NEWS
	Federal Communications Commission 1919 - M Street, N.W. Washington, D.C. 20554	News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov
	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).
	October 9, 1998
	OPEN PROCEEDINGS
	The following is a listing of current FCC Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) and Notices of Inquiry (NOIs) open for public comment, except routine petitions to amend the Table of Allotments. This listing also includes pertinent Public Notices (PNs) announcing comment subjects and dates. For additional information, contact Martha Contee, Public Service Division at (202) 418-0260, TTY (202) 418-2555, email mcontee@fcc.gov. 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

CS 98-120; NPRM 7/9/98 (adopted 7/9/98); FCC 98-153

Carriage of the Transmissions of Digital Television Broadcast Stations - Amendments to Part 76 of the Commission's Rules

The Commission is seeking comments on changes to the broadcast signal carriage rules and other cable television rules, to accommodate digital television transmissions. Comments due September 17, 1998*; reply comments due October 30, 1998.

CS 98-120; Order 8/27/98 (adopted 8/27/98); DA 98-1719

DTV Must Carry Proceedings

Granted, in part the Association of Local Television Stations' Motion for Extension of Time in CS Docket No. 98-120. Comments due October 13; reply comments due November 24.

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

CC 98-131; NPRM 7/24/98 (adopted 7/15/98); FCC 98-164

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Part 61 of the Commission's Rules and Related Tariffing Requirements

Issued Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the 1998 Biennial Review part 61 of the Commission's Rules and Related Tariffing Requirements. Comments due 30 days after

publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

CC 98-141; PN 7/30/98; DA 98-1492

SBC Communications, Inc. and Ameritech Corporation Seek FCC Consent for a Proposed Transfer of Control and Commission Seeks Comment on Proposed Protective Order Filed by SBC and Ameritech

On July 24, 1998, SBC Communications, Inc. and Ameritech Corporation filed joint applications under Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commission approval of the transfer of control to SBC of licenses and authorizations controlled or requested by Ameritech or its affiliates or subsidiaries. This transfer of control would take place as the result of a proposed merger of SBC and Ameritech. Comments due September 15, 1998*; oppositions or responses due October 15, 1998. Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Lisa Choi or Bill Dever, Policy and Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1580.

CC 98-141; Order 9/1/98 (adopted 9/1/98); DA 98-1765

Ameritech Corp., Transferor and SBC Communications, Inc., Transferee

Granted extension of time to file petitions/comments and oppositions/responses in this proceeding. Comments due October 15; replies November 16.

CC 98-147, CC 98-11, CC 98-26, CC 98-32, CC 98-78, CC 98-91; MO&O and NPRM 8/7/98; FCC 98-188

Deployment of Wireline Services Offering Advanced Telecommunications Capability

The Commission took steps to implement Congress' framework with respect to encouraging the rapid deployment of new telecommunications technologies - advanced services. Comments due September 21, 1998*; replies due October 13, 1998.

CC 98-146, CC 98-147; PN 8/12/98; FCC 98-187, FCC 98-188; DA 98-1624

Common Carrier Bureau Establishes Revised Pleading Cycle for Comments in Section 706 Notice of Inquiry, FCC 98-187, and Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 98-188 - CC Docket Nos. 98-146 and 98-147

Extended comment period in NOI (CC Docket No. 98-146) pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due September 14, 1998; reply comments due October 8, 1998. Extended comment period in MO&O and NPRM (CC Docket No. 98-147) regarding six petitions of relief. Comments due September 25, 1998*; reply comments due

October 16, 1998. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy and Program Planning at (202) 418-1580.

PN 8/26/98; DA 98-1694

Puerto Rico Telephone and Southwestern Bell File Revisions to their Cost Allocation Manuals - Public Comment Invited

The Commission is seeking comments on Puerto Rico Telephone Company's and SBC Telecommunications for Pacific Bell's updates to their cost allocation manuals. Comments due September 25*; replies due October 9. Contact: Colleen Nibbe at (202) 418-0810.

CC 98-157; PN 8/28/98; DA 98-1712

Petition of U S West Communications, Inc. for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier in the Phoenix, Arizona, MSA - CC Docket No. 98-157 - Pleading Cycle Established

On March 5, 1998, US West Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating U S West as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity services in the Phoenix, Arizona Metropolitan Statistical Area, pursuant to Section 10 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due October 7, 1998*; replies due October 28, 1998. Contact: Harold Watson, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1530.

