January 29, 1999


                    FCC SECRETARY ANNOUNCES 
               IMPROVED TELEPHONE RESPONSE SYSTEM
                                
                                
     In an ongoing effort to improve customer service, the Office of the Secretary will
implement a Call Processing System (CPS) effective Monday, February 1, 1999.  The CPS is a
menu-driven telephone answering service.  Among the many features of CPS is its ability to
process 16 calls simultaneously.

     The system's menu has been designed to be convenient and user friendly for both rotary
and keypad telephone users.  The system will feature six (6) menu selections.  Recorded messages
will respond to routine questions such as:  the Secretary's name, the office address and telephone
number, the FCC's official filing locations and hours, and how to reach the Agenda and the
Publications Branches of the Secretary's office. 

     FCC Secretary Magalie Salas stated, "The implementation of an automated telephone
answering system will facilitate our response to routine questions, but the option to easily and
quickly access a "live" voice is always readily available."

     The Office of the Secretary can be reached at (202) 418-0300, 445-12th Street, S.W., TW-
B204, Washington, D.C.  20554.

                                                            - FCC -