor, at 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140,
Washington, D.C. 20037, and one copy with the Chief, Competitive Pricing Division, Common
Carrier Bureau, Room 518, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20554.

     For further information, contact David Hunt or Wanda Harris, Competitive Pricing Division,
Common Carrier Bureau, (202) 418-1530.

                              -FCC-