1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
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Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
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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).
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.
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU
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.
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: December 3, 1998*; 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 98-166; Order 11/16/98 (adopted 11/16/98); DA 98-2329
Prescribing the Authorized Unitary Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange Carriers
Granted, to the extent indicated and otherwise denied, the United States Telephone Association's, National Telephone Cooperative Association's, National Rural Telecom Association's, Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telephone Companies', Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance's and National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.'s request for extension of time within which to file responses to the Commission's Notice Initiating a Prescription Proceeding and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding. For the Prescription Proceeding, direct cases due on January 9, 1999; responses due March 16, 1999; rebuttals due April 8, 1999. For the NPRM, comments due January 19, 1999 and reply comments due March 16, 1999.
CC 98-195; NPRM 11/17/98 (adopted 11/3/98); FCC 98-294
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Repeal of Part 62 of the Commission's Rules
Proposed repealing rules governing interlocking directorates. Comments due December 14*; replies January 4, 1999.
CC 98-177; NPRM 11/24/98 (adopted 9/23/98) FCC 98-238
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Petition for Section 11 Biennial Review Filed by SBC Communications, Inc., Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Pacific Bell and Nevada Bell
The Commission is seeking comment on several proposals submitted by SBC Communications, Inc. in its recently filed Petition for Section 11 Biennial Review. Comments due 30 days after Federal Register publication; replies due 45 days after Federal Register Publication.
PN 11/25/98; DA 98-2384
Bell Atlantic Files Revisions to Its Cost Allocation Manual - Public Comment Invited
On November 13, Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies filed proposed revisions to their Cost Allocation Manual for separation of regulated and nonregulated costs. Comments due December 28; replies January 12. Contact: Alicia Dunnigan at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 11/25/98; DA 98-2387
U S WEST Files Petition for Waiver of the Commission's Affiliate Transactions Rules - Public Comment Invited
On November 16, U S WEST filed a petition for waiver of Section 32.27(c) of the Commission's rules re: affiliate transactions. Comments due December 28; replies January 12, 1999. Contact: Alicia Dunnigan at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 96-45; PN 11/25/98; DA 98-2410
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Universal Service Joint Board's Second Recommended Decision - CC Docket No. 96-45
On November 23, 1998, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service adopted the Second Recommended Decision providing the Commission with recommendations regarding high cost universal service support mechanisms for non-rural carriers. The Common Carrier Bureau seeks comment on the Joint Board's recommendations. Comments due December 23*; replies January 13, 1999. Contact: Chuck Keller, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 98-79; PN 12/4/98; DA 98-2502
Pleading Cycle Established for Petitions of MCI/WorldCom and National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC) for Reconsideration of GTE DSL Order - CC Docket No. 98-79
On November 30, 1998, NARUC filed a petition requesting that the Commission clarify and/or reconsider several aspects of the GTE DSL Order. MCI/WorldCom also filed a petition for reconsideration of the GTE DSL Order on November 30. Comments to the petition due January 5, 1999; replies January 19, 1999. Contact: Harold Watson or Dana Bradford at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 98-221; PN 12/8/98; DA 98-2510
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Idaho Public Utilities Commission Petition for Rulemaking Pursuant to Section 251(h)(2) of the Communications Act - CC Docket No. 98-221
On November 23, 1998, the Idaho Public Utilities Commission filed a petition pursuant to section 251(h)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, requesting the Commission to provide for the treatment of CTC Telecom, Inc., an LEC planning to offer telephone exchange service in Idaho, as an incumbent LEC for purposes of Section 251 of the
Act. Comments to this petition due January 11, 1999; replies January 26. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy and Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1580.
CC 98-227; PN 12/8/98; DA 98-2509
Petition of SBC Communications, Inc. for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier for High Capacity Dedicated Transport Services in Fourteen Metropolitan Service Areas - CC Docket No. 98-227 -Pleading Cycle Established
On December 7, 1998, SBC Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating SBC as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity dedicated transport services in fourteen metropolitan service areas. Comments due January 21, 1999; replies February 11, 1999. Contact: Harold Watson or Joel Taubenblatt at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 12/11/98; DA 98-2530
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell and SWBT CEI plan for Voice Store and Forward Services
Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell, and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (SWBT) filed an amendment seeking approval to add SWBT to Pacific Bell's and Nevada Bell's previously approved Comparably Efficient Interconnection (CEI) plan to offer voice store and forward (VS and F) services. SWBT also requests a waiver of the Federal tariffing requirement for certain state tariffed services. Comments to this plan amendment and petition for waiver due January 8; replies due January 25.
