News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.govPUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 1919 M St., N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 DA 97-1902 AMERITECH REQUESTS APPROVAL TO ADD TWO EXCHANGES TO ITS ZONE DENSITY PLAN AND PETITIONS FOR EXPEDITED RULE WAIVER CCB/CPD 97-44 Released: September 3, 1997 Comments: September 12, 1997 Reply Comments: September 16, 1997 On August 21, 1997, Illinois Bell Telephone Company, Indiana Bell Telephone Company, Incorporated, Michigan Bell Telephone Company, The Ohio Bell Telephone Company, Wisconsin Bell, Inc., and Ameritech Illinois Metro, Inc. (collectively, "Ameritech") filed a request for approval to classify as Zone 2 two exchanges not currently included in Ameritech's zone density pricing plan. Ameritech states that this classification would apply existing criteria to two exchanges that are being purchased from a subsidiary of Sprint Corporation and would not constitute a substantive revision of Ameritech's plan approved by the Commission in September, 1993. This Public Notice seeks comment on Ameritech's proposed revision to its zone density pricing plan. On August 22, 1997, Ameritech filed a petition for waiver of Section 61.38(b)(4) of the Commission's Rules. Section 61.38(b)(4) of the Commission's Rules requires that, before a carrier files a tariff that implements a system of density pricing zones, it must first submit its density pricing zone plan and receive approval of its proposed plan. Ameritech states that, in order to meet its scheduled closing date for purchase of the two exchanges from Sprint, it needs regulatory approval of its tariff by October 27, 1997, which necessitates that it file its tariff on or before September 22, 1997 to meet the Commission's notice requirements. Accordingly, Ameritech seeks a waiver of section 61.38(b)(4) in the event that the Commission has not approved Ameritech's revised zone density pricing plan by September 22, 1997. This Public Notice seeks comment on Ameritech's petition for a rule waiver. Interested parties may file comments on Ameritech's revised zone density pricing plan and Ameritech's petition for a rule waiver no later than September 12, 1997. Replies must be filed by September 16, 1997. When filing comments and/or replies please reference the internal file number: CCB/CPD 97-44. 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 Services (ITS), the Commission's duplicating contractor, at its office at 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036 and one copy with the Chief, Competitive Pricing Division, Room 518, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. The above-referenced filings are available for public inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC's Public Reference Center, Room 239, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554. Copies can also be obtained from ITS at 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, or by calling (202) 857-3800. For further information contact Bill Bailey, Competitive Pricing Division, Common Carrier Bureau, (202) 418-1530. -FCC-