NEWSReport No. DC 96-4                    ACTION IN DOCKET CASE           January 25, 1996

      COMMISSION SEEKS COMMENT ON ALLOWING COMMERCIAL MOBILE RADIO
     LICENSEES TO PROVIDE FIXED WIRELESS LOCAL LOOP AND OTHER FIXED
                                SERVICES
                             (WT DOCKET 96-6)

     In a Notice of Proposed Rule Making adopted on January 24, 1996, the Commission
proposed that broadband Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers be authorized
to provide fixed wireless local loop service.  The Commission also sought comment on
whether broadband CMRS providers should be allowed to provide other fixed services in
addition to the mobile and fixed services now permitted.  

     To provide clearer guidance to broadband CMRS providers, increase competition
within wireless services, and promote competition between wireless and wireline services,
the Commission proposed to amend existing broadband CMRS rules to explicitly allow fixed
wireless local loop services.  The Commission proposed to define "wireless local loop" as
the path between the subscriber and the first point of switching or aggregation of traffic.  

     In addition to proposing that broadband CMRS providers be allowed to offer fixed
wireless local loop, the Commission also sought comment on (1) whether broadband CMRS
providers should be permitted to offer other fixed services as well, or (2) whether all other
types of CMRS providers should be allowed to provide any form of fixed service without
restriction.  The Commission stated that its regulatory approach is intended to allow licensees
to adapt quickly to technological innovation and changing consumer demands.  The
Commission also noted that it seeks to ensure that its approach to fixed use of this spectrum
does not restrict the potential growth of mobile services.

     The Commission sought comment on how fixed services provided by broadband
CMRS providers should be regulated.  The Commission noted the importance of avoiding
multiple layers of regulation that could discourage providers from integrating combinations of
mobile and fixed service in packages that would benefit consumers.  

     Action by the Commission January 24, 1996, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(FCC 96-17).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness and Chong. 
Commissioner Chong issued a separate statement.

                                  - FCC -

     Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact: Sandra Danner at (202) 418-0620.