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Federal Communications Commission
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

June 12, 2000

OPEN PROCEEDINGS


The following is a listing of current FCC Notices of Proposed Rulemaking and Notices of Inquiry open for public comment, except routine petitions to amend the Table of Allotments. This listing also includes pertinent Public Notices announcing comment subjects and dates. For additional information, contact Marilyn Abraham, Consumer Information Bureau at (202) 418-2374. Please note: as comment and reply comment periods expire, they are deleted from this listing. *Asterisk indicates comment period deadline is past, but reply comment period still is open.

CABLE SERVICES BUREAU

NPRM 5/18/00 (adopted 5/8/00); FCC 00-162

In the matter of 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Streamlining of Cable Television Services Part 76 public file and notice requirements.

The Commission, on its own motion, commences this Order on Reconsideration and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in connection with the 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Streamlining of Cable Television Services Part 76 Public File and Notice Requirements, Report and Order Pursuant to Sections 1.411 and 1.421 of the Commission's rules. Comments due: 21 days after Federal Register publications; replies due: 31 days after Federal Register publication.

NPRM (adopted 5/11/00) FCC 00-165

Amendment of the Rules for implementation of the cable operations and licensing system to allow for electronic filing in the Cable Services Bureau.

The Commission is seeking comments on proposed rule changes to implement the Cable Services Bureau's electronic filing system. Comments due: 30 Days after Federal Register publication, Replies due: 45 days after Federal Register publication.

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

CC 00-65; PN 4/6; DA 00-750

Comments requested on the application by SBC Communications Inc. for authorization under Section 271 of the Communications Act to provide in-region, interlata service in the State of Texas.

On April 5, 2000, SBC Communications Inc. and its subsidiaries, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company and Southwestern Bell Communications Services, Inc., d/b/a Southwestern Bell Long Distance filed an application for authorization to provide in-region, interLATA service in the State of Texas. Contact: Cecilia Stephens at (202) 418-1558.

CC 96-45; PN 5/12/00; DA 00-1068

Common Carrier Bureau seeks comment on requests for confidential treatment of wire center line count data.

On April 6, 2000, the Commission denied to a limited extent requests by certain non-rural carriers for confidential treatment of quarterly line count data at the wire center level filed pursuant to sections 36.611 and 36.612 of the Commission's rules. Comments due: June 26; replies July 17. Contact: Katie King at (202) 418-7400.

CC 96-45, CC 97-21; Order 5/15/00 (adopted 5/12/00); DA 00-1057

Request for Review of decisions of the universal service administrator.

The Commission has under consideration request for review of decisions issued by the Schools and Libraries Division of the Universal Service Administrative Company. Extended by 30 days from the original 90 day deadline, to June 13, 2000.

PN 5/17/00

Comments sought on U S West's request for limited modification of LATA boundaries to provide expanded local calling service between certain exchanges in Oregon.

On March 10, 2000, U S West Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting modification of local access and transport area boundaries to provide two-way, flat-rated, non-optional expanded local calling service between the Jefferson and Salem exchanges in Oregon. Comments due: June 7*; replies due: June 14. Contact: Alan Thomas or Al McCloud at (202) 418-2320.

PN 5/17/00; DA 00-1092

The Neoworld License Holdings, Inc., Hughes Electronics Corporation, and Wilmington Trust Company seek FCC consent for assignment of 900 MHZ specialized mobile radio licenses.

Neoworld License Holdings, Inc., Hughes Electronics Corporation, and Wilmington Trust Company, Liquidating Trustee have filed applications pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 310(d), seeking Commission consent to assign various 900 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio licenses and authorizations held by Hughes or Wilmington Trust to Neoworld. Comments due: June 16; replies due: July 3. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or John Branscome at (202) 418-7240.

CC 94-129; PN 5/17/00; DA 00-1093

Common Carrier Bureau asks parties to refresh record and seeks additional comments on proposal to require resellers to obtain carrier identification codes.