PN 9/1/98; DA 98-1738

GTE Service Corporation Petitions for Establishment of New Rate Elements to Offer SONET-Based Switched Transport Services - Pleading Cycle Established

On July 17, 1998, GTE Service Corporation, on behalf of GTE Telephone Operating Companies and the GTE System Telephone Companies, filed a petition to provide additional SONET-based switched access services, or, in the alternative, petition for expedited waiver of Part 69 of the Commission's Rules to provide additional SONET-based switched access services. GTE requests authority to establish two new rate elements. The Commission is seeking comments on GTE's request. Comments due October 1, 1998*; replies October 16, 1998. Contact: Harold Watson, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1530.

PN 9/11/98; DA 98-1815

National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. Files Revisions to Its Cost Accounting and Procedures Manual - Public Comment Invited

On September 4, 1998, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. filed updates to its cost accounting and procedures manual. Comments due October 13; replies October 27. Contact: Debbie Weber at (202) 418-0812.

PN 9/15; DA 98-1866

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Petition of the New England Public Communications Council, Inc., Requesting Preemption of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Order Banning Charges by Payphone Service Providers for Directory Assistance

On June 16, 1998, the New England Public Communications Council, Inc., petitioned the Commission to declare that the continued prohibition imposed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against payphone service providers charging for intrastate directory assistance calls is preempted and without effect pursuant to Section 276 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Comments to this petition due October 15; replies October 30. (DA No.

98-1866). Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2499; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 98-170; NPRM 9/17/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-232

Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format

The Commission proposed to make telephone bills more consumer-friendly by providing customers with information they need to make informed choices in a competitive telecommunications marketplace. Comments due: 30 days from Federal Register publication; reply comments Due: 45 days from Federal Register publication.

CC 96-45; PN 9/17/98; DA 98-1872

RealWorld Advanced Technology Request for Waiver - Pleading Cycle Established - CC Docket No. 96-45

In the May 8, 1997 Universal Service Report and Order, the Commission directed all interstate telecommunications carriers, payphone providers,a nd others which provide interstate telecommunications service for a fee to contribute to the Universal Service Funds. Carriers that provide only international telecommunications service are not required to contribute to the universal service support mechanisms. RealWorld Advanced Technology, Inc., a reseller of international telecommunications service, is seeking a waiver of the Commission's Rules in order to contribute directly to the Universal Service Fund, based only on the revenue from calls terminating in the United States. Comments to RealWorld's Request for Waiver due October 2*; replies October 13. Contact: Sheryl Todd or Linda P. Armstrong, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 96-45; PN 9/18/98; DA 98-1871

Network Operator Services, Inc. Petition for Waiver of Universal Service Contribution or Reconsideration - Pleading Cycle Established - CC Docket No. 96-45

In the May 8, 1997, Universal Service Order, the Commission directed all interstate telecommunications carriers, payphone providers, and others which provide interstate telecommunications service for a fee to contribute to the Universal Service Funds. Contributions must be based in part on contributors' end-user telecommunications revenues from the previous year. Network Operator Services, Inc. has filed a petition requesting authority to calculate its contribution on the basis of its current revenues, or, in the alternative, for reconsideration of the requirement to use prior year revenues to calculate the contribution amount. Comments due October 2*; replies October 13. Contact: Sheryl Todd or Linda P. Armstrong, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 9/23/98; DA 98-1937

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Pacific Bell, and Nevada Bell's Petition for Expedited Declaratory Ruling on Interstate Intralata Toll Dialing Parity, or in the Alternative, Various Other Relief - Pleading Cycle Established

On September 18, 1998,Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Pacific Bell, and Nevada Bell (SBC LECs) filed a petition requesting a declaratory ruling that there is no current obligation to implement interstate intraLATA toll dialing parity for interstate intraLATA toll calls on February 8, 1999. In the alternative, the SBC LECs request that the Commission waive or suspend the application of its interstate intraLATA toll dialing parity rules for the SBC LECs until the conclusion of the Supreme Court's consideration of California v. FCC. Comments due October 7*; replies October 14. Contact: Gregory Cooke, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 96-115; Order 9/24/98 (adopted 9/23/98); FCC 98-239

Implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other Customer Information

Extended the deadline by which all telecommunications carriers must implement effective electronic safeguards to protect against unauthorized access to customer proprietary network information (CPNI). Deadline is now six months after the release date of the Commission's Order on reconsideration addressing CPNI issues in CC Docket No. 96-115.