PN 12/11/98; DA 98-2503
Northern Telecom Files Petition for Waiver, Public Comment Invited
On October 30, 1998, Northern Telecom, Inc. filed a Petition for Waiver of section 68.308(e)(1) of the Commission's rules so that it may register its 1-Meg Modem product under Part 68.200 of the Commission's rules. The Commission seeks comment on this Petition for Waiver. Comments due January 10; replies January 24. Contact: Vincent M. Paladini, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 92-105; PN 12/14/98; DA 98-2541
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on North American Numbering Council Recommendation Concerning Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements - CC Docket 92-105
On September 29, 1998, the Chief, Common Carrier Bureau, received a report from the North American Numbering Council on abbreviated dialing arrangements (NANC Report). The Commission is seeking comment on the complete NANC Report. Comments due January 13; replies January 27. Contact: Helene Nankin or David Ward, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320. TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 96-45; PN 12/17/98; DA 98-2556
Pleading Cycle Established for a Request by J.B.N. Telephone Company, Inc. to Eliminate or Increase Company-Specific Cap Upon Universal Service Fund Assistance - CC Docket No. 96-45
On December 4, 1998, J.B.N. Telephone Company, Inc. filed a Request to Eliminate or Increase Company-Specific Cap Upon Universal Service Fund. J.B.N. requests that the Common Carrier Bureau eliminate, or in the alternative, increase the cap that will significantly curtail the 1999 Universal Service Fund assistance for the thirteen rural exchanges which it owned and operated prior tot he imposition of the cap. Comments due January 7, 1999; replies January 21. Contact: Sumita Mukhoty, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 98-239; PN 12/21/98; DA 98-2584
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on American Samoa License, Inc. Petition for Assumption of State Commission Jurisdiction Under Section 252(e)(5) of the Communications Act - CC Docket No. 98-239
On December 14, 1998, American Samoa License, Inc. (ASLI) filed a petition pursuant to section 252(e)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934 requesting that the Commission assume preemptive jurisdiction over regulatory matters entrusted by section 252(b) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, to the State commission of the Territory of American Samoa. ASLI states that no State commission exists in American Samoa to discharge the functions contemplated by the 1996 Telecommunications Act. Comments due January 5, 1999; oppositions or responses due January 14. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy and Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1580.
CC 94-129; 2nd R&O and FNPRM 12/23/98 (adopted 12/17/98); FCC 98-334
Implementation of the Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996/Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of consumers' Long Distance Carriers
The Commission adopted new rules that will relieve consumers who have had their telephone service provider changed without their consent, a practice known as "slamming," from paying charges imposed by the unauthorized carrier for up to 30 days after being slammed. Comments Due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register; Reply Comments Due 45 days from publication in the Federal Register.
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
PN 10/23/98; Report SPB-139
International Bureau Information: Applications Accepted for Filing - Lockheed Martin Corporation, Regulus, LLC, Comsat Corporation, and Comsat Government Services, Inc. Seek FCC Consent for Transactions
The Commission is seeking comment on Lockheed Martin's and Regulus's application to acquire control of Comsat Government Services. Comments due November 23*; reply comments December 8*; replies December 18*. Contact: Alexandra Field, Satellite Policy Branch at (202) 418-2064.
Order 12/2/98 (adopted 12/3/98); DA 98-2371
Lockheed Martin Corporation/Regulus, LLC/Comsat Corporation
Granted Lockheed Martin Corporation's Motion For Extension of Time to file comments and reply comments in the referenced proceeding. Opposition comments due December 21*; reply comments due January 15, 1999.
IB 98-192; NPRM 10/28/98 (adopted 10/22/98); FCC 98-280
Direct Access to the Intelsat System
Requested comment on issues related to permitting direct access to the INTELSAT system in the United States, specifically on whether Level 3 direct access would introduce competition in non-competitive markets and enhance competition in markets where competition does not exist. Comments due December 18*; replies January 8, 1999.
Order 11/23/98 (adopted 11/20/98); DA 98-2371
Comsat Corporation
Granted Comsat Corporation's Request for Extension of Time to file comments to December 22, 1998*, and reply comments to January 29, 1999 in the Direct Access to the INTELSAT System.