The Commission seek comments what it would cost resellers to purchase translations access alone, as distinguished from Feature Group D access, and whether there are functionally-equivalent services that, in conjunction with elimination of the current NANPA requirement that carriers must purchase Feature Group D access to obtain a CIC. Comments due: June 6*; replies due: June 13. Contact: William J. Scher or Dana Walton-Bradford at (202) 418-7400.

PN 5/18/00; DA 00-1094

Common Carrier Bureau seeks comments on the Oregon Public Utility Commission's petition for expedited delegation of authority to implement number conservation measures.

On March 7, 2000, the Oregon Public Utility Commission filed a petition requesting additional delegated authority to implement number conservation measures in the State of Oregon. Comments due: June 15; replies June 30. Contact: Network Services Division: (202) 418-2320.

PN 05/18/00; DA 00-1119

Alltel Corporation filed a petition for waiver of Section 61.41 of the Commission's Rules Pleading Cycle Established, CCB/CPD NO. 99-1.

On May 17, 2000, ALLTEL/Aliant filed a petition requesting that the Commission grant it permission to convert 13 of the ALLTEL study areas to price cap regulation under section 61.4(a)(3) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 61.41(a)(3) and waive, on a temporary basis, section 61.41(b) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 61.41(b) to permit the continued regulation of its remaining study areas as rate-of-return companies. Comments due: July 3; replies due: July 24. Comments (Interim Waiver) due: June 1*; replies (Interim Waiver) due: June 8.
Contact: Joi Roberson Nolen at (202) 418-1520.

CC 99-216; NPRM 05/22/00 (adopted 5/15/00); FCC 00-171

In the matter of 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review of Part 68 of the Commission's Rules and Regulations.

Proposed to streamline most elements of the process by which technical criteria are established for customer premises equipment or terminal equipment that local exchange carriers must allow to be connected to the public switched telephone network. Proposed to minimize Commission assessment of product compliance with technical criteria for such equipment . Comments due: June 23; replies due: July 7.

CC 98-147, CC 96-98, CC 98-141; PN 5/24/00; DA 00-1141

Pleading cycle established for comments on ALTS petition for Declaratory Ruling: Loop provision.

On May 17, 2000, The Association for Local Telecommunications Services (ALTS) filed a petition pursuant to section 1.2 of the Commissions Rules, submits this petition for declaratory ruling. ALTS requests that the Commission clarify, interpret and modify its rules governing crucial aspects of loop provisioning by incumbent local exchange carriers. Comments due: June 23. Contact: Janice Myles at (202) 418-1580.

PN 5/25/00; DA 00-1137

Iowa Utilities Board files petition for waiver of 47 C.F.R. Section 51.507(F).

The Iowa Utilities Board filed a petition on April 26, 2000, seeking a limited waiver until December 31, 2000, of section 51.507(f) of the Commission's rules so that it may complete a proceeding regarding the deaveraging of unbundled network element rates. Comments due: June 5*; replies due: June 12. Contact: Neil Fried at (202) 418-1530.

CC 98-171; PN 5/25/00; DA 00-1152

Common Carrier Bureau seeks comment on supplemental joint submission of program administrators regarding consolidated data collection procedures.

On May 15, 2000, the administrators for the long-term local number portability, numbering administration, Telecommunications Relay Services, and universal service support mechanisms filed a supplemental joint submission regarding procedures for gathering data from telecommunications carriers and other contributors to these mechanisms. Comments due: June 16; replies due: June 23. Contact: Scott Bergmann or Jim Lande at (202) 418-0940.

PN 5/25/00

Comments invited on U S West's application to discontinue operation of its telecommunications facilities within the sisseton exchange of South Dakota.

On May 8, 2000, U S WEST Communications, Inc. filed an application requesting authority under section 214(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, 47 U.S.C. § 214(a), and section 63.71 of the Federal Communications Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 63.71, to discontinue operation of its Sisseton exchange in South Dakota. Comments due June 14. Contact: Al McCloud at (202) 418-2499 or Marty Schwimmer at (202) 418-2320.