PN 9/25/98

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Sprint Corporation's Petition for Declaratory Ruling Relating to Eligibility for Payphone Compensation

On August 21, 1998, Sprint Corporation filed a petition seeking a declaratory ruling that a payphone service provider is not eligible for compensation from carriers for access code and subscriber 800 calls if it engages in any of three listed practices from any of its payphones. Comments due October 26; replies November 16. Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2499; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 9/25/98; DA 98-1958

Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies File Revisions to Its Cost Allocation Manual - Public Comment Invited

On September 14, 1998, the Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies filed revisions to its cost allocation manual (CAM). The revisions reflect changes to its nonregulated activities and affiliate transactions. Comments due October 16; replies November 2. Contact: Debbie Weber at(202) 418-0812; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 98-171; NPRM and NOI 9/25/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-233

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Streamlined Contributor Reporting Requirements Associated with Administration of Telecommunications Relay Services, North American Numbering Plan, Local Number Portability, and Universal Service Support Mechanisms

Proposed to simplify the Commission's filing requirements so that a single worksheet will replace several different forms currently filed with similar information. Comments Due: October 30, 1998; Reply Comments Due: November 16, 1998.

PN 9/29/98; DA 98-1964

United States Telephone Association Files Petition for Forbearance From Depreciation Regulation of Price Cap Local Exchange Carriers ASD 98-91

On September 21, 1998, the United States Telephone Association filed a petition requesting that the FCC forbear from regulating the depreciation and amortization practices of local exchange carriers subject to price caps regulation. Comments due October 28; replies November 12. Contact: Andrew Mulitz, Chief, Legal Branch, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-0850; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 10/2/98

Request by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service

Southwestern Bell Telephone Company filed six petitions requesting limited modification of local access transport area boundaries to provide expanded local calling service in Texas. comments due October 16; replies October 23. Contact: Alan thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338.

CC 98-166; Notice and NPRM 10/5/98 (adopted 9/8/98); FCC 98-222

Prescribing the Authorized Unitary Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange Carriers

Initiated a proceeding to represcribe the authorized rate of return for interstate access services provided by ILECs. Direct Case Submission Due: 12/3/98; Responsive Submission Due: February 1, 1999; Rebuttal Submission Date: February 22, 1999; NPRM Comments Due: December 3, 1998; NPRM Reply Comments Due: February 1, 1999.

CC 96-45; PN 10/5/98; DA 98-1999

Pacific Bell Files Petition for Expedited Waiver of Sequence in Which State and Federal Universal Service Discounts for Schools and Libraries are to be Applied - Pleading Cycle Established

On September 18, 1998, Pacific Bell filed a Petition for Expedited Waiver of the sequence in which state and federal discounts are to be applied on certain telecommunications services eligible for universal service discounts under the federal support mechanism and a California counterpart. Comments due October 26; replies due November 5. Contact: Antoinette Stevens, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400.

CC 96-262, CC 94-1, CC 97-250; PN 10/5/98; FCC 98-256

Commission Asks Parties to Update and Refresh Record for Access Charge Reform and Seeks Comment on Proposals for Access Charge Reform Pricing Flexibility

Commission invited parties, many of whom have filed petitions proposing significant changes to the Access Charge Reform Order (CC 96-262 et al) and the Price Cap Fourth Report and Order (CC 96-262) or who have made ex parte presentations to propose ideas not presented in comments or who may have had the opportunity to observe changes in the level of competition in the marketplace, to update and refresh the record on specific issues in these two proceedings to reflect all these developments. Comments due October 26; replies November 9. Contact: Tamara Preiss at(202) 418-1505 or Harold Watson at 9202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU

IB 98-148, CC 90-337; NPRM 8/6/98 (adopted 8/6/98); FCC 98-190

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Reform of the International Settlements Policy and Associated Filing Requirements

Proposed rules to reform the international settlement policy to promote greater competition and lower international calling prices. The Commission proposed to lift regulations under the existing policy that restricts the kinds of arrangements U.S. carriers may enter into with foreign telecommunications carriers in World Trade Organization Member countries. Comments due September 16, 1998*; replies due October 16, 1998.

IB 98-172; NPRM 9/18/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-235

Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Band Among the Various Allocated Services

Proposed to redesignate the 17.7-19.7 GHz band among the various allocated services in order to make more efficient and better use of this portion of the spectrum. Comments due November 5; replies December 7.

