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PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                 DA 99-295

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov
                                
                                
          COMMON CARRIER BUREAU RELEASES PRELIMINARY 
         COMMON INPUT VALUES TO FACILITATE SELECTION OF
     FINAL INPUT VALUES FOR THE FORWARD-LOOKING COST MODEL 
                     FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICE 

                   CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 97-160

                                    Released:  February 5, 1999

     In the Platform Order released on October 28, 1998, the Commission adopted a forward-
looking cost model to be used in determining federal universal service high cost support for non-
rural carriers.  In this Public Notice, the Common Carrier Bureau (Bureau) announces that it is
releasing on the Commission's website a preliminary set of common input values that can be
used for analytical purposes in examining the cost model.

     The Commission's process for estimating forward-looking economic cost for non-rural
carriers has been divided into two stages.  The first stage, the adoption of the model "platform" to
be used to determine federal universal service high cost support for non-rural LECs, has been
completed.  The platform establishes the aspects of the model that are essentially fixed --
primarily assumptions about the design of the network and network engineering and fixed
characteristics such as soil and terrain.  The second stage of this proceeding, the selection of the
input values, such as the cost of cable, switches, and other network components is in progress.  

     By publicly releasing "working" numbers for all of the inputs, we are facilitating the
ability of interested parties to review and comment on the selection of final input values.  By
making available a set of input values, interested parties will have the opportunity to run the
model without the necessity of developing their own input values.  We, therefore, intend to post a
set of common input values on the Commission's website (http://www.fcc.gov/ccb/
universal_service/highcost.html#determine).  We emphasize that these common input values are
"working" numbers, and should not be considered final values for any inputs.  The Bureau has
recently concluded three workshops designed to facilitate comment relating to specific input
values and have received additional submissions from interested parties on certain major inputs. 
We intend to review the data currently on the record in this proceeding and any data provided
hereafter in determining the final input values.  

     For further information, please contact:  Katie King, Accounting Policy Division,
Common Carrier Bureau, (202) 418-7400.