1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
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).
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
PN 5/3; DA 99-822
CBS Corporation Requests Clarification of Commission's Closed Captioning Rules
The Commission received a Request for Clarification filed by CBS Corporation regarding closed captioning of program providers that used electronic newsroom (ENR) captioning during the first six months of 1997. Comments due June 2; reply comments due June 12. Contact: Imani K. Ellis-Cheek at (202) 418-1028, TTY: (202) 418-7172. News Media Contact: Morgan Broman (202) 418-2358.
PN 5/5; DA 99-839
Cable Services Action - Petitions Seeking Declaratory Rulings That Certain Restrictions of Homeowners Associations are Preempted by the Commission's Over-the-Air Reception Devices Rule
The Commission has received two Petitions for Declaratory Rulings, both asking the Commission to determine whether covenants restricting installation and placement of television antennas and satellite dishes are preempted by Section 1.4000 of the Commission's rules. One Petition involves the Meadow Community Service Association's covenants (The Meadow, New Market, MD) and the other involves the Crooked Creek Villages Homeowners' Association, Inc's covenants (Crooked Creek, Indianapolis, IN). Comments for both due June 4; replies June 21. Contact: Eloise Gore at (202) 418-1066; Roberto Rodas at (202) 418-1024. News Media Contact: Morgan Broman (202) 418-2358.
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU
Order 1/20/99 (adopted 1/19/99); DA 99-197
Petition for Forbearance of the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance
Extended by 90 days to May 18, the date by which a petition for forbearance requesting that the Commission forbear from applying nine regulations to mid-sized incumbent local exchange carriers serving fewer than two percent of the nation's access lines filed by the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under Section 10(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
BO Docket 99-11; PN 3/1/99; DA 99-430
Federal Communications Commission Will Hold a Series of Public Hearings on Telephone Service for Indians on Reservations; Set for March 23 in Chandler Arizona.
Comment period closes May 28, 1999. Contact: Eric Jensen at (202) 418-0990 or Belford Lawson at (202) 418-7264.
Order 3/5/99 (adopted 3/5/99); DA 99-463
Comsat Mobil Communications Request for Extension of Time for Filing Cost Allocation Manual Audit Report
Granted pursuant to Sections 0.91, 0291, and 1.46 of the Commission's Rules CMC's request for an extension of time until June 1, 1999, to file its independent cost allocation manual audit report.
CC 97-172; Order 3/8/99 (adopted 3/8/99); DA 99-468
Petition of US West Communications, Inc. for Forbearance
Extended to June 9, 1999, the date on which the petition seeking forbearance filed by US West shall be deemed granted in absence of a Commission denial of the peitition for failure to meet the statutory requirements for forbearance.
CC 96-45; PN 3/16/99; DA 99-459
Common Carrier Bureau Sends Updated Lists of Rural and Non-Rural Telephone Companies to the Universal Service Administrative Company and Changes 1999 Self-Certification Filing Deadline
On May 8, 1997, the Commission established in the Universal Service Order that rural and non-rural local exchange carriers (LECs) will receive federal universal service support determined by separate mechanisms. This PN revises the annual deadline for local exchange carriers to be classified as rural telephone companies to file letters certifying that they meet the statutory definition of rural telephone company. The new deadline for filing self-certification letters with the Commission is July 1 of each year. Contact: Adrian Wright, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400.
CC 99-35; Order 3/25 (adopted 3/25); DA 99-561
Long-Term Telephone Number Portability
Designated issues for investigation of U.S. West Transmittals 965 and 975. Comments due May 3*, rebuttals May 17.
CC 99-35; PN 4/12; DA 99-697
New Pleading Cycle Established in CC Docket No. 99-35 Time Extended for Filings
Involving Long-Term Number Portability Tariff Filings of U S WEST
Communications, Inc.
Extended pleading cycle in this proceeding: Direct cases due April 26*; Oppositions due
May 7*; Rebuttals due May 17. Contact: Josephine Simmons, Competitive Pricing
Division at (202) 418-1530.
PN 4/1/; DA 99-638
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Maine Public Utilities Commission's Petition for Additional Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures - Pleading Cycle Established
On September 28, 1998, the FCC released an order int he matter of a Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Request for Expedited Action on the July 15, 1997, Order of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Regarding Area Codes 412, 610, 215, and 717, and Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, MO&O and Order on Recon FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. This Order delegated additional authority to state public utility commissions to order NXX code rationing in jeopardy situations and encouraged state commissions to seek further limited delegations of authority to implement other innovative number conservation methods. On March 17, 1999, the Maine Public Utilities Commission filed a petition requesting that the FCC delegate to MPUC additional authority to implement various number conservation measures. Comments due May 3*; replies May 17. Contact: Al McCloud, network Services Division at (202) 418-2320.