Order 9/28/98 (adopted 9/25;98); DA 98-1951

Satellite Radio Applications for Earth Stations to Operate with INTELSAT Satellites Transferring to New Skies N.V.

Extended the time to file reply comments in the Satellite Radio Applications for Earth Stations to Operate With INTELSAT Satellites Transferring to New Skies Satellites, N.V. proceeding from October 5, 1998 until October 13, 1998.

IB 97-95 (RM 881); PN 10/1/98; Report No. IN 98-53

Comment Sought on NTIA Position on Proposed Rules to Permit Use of Frequencies Above 40 GHz for New Radio Applications

The Commission proposes to adopt a new frequency allocation plan for the 36.0-51.4 GHz band. By letter dated September 24, 1998, the National Telecommunications and Information Administration outlined its position with respect to the future uses for the 42.5-43.5 GHz and 47.2-48.2 GHz segments of that band, suggesting the first should be reallocated for exclusive government use and the second should be reallocated for exclusive non-government use. Comments due October 16. Contact: Charles Breig at (202) 418-2156.

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

MM 98-93; Erratum 6/22/98

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Streamlining of Radio Technical Rules in Parts 73 and 74 of the Commission's Rules

Erratum to NPRM released June 15 (FCC 98-117). Comments due August 21, 1998*; reply comments due September 21, 1998*.

MM 98-93; MO&O 7/23/98; DA 98-1468

Extended comment deadline to October 20, 1998; reply comment deadline to

November 20, 1998.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

WT 98-136, ET 94-124; MO&O/NPRM 7/29/98 (adopted 6/30/98); FCC 98-142

Rules Promoting Commercial Use of 47 GHz Band

Adopted rules regarding the use of the 47.2-48.2 GHz frequency band (47 GHz band), upholding conclusions the Commission reached in the Second Report and Order in this proceeding. Sought comment on various proposals regarding the 47 GHz band including licensing and operating rules, auctioning, and suggestions for structuring rules to take into account the Government and non-Government allocation of the band. Comments due September 21, 1998*; replies due October 13, 1998.

PN 8/10/98; DA 98-1578; Report No. LB 98-58

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Commercial Wireless Division - Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings LLC Seek FCC Consent for Transfer of Control - Pleading Cycle Established

The Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings (Puerto Rico) LLC have filed applications under section 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commissio napproval of the transfer of control to GTE Holdings of licenses and authorizations controlled or requested by PRTC, a sholly-owned subsidiary of the Puerto Rico Telephone Authority (PRTA). The Commission is seeking comments on these applications for transfer of control. Comments due September 17, 1998*; replies due September 30, 1998*. Contacts: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division, WTB (Parts 22 and 24) at (202) 418-7240; Steve Buenzow, Private Wireless Division, WTB (Parts 90 and 101) at (717) 338-2657; Jeanette Spriggs, IB (Part 25) at (202) 418-1468.

PN 9/10/98; DA 98-1803

Revised Comment Cycle for Applications filed by Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings (Puerto Rico) for Consent for Transfer of Control of Puerto Rico Telephone Company

Amended August 7, 1998, Public Notice issued by WTB (DA 98-1578) announcing Puerto Rico Telephone Company's and GTE Holdings applications seeking consent for GTE acquisition of PRTC, to include the application of PRTC and GTE under section 214 of the Communications Act requesting the Commission approval of the transfer of control of GTE Holdings of the license and authorization of Cellulares Telefonica, Inc., a subsidiary of PRTC. Extended pleading cycle - comments due October 2*; replies October 13. Contact: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division (Part 22 and Part 24) at (202) 418-7240; Steven Buenzow, Private Wireless Division (Part 90 and Part 101) at (717) 338-2646; Jeanette Spriggs, International Bureau (Part 25) at (202) 418-0727; Troy Tanner (Section 214) at (202) 418-1468.

PN 10/1/98; DA 98-2000; Report No. LB-98-58-A

Revised Comment Cycle for Applications Filed by the Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings (Puerto Rico) for Consent to Transfer Control of the Puerto Rico Telephone Company

Revised the pleading cycle for applications filed by the Puerto Rico Telephone Company (PRTC) and GTE Holdings LLC for consent to transfer control of PRTC to GTE. Comments due October 9; replies October 20. Contact: Paul D'Ari or Jonathan Radin, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-0620.

