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                                                                           DA 99-1242
                                         Released:  June 24, 1999



      OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY DECLARES LUCENT
 TECHNOLOGIES REQUEST FOR A WAIVER OF PART 15 FOR OPERATION IN
THE 1910-1920 MHZ BAND TO BE A "PERMIT-BUT-DISCLOSE" PROCEEDING
                     FOR EX PARTE PURPOSES


On May 24, 1999, Lucent Technologies filed a Petition for Waiver of Section 15.319 of the
Commission's rules to permit isochronous PCS transmitters to operate in the 1910-1920 MHz
band.  Specifically, Lucent is requesting permission to operate its DEFINITY Wireless Business
System over the entire 1910-1930 MHz PCS band within the confines of Cook County, Illinois, in
order to increase the capacity of its wireless PBX system.

Unlicensed PCS operation is permitted in the 1910-1930 MHz band under Part 15 of the
Commission's regulations.  Operation in the 1910-1920 MHz band is limited to use by
asynchronous devices, and operation in the 1920-1930 MHz band is limited to isochronous
devices.  Asynchronous devices transmit at irregular intervals, as is typical of packet data
applications, while isochronous devices typically have a fixed frame structure and transmit regular,
periodic signals, such as time-division voice systems.  The Wireless Information Networks Forum
recently filed a Petition for Rule Making, RM-9498, requesting that isochronous devices be
permitted to use the entire 1910-1930 MHz PCS band.

The Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) is reviewing Lucent's request to determine
whether a waiver of the rules should be granted.  OET seeks comments from interested parties
concerning this request.  OET has concluded that in order to permit a fuller exchange on the
issues under consideration in this proceeding, it should be treated, for ex parte purposes, as a
"permit-but-disclose" proceeding, in accordance with Section 1.1200(a) of the Commission's
rules, and is subject to the requirements under Section 1.1206(b) of the rules.

Interested parties filing comments or oppositions to this petition are invited to do so no later than
July 26, 1999.  Parties filing replies may do so by August 10, 1999.


The full text of the waiver request is available for inspection and copying during normal business
hours in OET, 7th floor, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, D.C., and may also be purchased
from the Commission's duplication contractor, International Transcription Service, (202) 857-
3800, 1231 20th Street, N.W., ground floor, Washington, D.C. 20036.

Office of Engineering and Technology contact:  Rodney Conway at (202) 418-2904.

By the Chief, Office of Engineering and Technology