IB 98-212; PN 11/27/98; DA 98-2412
AT&T Corp., VLT Co. L.L.C., Violet License Co. LLC and TNV [Bahamas] Seek FCC Consent for Grant of Section 214 Authority, Modification of Authorizations and Assignment of Licenses in Connection with Proposed Joint Venture Between AT&T and British Telecom
On November 10, 1998, AT&T Corp., VLT Co. L.L.C., Violet License Co. LLC and TNV [Bahamas] Limited filed applications under the Cable Landing License Act and SectionS 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended seeking various authorizations, modifications, and assignments in connection with the proposed creation of a global joint venture between AT&T and British Telecommunications PLC, to provide international voice, data and video communications services to customers throughout the world. Comments due January 11, 1999; replies due February 10, 1999. Contact: Sherille Ismail, Telecommunication Division at (202) 418-1470.
PN 12/3/98; Report No. SPB-143
Satellite Policy Branch Information Comment Requested on Additional Filing - TCI Satellite Entertainment, Inc.
On November 25, 1998, PRIMESTAR, Inc. filed a letter requesting expedited approval of a pending application seeking the transfer of control of TEMPO Satellite, Inc., a wholly-owned subsidiary of TCI Satellite Entertainment, Inc. from TSAT to PRIMESTAR. The Commission seeks comment on PRIMESTAR's letter. Comments due December 23*; replies January 8, 1999. Contact: Kathleen Campbell at (202) 418-0753 or Howard Griboff at (202) 418-0657.
MASS MEDIA BUREAU
MM 98-204, MM 96-16; NPRM 11/20/98 (adopted 11/19/1998); FCC 98-305
Broadcast and Cable Equal Employment Opportunity Rules and Policies and Termination of the EEO Streamlining Proceeding
Requested comment concerning a new broadcast equal employment opportunity rule and policies consistent with the D.C. Circuit's decision in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Snyod v. FCC. Comments due January 19, 1999; replies February 18, 1999.
MM 98-203; NPRM 11/23/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-304
Ancillary or Supplementary Use of Digital Television Capacity by Noncommercial Licensees
Sought Comment on whether to impose limits on remunerative activities undertaken by noncommercial educational television licensees on their DTV capacity. Comments Due: January 28, 1999, Reply Comments Due: March 1, 1999.
MM 95-31; Order 12/3/98 (adopted 12/3/98); DA 98-2489
Reexamination of the Comparative Standards for Noncommercial Educational Applicants
Extended to January 28, 1999, and March 15, 1999, the time for filing comments and replies, respectively re: the proceeding soliciting comment on proposed changes to the process used to select among competing applicants for noncommercial educational broadcast stations, on reserved and non-reserved channels.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU
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.
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.
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.
WT 96-86; Order 12/24/98 (adopted 12/23/98); DA 98-2588
The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency Communication Requirements Through the year 2010
Granted in part, and denied in part, Motion for Extension of Time for Filing Comments in Response to Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking filed by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council. Comments due by January 9, 1999. Reply comments due February 18, 1999.
WT 98-182, PR 92-235; NPRM 10/20/98 (adopted 9/30/98); FCC 98-251
As part of biennial review, proposed changes to Private Land Mobile Radio Services rules. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.
CC 97-213; FNPRM 11/5/98 (adopted 10/22/98); FCC 98-282
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act
Addressed alleged deficiencies in industry-developed technical requirements for wireline, cellular, and broadband PCS carriers to comply with the assistance capability requirements prescribed by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act of 1994 (CALEA). Analyzed those specific technical requirements in the industry's interim standard and concluded tentatively which of them are required by CALEA. Sought comment on a range of issues associated with the Commission's obligations under the Act and sought comment on what role, if any, the Commission can or should play in assisting telecommunications carriers other than wireline, cellular, and broadband PCS crriers to set standards for, or to achieve compliance with, CALEA's requirements. Comments due December 14*; replies January 13, 1999.