PN 5/26/00; DA 00-1162

Comments invited on depreciation rate prescription proposed for GTE--Hawaii and GTE Northwest.

The Common Carrier Bureau invites comments on proposed depreciation rates for two GTE companies. GTE submitted studies to the Commission in support of its depreciation rates.
Comments due: June 19; replies due: July 3. Contact: Rick Robinson at (202) 418-0824.

PN 5/26/00; DA 00-1168

North American Billing and Collection, Inc., ( NBANC) submits revision to the North American numbering plan administration's contribution factor and fund size for March 2000 through June 2001.

On May 5, 2000, North American Billing and Collection, Inc., (NBANC), submitted a revised contribution factor and fund size estimate for funding the North American Numbering Plan Administrator for the period March 2000 through June 2001. Comments due: June 6*; replies due: June 13. Contact: Jeannie Grimes at (202) 418-2320 or (202) 418-0484.

CC 96-45, CC 97-21; Order 5/31/00 (adopted 5/25/00) DA 00-1187

Franklin County Public Schools. Extended by 60 days from the original ninety-day deadline, to July 24, 2000 the time period for taking action on a Letter of Appeal filed by Franklin County Public Schools Franklin, County, Rocky Mount, Virginia seeking review of the Administrator's denial of Franklin County's application for discounted services under the universal service support mechanism for schools and libraries.

PN 6/2/00; DA 00 1194

Common Carrier Bureau seeks comment on service provider identification number change request under the universal service support mechanism for schools and libraries.

On April 14, 2000, the Universal Service Administrative Company filed a petition for reconsideration and/or clarification of the revised standard for permissible service provider identification number changes set forth by the Commission in its March 16 Copan Order.
Comments due: June 16. Contact: Linda Chang at (202) 418-7400.

PN 6/2/00; DA 00-1220

Common Carrier Bureau Extends Pleading Cycle proposal to require resellers to obtain carrier identification codes.

In a recent Public Notice, the Common Carrier Bureau asked for supplemental filings on a proposal in this proceeding to require resellers to obtain their own carrier identification codes, establishing comment and reply comment dates of June 6 and June 13, 2000. On May 30, 2000, the Association of Communications Enterprises , formerly the Telecommunications Resellers Association, requested that the comment periods be extended by 30 days, to July 6 and July 13. Comments due: June 13; replies due: June 20. Contact: William J. Scher or Dana Walton-Brandford at (202) 418-0484.

PN 6/5/00; DA 00-1231

The Common Carrier, Cable Services, International and Wireless Telecommunications Bureaus extend the deadline for CALEA Section 107(C) extension petitions until June 23, 2000.

On April 25, 2000, the Commission issued a Public Notice that provided instructions for telecommunications carriers on filing petitions for extensions of CALEA's capability requirements, pursuant to CALEA section 107(c). Contact: David Ward at (202) 418-2336, James Heimbach at (202) 418-0055, Karl Kensinger at (202) 418-0773 or John Spencer at (202) 418-1310.

ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY BUREAU

PN 5/10/00; DA 00-163

Revision of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission Systems.

Initiated inquiry to investigate the possibility of permitting the operation of ultra-wideband devices on an unlicensed basis under part 15 of the Commission's rules. Comments due: 90 days from publication in Federal Register; replies due: 120 days from publication in Federal Register.

FCC 00-184; NOI (adopted 5/22/00)

Technical Standards for determining eligibility for satellite-delivered network signals pursuant to the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act.

The Commission opened an inquiry to obtain information for evaluating whether the signal intensity standard used to determine the eligibility of satellite television subscribers to receive retransmitted distant signals of network stations should be modified or replaced.
Comments due: June 27; replies due: July 12.

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU

NPRM (adopted 5/22/00); FCC 00-186

Availability of Intelsat space segment capacity to users and service providers seeking to access intelsat directly. Comments due: June 23; replies due: July 6; responses to replies due: July 11.

