PUBLIC NOTICE
                                                                              
   Federal Communications Commission
   1919 M St., N.W.
   Washington, D.C. 20554

                                                                              

                                                                         
                                                                  DA 98-200
                                                  Released February 3, 1998


                    NOTIFICATION OF FINAL DATE TO FILE
         AMENDMENTS TO COST MODELS IN UNIVERSAL SERVICE PROCEEDING
                 FOR HIGH COST SUPPORT FOR NON-RURAL LECs
                      CC Docket Nos. 96-45 and 97-160

 In the Universal Service Order, the Commission stated that it would select, by August
1998, a federal mechanism to determine non-rural carriers' forward-looking cost of providing
the services supported by federal universal service mechanisms.  The Commission stated that
it would complete this selection process in two stages.  In the first stage, the Commission
would select the "platform" (fixed assumptions and algorithms) of the mechanism; in the
second, the Commission would select a complete mechanism, including all inputs.  On July
8, 1997, the Commission released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM)
establishing a process for selecting the platform and inputs for the federal mechanism. 
Pursuant to the process established in the FNPRM, the Common Carrier Bureau (Bureau)
provided guidance to the model proponents on platform issues related to customer location
and outside plant in a Public Notice released on November 13, 1997.  In the Public Notice,
the Bureau requested that proponents of models in this proceeding file revised versions of
their models that the Bureau expected would be considered by the Commission in selecting
the platform of the federal mechanism.  On December 11, 1997, the proponents of the
Benchmark Cost Proxy Model (BCPM) and the Hatfield Model (Hatfield) filed revised
versions of their models in the record of this proceeding.  On December 29, 1997, the
developers of the Hybrid Cost Proxy Model (HCPM) made a new version of their model
available via the World Wide Web.

 Since December 11, 1997, however, the Commission has continued to receive
revisions of the models.  While the Bureau recognizes that changes to the models have
resulted in valuable enhancements, a continual state of flux in the status of the models
compromises the Commission's ability to select a platform for the federal mechanism in a
timely fashion.  Accordingly, the Bureau hereby gives notice that February 6, 1998 shall be
the deadline for filing revised versions of models in this proceeding.  After that date, no
changes to model logic, algorithms, or fixed assumptions shall be considered, except as
specifically directed by the Bureau or the Commission.

 The model proponents and other parties are encouraged to present the Bureau and the
Commission with any information or views pertaining to the models in ex parte
presentations.  Such presentations may take place at any time, but parties wishing to make
such presentations are urged to do so as soon as possible.

 For information regarding this Public Notice, contact Bob Loube (202/418-7379),
Bryan Clopton (202/418-7381) or Charles Keller (202/418-7380).

 Action by the Chief, Accounting & Audits Division, Common Carrier Bureau.

                                  - FCC -