PN 4/5; DA 99-657
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Homeowners Long Distance, Inc.'s Petition for A Declaratory ruling that WorldCom Cannot Limit Its Liability for Gross Negligence or Other Willful Misconduct Through Its Interstate Tariffs
On December 4, 1998, Home Owners Long Distance, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission issue a declaratory ruling that, under the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, Worldcom, Inc. cannot limit its liability for gross negligence or other willful misconduct through any provisions in its filed interstate tariff. Comments due May 5*; replies May 19. (DA No.99-657). Contact: Tonya Rutherford at (202) 418-0960.
CC- 99-117; NOI 4/7 (adopted 4/6); FCC 99-69
Accounting Practices of Certain Telephone Companies
Initiated a proceeding concerning certain accounting practices of seven telephone companies. The inquiry is based on audits of the companies' hard-wired central office equipment by the Common Carrier Bureau. The FCC is also seeking comments concerning issues arising out of these audit reports. Comments due June 7; replies July 7.
PN 4/13; DA 99-704
U S West Petitions to Establish Part 69 Rate Elements Offer Switched Access Transport In Conjunction with Managed Bandwidth SONET Service - Pleading Cycle Established
On April 7, 1999, U S West Communications, Inc. (U S West) filed an Expedited Petition to Establish Part 69 Rate Elements to Offer Switched Access Transport in Conjunction with Managed Bandwidth SONET Service. U S West requests authority to establish eight new rate elements to enable it to offer its customers the transport of switched access service using MBSS Synchronous Optical Network (SONET)- based services. Comments due May 13*; replies May 28. Contact: Renee Terry, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520.
PN 4/15; DA 99-725
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Florida Public Service Commission's Petition for Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures - Pleading Cycle Established
On April 2, 1999, the Florida Public Service commission filed a petition requesting that the Commission delegate to the FPSC authority to implement various number conservation measures. Comments due May 14; replies May 28. Contact: Alan McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 96-128; PN 4/15; DA 99-730
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the RBOC/GTE/SNET Payphone Coalition Petition for Clarification Regarding Carrier Responsibility for Payphone Compensation Payment - CC Docket No. 96-128 - Pleading Cycle Established
On February 26, 1999, the RBOC/GTE/SNET Payphone Coalition filed a petition requesting clarification, on a going-forward basis, which interexchange carrier is the party responsible for payment of per-call compensation when a "dial-around" or "subscriber" call is made from a payphone. The Commission seeks comment on issues raised in the Petitioners' request for clarification . Comments due May 17; replies June 1. Contact: Marty Schwimmer or Robin Smolen, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 4/16; DA 99-740; Minburn Telecommunications, Inc. Petitions for Waiver of Sections 61.41(c) and (d) of the Commission's Rules - Pleading Cycle Established
On April 8, 1999, Minburn Telecommunications, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission waive sections 61.41(c) and (d) of the Commission's rules. Minburn requests that the Commission waive these rules in order to allow Minburn to operate the Woodward, Iowa, telephone exchange as a cost carrier under rate of return regulation following Minburn's acquisition of the exchange from Frontier Communications-Schuyler, Inc., a carrier operating under price cap regulation. Comments due May 17; replies June 1. Contact: Rodney McDonald, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520.
CC 96-98, CC 95-185; 2nd FNPRM 4/16 (adopted 4/8); FCC 99-70
Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecommunications Act of 1996
The FCC, in a 2nd FNPRM, sought comment on what network elements incumbents must make available to new entrants in the local telecommunications market. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.
PN 4/19; DA 99-750
Bell Atlantic Files Revisions to Its Cost Allocation Manual - Public Comment Invited
On April 7, Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies filed revisions to its cost allocation manual. Comments due May 19; replies June 3. Contact: Debbie Weber at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484
CC 92-105; PN 4/20/99; DA 99-761
Petition by the United States Department of Transportation for Assignment of an Abbreviated Dialing Code (N11) To Access Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) Services Nationwide - CC Docket No. 92-105 - Pleading Cycle Established
On March 8, 1999, the United States Department of Transportation filed a Petition for assignment of a nationwide standard abbreviated dialing number (N11). Petitioner proposes that state and local governments use the abbreviated dialing number to deliver travel-related information to the public. Comments due July 20; replies August 20. Contact: Helene Schrier Nankin, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 4/29; DA 99-816
Bristol Bay Telephone Cooperative, Inc. Files Petition for Waiver of Section 36.621(a)(4) of the Commission's Rules
On April 14, Bristol Bay Telephone Cooperative, Inc., filed a petition for waiver of Section 36.621(a)(4) of the Commission's Rules. Section 36.621(a)(4) limits a company's corporate operation expense amounts. Comments due June 1; replies June 15. Contact: Brett Kissel, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-0391; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 99-142; PN 5/4; DA 99-836
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on KMC Telecom, Inc. Petition for Declaratory Ruling - CC Docket No. 99-142
On April 26, 1999, KMC Telecom, Inc. filed a petition for declaratory ruling requesting that the Commission: (1) declare unlawful termination penalties imposed by incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs); (2) prohibit enforcement of these ILEC termination penalties; and (3) require the removal of ILEC termination penalties from ILEC state tariffs until such time as customers have more genuine competitive choice than currently exists. Comments due June 3; oppositions or responses due June 18. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy and Program Planning Division at 9202) 418-1580.