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

MM 00-39; NPRM 3/8/00 (adopted 3/6); FCC 00-83

FCC commenced periodic review of digital television conversion. Comments due May 17*; replies due June 16, 2000. Contact Gordon Godfrey at (202) 418-2190 or Mania Baghdadi at (202) 418-2120.

MM 00-44; NPRM 4/6/00 (adopted 3/9); FCC 00-93;

In The Matter of Extension of the Filing Requirement for Children's Television Programming Reports (FCC Form 398).

The Commission seeks comments on the proposed amendment to Section 73.3526(e)(11)(iii) of the Commission's Rules to continue indefinitely the requirement that commercial broadcast television licensees file on an annual basis their quarterly Children's Television Programming Reports (FCC Form 398). Comments are due June 12; reply comments due July 12, 2000.

PN 5/12/00; DA 00-1076

Bell Atlantic, GTE, and Vodafone seek consent to transfer control of or assign properties to Divestiture Trust.

On May 3 and 4, 2000, Bell Atlantic Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, GTE Corporation or its affiliates or subsidiaries, and Vodafone AirTouch Plc or its affiliates or subsidiaries filed applications under Section 310(d) of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C § 310(d), seeking Commission consent to assign or transfer control of certain cellular, PCS, and microwave licenses to a trustee selected by the Department of Justice and approved by the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. Comments due June 12; replies June 22. Contact: Lauren Kravetz (202) 418-7240 or Monica Desai (202) 418-0680.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

WT 00-48; NPRM &MO&O 3/24/00 (adopted 3/17); FCC 00-105

Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 of the Communications Rules concerning Maritime Communication proposed to consolidate, revise and streamline Rules governing maritime communications pursuant to requests from the National GMDSS Implementation Task Force and Globe Wireless, Inc.

Comments due 90 days after Federal Register publication and replies due 120 days after Federal Register publication.

PN 3/27; DA 00-687

Federal Register Publication of the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making regarding the licensing of cellular service and other commercial mobile radio services in the Gulf of Mexico.

Comments due 20 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 34 days after publication in the Federal Register. Contact Davida Grant at (202) 418-7050.

PN 5/11/00; DA 00-1050

Comments sought on reciprocal compensation for CMRS providers.

On February 2, 2000, Sprint PCS filed a letter and legal memorandum requesting that the Federal Communications Commission, under the Communications Act and its implementing rules, confirm and clarify CMRS providers' entitlement to reciprocal compensation for all additional costs of switching or delivering to mobile customers local calls that originate on another network. Comments due June 1*; replies June 13. Contact: Stacy Jordan at (202) 418-1310 or Wanda Harris (202) 418-1540.

CC 00-160, WT-00-77; NPRM 05/15/00 (adopted 5/8/00)

Amendment of Parts 2 and 87 of the Commissions Rules to accommodate advanced digital communications in the 117.975-137 MHZ Band and to implement flight information services in the 136-137 MHZ Band.

The Commission seeks comments on the use of 136-137 MHz frequency band by the Aviation Services and modifications to Parts 2 and 87 of the Commission's Rules in response to two Petitions for Rulemaking. Comments due July 14; replies August 14.

CC 94-102; PN 5/17/00; DA 00-1091

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seek comments on new implementation deadline for TTY access to digital wireless systems for 911 calls.

The Commission is seeking comments on a proposed revised deadline for compliance with the Commission's rule requiring transmitting of text telephone (TTY) 911 calls on digital wireless systems, pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 20.18(c). Comments due: June 19; replies due: July 19. Contact: Patrick Forster at (202) 418-1310.

NPRM (adopted 5/18/00); DA 00-159

Amendment of the Commission's Rules to establish new personal communications services, narrowband PCS/implementation of Section 309 (J) of the Communications Act - Competitive Bidding, narrowband PCS.

Comments due: July 5; replies due: July 20.