WT 98-205, WT 96-59, GN 93-252; NPRM 12/10/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-308
Commercial Mobile Radio Services (CMRS) Spectrum Cap
In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC undertakes a comprehensive review of the 45 MHz CMRS spectrum cap as part of the Biennial Review of the Commission's regulations. The FCC seeks comment on whether the Commission should repeal, modify or retain 45 MHz spectrum cap. In addition, the FCC seeks comment on a petition, submitted by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), to forbear from enforcement of the CMRS spectrum cap pursuant to section 10 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act). Comments Due: January 25, 1999; Reply Comments Due: February 10, 1999. Comments and Reply Comments to be filed in WT Docket 98-205.
WT 98-229; MO&O 12/15/98 (adopted 12/15/98); FCC 98-330
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association's Petition for Forbearance From Commercial Mobile Radio Services Number Portability Obligations
The Commission extended until March 16, 1999, the date on which the petition for forbearance filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association shall be granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under Section 10(a) of the Act.
WT 98-228; PN 12/17/98; DA 98-2537
Commission Opens Filing Window for Commercial Operator License Examination Managers - WT Docket No. 98-228
On January 14, 1993, the Commission privatized the administration of license examinations for Commercial Radio Operators and delegated authority to the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau to certify private entities to be Commercial Operator License Examination (COLE) managers. In its initial solicitation for COLE managers, the Commission stated that another filing window may be opened in the future if the Commission determined that additional COLE managers would be beneficial. The Commission announces a filing window for requests from additional entities interested in being certified as a COLE manager. Requests should be received between January 25 and February 22, 1999. Contact: Joy Afford, Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0694.
PN 12/23/98; DA 98-2585
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on a Request for Modification of a Nationwide Narrowband PCS License Filed by SkyTel Communications, Inc.
On December 14, 1998, SkyTel Communications, Inc. on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Destineer Corp. requests modification of narrowband PCS license KNKV208 to remove the 930.5-930.55 MHz band and add 940.75-940.8 MHz band. Comments due January 22, 1999; replies February 8. Contact: Todd Slamowitz at (202) 418-7240.
PN 12/24/98; DA 98-2578; Report WT 98-45
Wireless Telecom Action - Public Safety National Plan Region 54 (Chicago) Announces an Application Filing window for the 821-824/866-869 MHz Bands
Region 54 announces a filing Window for submittal of radio channel allotment requests and license applications for radio frequencies in the 821-824/866-869 MHz band. Applications accepted through 2:00 p.m. C.S.T. on March 15, 1999. Contact: Mike Donatelli, Region 54 Secretary at (312) 746-9249.
CC 94-102; PN 12/24/98; DA 98-2631
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Outlines Guidelines for Wireless E911 Rule Waivers for Handset-Based Approaches to Phase II Automatic Location Identification Requirements - CC Docket No. 94-102
Waiver requests should be filed by February 4, 1999; replies February 22. Contact: Won Kim or Dan Grosh, Policy Division, at (202) 418-1310.
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 98-197; NPRM 11/6/98 (adopted 10/28/98); FCC 98-289
Amendment of Parts 2 and 87 of the Commission's Rules Regarding the Radionavigation Service at 31.8-32.3 GHz
The Commission proposed to amend Parts 2 and 87 of the Commission's Rules in order to delete the unused non-Government radionavigation service allocation at 31.8-32.3 GHz and to also remove this frequency segment from the list of available frequencies set forth in the rules for the Aviation Services. Comments due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 45 days from publication in the Federal Register.
ET 98-206; NPRM 11/24/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-310
Parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's Rules
Proposed to permit non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO )fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in certain segments of the Ku-band and proposed policies to govern such operations. Also proposed or sought comment on, technical criteria to ensure that such NGSO FSS operations do not cause unacceptable interference to existing users or do not unduly constrain future growth of incumbent services. Comments Due: February 16, 1999; Reply Comments Due: March 15, 1999.
ET 95-18; MO&O/3rd NPRM/Order 11/25/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-309
Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2GHz for Use by the Mobile-Satellite Service
Disposed of two petitions for reconsideration and one petition for clarification of the First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, affirming the FCC's allocation of the 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2200 MHz bands to the Mobile-Satellite Service. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
OFFICE OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR
MD 98-200; NOI 12/4/98 (adopted 11/10/98); FCC 98-298
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 1999
The Commission began a rulemaking proceeding seeking comments and suggestions for revising its Schedule of Regulatory Fees in order to recover the amount of regulatory fees that Congress requires it to collect for Fiscal Year 1999. OMD Contact: Fee Hotline at (202) 418-0192.