NEWSReport No. CC 98-8                 COMMON CARRIER ACTION   April 6, 1998

                   FCC REORGANIZES COMMON CARRIER BUREAU'S 
                       ACCOUNTING AND AUDITS DIVISION

       The FCC has reorganized the Common Carrier Bureau's Accounting and
Audits Division for greater efficiency by dividing its responsibilities and replacing it
with two new divisions with more discrete functions.  

       Universal service and jurisdictional separations will be handled in the
Accounting Policy Division.  Universal service and jurisdictional separations, which
are integrally related and require a consistent approach, are the focus of significant
upcoming proceedings.  The reorganization will enhance coordination between staff
working on these issues and allow for more direct oversight of these areas.

       The Accounting Safeguards Division will be responsible for developing and
administering the Commission's common carrier accounting, auditing, and reporting
requirements necessary to implement the requirements of the Communications Act. 
These responsibilities include the Part 32 Uniform System of Accounts, Part 64 cost
allocation rules, ARMIS Reports, audits, depreciation, and legal matters concerning
these issues. 

    -FCC-

       News Media contact: Rochelle Cohen at (202) 418-0253.