PN 5/19/00; DA 00-1120

SBC Communications, Inc. and Bellsouth Corporation seek FCC consent to transfer control of, or assign, licenses to joint venture, pleading cycle established.

SBC Communications Inc. and BellSouth Corporation have filed applications pursuant to Sections 214 and 310(d), seeking Commission approval to transfer control of or assign to an SBC/BellSouth joint venture, Alloy LLC, licenses and authorizations currently controlled by subsidiaries and affiliates of either SBC or BellSouth. Comments due: June 19; replies due: June 29.

PN 5/23/00; DA 00-1132

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comments on applications regarding Nextel's proposed acquisition of fleettalk licenses, pleading cycle establised.

FleetTalk Partners, LLC and FCI 900, Inc., a subsidiary of Nextel Communications, Inc., have filed applications requesting approval to assign to FCI 900 certain 900 MHz SMR licenses currently held by FleetTalk. Comments/Petitions due: June 22; responses/oppositions due: July 3. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or John Branscome at (202) 418-7240.

PN 5/23/00; DA 00-1138

Primeco PCS, LP and Virginia RSA 6 cellular limited partnership seek the FCC consent for assignment or transfer of control of wireless licenses to comply with spectrum cap rules and Department of Justice Consent Decree regarding pending applications of Bell Atlantic, GTE and Vodafone AirTouch.

On May 19, 2000, Richmond 20 MHz, LLC, a subsidiary of Prime Co. PCs, L.P., and Virginia RSA 6 Cellular Limited Partnership filed applications seeking Commission approval to exchange certain cellular, microwave, and PCS licenses, under Section 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 310(d). Petitions/Comments due: June 22; Oppositions/Responses due: June 29. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or Michael Samsock at (202) 418-7240 (Parts 22 or 24); Monica Desai at (202) 418-0680 (Part 101).

CC 96-61; Order 5/26/00 (adopted 5/25/00); DA 00-1180

Petition for forbearance from enforcement of Section 254 (G) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Granted forbearance in the absence of a Commission denial of the requests for failure to meet the statutory standards for forbearance. Extended date to August 24, 2000.

PN 5/26/00; DA 00-1171

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on Association of American Railroads petition for modification of licenses for use in advanced train control systems and positive train control systems.

On March 24, 2000, the Association of American Railroads, an association representing the U.S. railroad industry and licensee of 1,069 land mobile base stations used for Positive Train Control, petitioned the Commission to modify the licenses for those stations into a single geographic license whose total area would be defined as a 70-mile zone on either side of the rights-of-way of all operating rail lines in the United States. Comments due: June 26; replies due: July 11. Contact: Keith Fickner at (202) 418-7308.

PN 5/26/00; DA 00-1172

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on informal request of United Telecom Council for certification to provide frequency coordination for 800 MHZ and 900 MHZ Private Land Mobile Radio Service frequencies.

On March 6, 2000, the United Telecom Council filed an informal request for frequency coordination certification in the 800 MHz and 900 MHz Private Land Mobile Radio Service Industrial/Land Transportation and Business Category Frequencies. Comments due: June 26; replies due: July 12. Contact: Catherine Fox at (202) 418-0680.

PN 5/31/00; DA 00-1189

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on application of interactive wireless access, Inc., for temporary use of 218-219 MHZ service frequencies in Norwalk, Connecticut.

On April 6, 2000, Interactive Wireless Access, Inc. applied for temporary use of frequency block "A" of the 218-219 MHz Service in the Norwalk, Connecticut, market to operate a private radio system using automated utility meter reading technology. Comments due June 30; replies due July 17. Contact: Jamison Prime at (202) 418-0680.

PN 5/30/00; DA00-1193

Bell Atlantic, GTE, and Vodafone file amendments to trust applications to name trustee.

Comments or Petitions to Deny due: June 12; replies and Oppositions due: June 22. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or Michael Samsock at (202) 418-7240 (Parts 22 or 24) and Monica DeSai at (202) 418-0680.