CC 99-143; PN 5/6; DA 99-862
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on GTE Petition for Declaratory Ruling - CC Docket No. 99-143
On April 13, GTE Service Corporation filed a petition for declaratory ruling that requesting telecommunications carriers cannot use section 252(i) of the Communications Act to "opt into" provisions of interconnection agreements where the cost or rate element in a provision is no longer cost-based. Comments due May 17; oppositions or responses due May 26. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy an Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1580.
CC 96-128; PN 5/6; DA 99-841
The Common Carrier Bureau Asks Parties to update and Refresh Record for the Inmate Payphone Service Proceedings - Pleading Cycle Established - CC Docket No. 96-128
In a series of orders, the Commission has promulgated regulations to implement section 276 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 regarding the provision of payphone service. In this PN, the Commission invites parties to update their comments and refresh the record on the specific issues discussed in this PN in order to provide a full and up-to-date record of the inmate issues in this proceeding. Comments due June 21; replies July 21. Contacts: Lynne Milne or Renee Terry, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 99-154; PN 5/7; DA 99-884
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Global NAPs, Inc. Petition for Preemption of Jurisdiction of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities Pursuant to Section 252(e)(5) of the Communications Act - CC Docket No. 99-154
On May 5, Global NAPS, Inc. filed a petition pursuant to section 252(e)(5) of the Communications Act requesting the Commission preempt the jurisdiction of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities with respect to an arbitration proceeding involving Global NAPs and Bell Atlantic. Comments due May 24; replies June 3. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy and Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1580.
CC 98-170; First R&O and FNPRM 5/11 (adopted 4/15); FCC 99-72
Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format
Adopted truth-in-billing principles to ensure that consumers receive thorough, accurate and understandable bills from their telecommunications carriers. Adopted minimal, basic guidelines that explicate carriers' binding obligations pursuant to these broad principles. Comments concerning standardized labels for charges relating to federal regulatory action due 14 days from Federal Register publication. Replies due 21 days from Federal Register publication. Comments concerning applicability of truth-in-billing principles and guidelines to CMRS carriers due 30 days from Federal Register publication. Replies due 45 days from Federal Register publication.
PN 5/12
Comment Sought on the U S West, Toledo Telephone, and Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between Various Exchanges in Washington
On March 25, US West Communications, Inc., along with the Toledo Telephone Company and Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, filed a petition requesting modification of local access transport area (LATA) boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, flat-rated expanded local calling service (ELCS) between various Washington State US West exchanges and Toledo Telephone's Toledo, Oregon exchange. Comments due May 24; replies June 1. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338;
TTY: (202) 418-0484.
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
IB 99-67; NPRM 3/5/99 (adopted 2/25/99); FCC 99-37
Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 to Implement the global Mobile Personal Communications By Satellite Memorandum of Understanding and Arrangements
Proposed amending the Commission's Rules to facilitate the global transport of portable telecommunications terminals used in connection with satellite systems providing global data, voice, Internet and other broadband services. Comments due June 21; replies July 21.
IB 99-81; NPRM 3/25 (adopted 3/18); FCC 99-50
Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Mobile Satellite Service in the 2 GHz Band
Proposed initiating the process for licensing a new generation of innovative mobile satellite services. Comments due June 24, replies July 26.
Order 4/21 (adopted 4/21); DA 99-765
Skybridge L.L.C. et al
Extended deadlines for filing comments, petitions to deny and responsive pleadings with respect to applications to be considered in the non-geostationary fixed-satellite service Ku-band. Comments and/or petitions to deny due June 30; replies July 21; replies to opposition due August 2
Order 4/21 (adopted 4/21); DA 99-766
CAI Data Systems, Inc. et al
Extended deadlines for filing comments, petitions to deny and responsive pleadings with respect to applications to be considered in the second 28 GHz band processing round. Comments and/or petitions to deny due May 21; replies June 11; replies to opposition June 21.
MASS MEDIA BUREAU
MM 99-25; NPRM 2/3/99 (adopted 1/28/99); FCC 99-6
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service
Proposed to establish rules authorizing the operations of new, low power FM (LPFM) radio stations. