PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                           DA 97-1360

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


                                                            Released: July 11, 1997 

Comment Date: July 31, 1997 
Reply Comment Date:  August 11, 1997 

COMMENTS INVITED ON DEPRECIATION RATE PRESCRIPTIONS PROPOSED FOR
INCUMBENT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS.

The Common Carrier Bureau invites comments on proposed depreciation rates and amortizations
for three incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs).  The proposed rates for two of the ILECs
were developed in conjunction with the Commission's standard review procedures.  The proposed
rates for one ILEC was developed in conjunction with the Commission's streamlined annual
update procedures. 

The carriers submitted studies to the Commission in support of their proposed depreciation rates. 
The carriers' submissions were reviewed by the staffs of the state public utility commissions and
the Common Carrier Bureau.  The carriers' studies and the corresponding staff reviews were
discussed in correspondence, telephone conversations, and/or conferences.  Each of the carriers
thereafter formally filed proposed rates and revised studies which contained the data required by
Section 43.43 of the Commission's rules. 

The Attachment lists the three carriers and the affected jurisdictions.  This Attachment also lists
the proposed expenses and composite rates for the carriers, the current expenses and composite
rates (developed using the currently prescribed depreciation rates and amortizations), and the
percentage change in expenses (proposed vs. current).   

Copies of the carriers' initial 1997 depreciation rate study submissions, the Common Carrier
Bureau staff's preliminary reports on these submissions, the rate filings and other data supporting
the proposed rates are available for public inspection in Suite 257, 2000 L Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.  Copying facilities are available in Suite 812, 2000 L Street, N.W.  Copies are
also available from the International Transcription Service, Inc., Room 140, 2100 M Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C.








Parties wishing to file comments on the proposals summarized herein may do so by July 31, 
1997.  Replies may be filed by August 11, 1997.  Comments and reply comments should include
in the caption a reference to file no. AAD 97-79.  A copy of the comments and replies should
be provided to the Chief, Competitive Safeguards Branch.

We will treat this proceeding as a permit-but-disclose proceeding for purposes of the
Commission's ex parte rules.  See generally 47 C.F.R.  1.1200-1.1216.  For additional
information contact Stephen Steckler 202-418-0865.


                     FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Attachment