WT 98-143; NPRM 8/10/98 (adopted 7/29/98); FCC 98-183

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Amendment of Part 97 of the Commission's Amateur Service Rules

Initiated a proceeding to examine FCC rules for the Amateur Radio Service in an effort to eliminate unnecessary and dupliative rules, as well as to streamline licensing processes. Comments due December 1, 1998; replies due January 15, 1999.

Gen 88-549; PN 8/28/98; Report WT 98-30

Comments Invited on North Central Texas (Region 40) Public Safety Plan Amendment (Gen Docket No. 88-549)

On June 22, 1989, the Commission accepted the Public Safety Plan for North Central Texas (Region 40) governing the use of the frequency assignments in the 821-824/866-869 bands. On July 17, 1997, Region 40 submitted a proposed amendment to its plan that would revise its current channel allotments. Comments due September 28*; replies due October 13. Contact: Joy Alford at (202) 418-0680.

PR 91-143; PN 8/28/87; Report WT 98-28

Comments Invited on Arizona (Region 3) Public Safety Plan Amendment (PR Docket No. 91-143)

On September 4, 1991, the Commission accepted the Public Safety Plan for Arizona (Region 3) governing the use of the frequency assignments in the 821-824/866-869 MHz bands. On June 12, 1998, Region 3 submitted a proposed amendment to its plan that would revise the current channel allotments. Comments due September 28*; reply comments due October 13. Contact: Joy Alford at (202) 418-0680

PN 8/28/98; DA 98-1715

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on United States Cellular Corporation Request for Waiver of Section 22.942 of the Commission's Rules

On May 11, 1998, United States Cellular Corporation filed a request for waiver of section 22.942 of the Commission's rules regarding the limitation on cellular licensees holding interests i the other channel block overlapping cellular geographic service area. Comments due September 28*; replies due October 13. Contact: David Krech, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.

CC 95-116; MO&O 9/1/98 (adopted 9/1/98); DA 98-1763

Telephone Number Portability

Granted a petition filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) requesting a nine-month stay of the requirement that all cellular, broadband personal communications service (PCS), and covered specialized mobile radio (SMR) carriers provide service provider number portability by June 30, 1999, while supporting nationwide roaming. The Bureau finds that extending the deadline from June 30, 1999 to March 31, 2000 is necessary to ensure the efficient development of wireless number portability.

GEN Docket No. 90-287; PN 9/15/98; DA 98-1777; Report No. WT 98-31

Comments Invited on Northern California Area (Region 6) Public Safety Plan Amendment (GEN Docket No. 90-287)

On November 20, 1990, the Commission adopted the Public Safety Plan for Northern California Region 6 governing the use of the frequency assignments in the 821-824/866-869 MHz bands. On March 6, 1998, the Northern California Region 6 Planning Update Committee submitted a proposed amendment to its Plan that would revise its current channel allotments. The Commission is soliciting comments from the public before taking action. Comments due October 1*; replies October 16. Contact: Joy Alford at (202) 418-0680.

WT 98-169; Order, MO&O, and NPRM 9/17/98 (adopted 9/15/98); FCC 98-228

Amendment of Part 95 of the Commission's Rules to Provide Regulatory Flexibility in the 218-219 MHz Service/Amendment of Part 95 of the Commission's Rules to Allow Interactive Video and Data Service Licenses to Provide Mobile Services

The Commission undertook a comprehensive examination of the Commission's regulations governing the licensing and use of frequencies in the 218-219 MHz band, allocated to the interactive Video and Data Services (IVDS) in the Personal Radio Services. Comments Due: October 30, 1998; Reply Comments Due: November 25, 1998. Comments to be filed in WT Docket No. 98-169 only.

WT 98-160; NPRM 9/18/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-217

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Amendment of Part ) of the Commission's Rules to Close the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Gettysburg Reference Facility

The Commission proposed to amend rules to eliminate the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Reference Room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Commission also proposed to update Section 0.453 of the Commission's Rules to accurately reflect the location and availability of license application information within the Wireless Bureau. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

CC 94-102; DA 9/22/98; DA 98-1936

Additional Comment Sought - Wireless 911 "Strongest Signal" Proposal Filed by Ad Hoc Alliance for Public Access to 911 - CC Docket No. 94-102

