PUBLIC NOTICE
                                                                              
   Federal Communications Commission
   1919 M St., N.W.
   Washington, D.C. 20554
   
   
DA                                                                97-2329
Rel                                              eased:  November 5, 1997


STA     TES REQUEST EXTENSION OF TIME FOR SUBMISSION OF FORWARD-
LOOK                   ING ECONOMIC COST STUDIES 
CC D                   ocket No. 97-160 and 96-45

Comment Date:  November 19, 1997
 
 The May, 1997 Universal Service Order directed state commissions to elect, by
August 15, 1997, the option of conducting their own forward-looking economic cost studies
to determine federal universal service support for non-rural local carriers located in their
respective states.  That order also required state commissions that elected this option to
submit such cost studies to the Commission on or before February 6, 1998.  The Nebraska
Public Service Commission, Tennessee Regulatory Authority, Public Service Commission of
Nevada, NARUC, and Maine Public Utilities Commission, (collectively, the "petitioners")
have filed petitions for an extension of time to file cost studies.  The petitioners generally
contend that, given the complexity of developing a cost study, they do not have adequate
resources to complete such studies by February 6, 1998.

 Interested parties may file comments in support of or in opposition to these petitions
on or before November 19, 1997.  All filings should refer to the pleading as:  State Petitions
For Extension of Time on Forward-Looking Economic Cost Studies, CC Docket No. 97-160
and 96-45, DA 97-2329.  One original and five copies of all comments must be sent to
William F. Caton, Acting Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.  Two copies also should be sent to Debbie Byrd, Universal
Service Branch, Accounting and Audits Division, Common Carrier Bureau, 2100 M Street,
N.W., 8th Floor, Washington, D.C. 20554.  Copies of documents filed with the
Commission, including the petitions, may be obtained from the International Transcription
Service, 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037, (202) 857-3800.  Documents are
also available for review and copying at the FCC Reference Center, Room 239, 1919 M
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

 For further information, contact Debbie Byrd, Universal Service Branch, Accounting
and Audits Division, Common Carrier Bureau at (202) 418-7400 or via e-mail:
dbyrd@fcc.gov. 

                                     
 -- Action by Chief, Accounting and Audits Division, Common Carrier Bureau --