PUBLIC NOTICE
           FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
           1919 M STREET NW
           WASHINGTON, D.C.  20554                           
      
 
 News media information  202/418-0500.    Recorded listing of releases and texts  202/418-2222.
 
 
                                               August 16,1999
                               
                    LABORATORY DIVISION OF
           THE OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
ANNOUNCES PROCEDURES FOR THE TRANSITION TO MANDATORY ELECTRONIC
      FILING OF APPLICATIONS FOR EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION
 
 
 In accordance with 47 CFR, Part 2, Subpart J, Section 2.913(c), effective October 5, 1999, all
 applications for equipment authorization must be filed electronically.  Telephone Terminal
 Equipment requiring Registration under Part 68 is excluded from this requirement.  The date
 of October 5 is considered to be the date that the application submittal is received at
 Equipment Approval Services in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania (Mellon Bank).  It is not the mailing,
 shipping or post-marked date. 
 
 Based on the above, please be advised of the following policies and procedures regarding
 submittal of Applications for Equipment Authorization (FCC Form 731):
 
      a.  Paper (hard copy) filing of Form 731 will be accepted by Mellon Bank through close
 of business October 5, 1999.
 
      b.  Paper applications received at Mellon Bank on or after October 6, 1999, will be
 returned to the sender.
 
      c.  Paper applications returned by Mellon Bank should be re-submitted electronically
 by using the Internet and accessing www.fcc.gov, E-filing, OET Equipment Authorization
 Electronic Filing Site.  For new applicants in need of a Grantee Code, access Grantee
 Registration and Form 731.  For applicants with a previously assigned Grantee Code, access
 Form 731.
 
      d.  Applications are reviewed in the order in which they are received.  The date the re-
 submitted application is entered electronically is considered to be the receipt date at the
 Laboratory.  However, if the application is submitted on a weekend or a holiday, the receipt
 date is the next business day.
  
      e.  Please submit all parts of the Application for Equipment Authorization as
 expeditiously as possible.  The Form 731 and all required exhibits or attachments to the Form
 731 should be filed electronically.  The FCC Fee Remittance Advice (Form 159) and the fee
 payment should be submitted to Mellon Bank, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, as soon as possible. 
  An application that is incomplete at the time of review is subject to dismissal.  Our goal is to
 begin review of electronic applications as soon as possible after initial receipt at the
 Laboratory.
 
      f.   We will continue to accept requests for Assignment of a Grantee Code both by
 paper or electronic filings.
 
 Any questions regarding these policies and procedures may be directed to Bette Taube, email: 
  btaube@fcc.gov or FAX: 301-344-2050
 
 
                             - FCC -