The Commission is seeking additional comment in the wireless Enhanced 911 rulemaking proceeding with respect to an ex parte presentation filed by Ad Hoc Alliance for Public Access to 911 on September 17, 1998. Separate letters addressing the Alliance ex parte filing were submitted to the commission by: the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc. and the National Association of State None-One-One Administrators (jointly), and the National Emergency Number Association. In its ex parte filing, the Ad Hoc Alliance presented an approach under which the Commission would require that, if the signal from the users provider is "inadequate" at the time a 911 call is placed through the use of an analog cellular handset, then the handset must have the capability to select automatically the strongest available compatible channel of communication for purposes of completing the 911 call. The Ad Hoc Alliance also provided an engineering report regarding the minimum level of signal strength at the cellular handset considered necessary for "good" communication. The Commission is seeking additional comment to assist the Commission in determining whether to adopt the approach presented by the Ad Hoc Alliance in its September 17 ex parte filing. Comments due October 7*; replies October 19. Contact: Won Kim, Policy Division at (202) 418-1310.

PN 9/28/98; DA 98-1970; Report LB-98-70

ALLTEL Corporation and Standard Group, Inc. Seek FCC Consent for Transfer of Control - Pleading Cycle Established

The ALLTEL Corporation and the Standard Group, Inc. have filed applications under Sections 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commission approval of the transfer of control to ALLTEL of various radio licenses held by subsidiaries of Standard. Comments due November 5; replies November 16. Contact: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams (Part 22 and 24) at (202) 418-7240; Steven Buenzow (Part 90 and 101) at (717) 338-2646; Troy Tanner, IB (Section 214) at (202) 418-1468.

WT 96-86; 1st R&O and 3rd NPRM 9/29/98 (adopted 8/6/98); FCC 98-191

The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency Communication Requirements Through the Year 2010 - Establishment of Rules and Requirements for Priority Access Service

The Commission is seeking comment on how to license the 8.8 MHz of spectrum designated as "reserve" in the First Report and Order. Specifically, the Commission is seeking comment on whether some or all of this spectrum should be licensed by means of the Regional Committee process, licensed directly to each state, or licensed pursuant to any alternative licensing process not expressly described herein. The Commission proposes technical criteria to protect satellite-based global navigation systems from harmful interference. The Commission also seeks comment on proposals to promote interoperability on public safety channels below 512 MHz and seeks comment concerning how the public safety community is addressing computer hardware and software adjustments needed to remedy the Year 2000 problem. Comments due 60 days after Federal Register publication; replies due 90 days after Federal Register Publication.

PN 9/30/98; DA 98-1985

FCC Seeks Comment on Technology for Communications International's Requests for Waiver to Permit Use of Marine Frequencies for Land-Based Services

On January 6, 1998, Technology for Communications International (TIC) filed a request of waiver of Sections 80.207 and 80.453 of the Commission's Rules to enable it to use maritime frequencies for both maritime communications service and service to fixed and mobile transceivers on land, on a secondary, non-interference basis, using 2K8D1D and 2K8F1D emission. The secondary service would be devoted to a tracking and messaging system for the commercial trucking industry. Comments due October 15; replies October 26. Contact: Michael J. Wilhelm, Policy and rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0870.

PN 10/7/98; DA 98-2017

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Western PCS II License Corporation Request for Waiver of Section 20.6 of the Commission's Rules

On July 11, 997, Western PCS II License Corporation filed a request for waiver of section 20.6 of the Commission's rules seeking permanent waiver of the 45 MHz spectrum cap because it holds the Block B broadband PCS license for the Denver MTA and various cellular markets within the Denver MTA. On September 8, 1998, Western PCS filed an amendment to add Colorado Rural Service Area 4 to the list of its cellular holdings in the Denver MTA. comments due November 6; replies November 23. Contact: Jonathan Radin or David Krech, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

98-153; NOI 9/1/98 (adopted 8/20/98); FCC 98-208

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 radio systems on an unlicensed basis under part 15 of the Commission's rules. Comments due 75 days from publication in Federal Register; reply comments due 105 days from publication in Federal Register.

ET 98-156; NPRM 9/1/98 (adopted 8/21/98); FCC 98-209

Amendment of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules

Proposed to amend part 15 of the Commission's Rules to allow the operation of fixed point-to-point transmitters in the 24.05-24.25 GHz band at field strengths of up to 2500 m V/m. Comments due 75 days after publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 105 days after publication in the Federal Register.

ET 98-142; Order 10/5/98 (adopted 10/5/98); DA 98-2011

Amendment of Parts 2, 25 and 97 of the Commission's Rules with Regard to the Mobile-Satellite Service Above 1 GHZ

Extended time to file reply comments in above captioned proceeding until October 13, 1998.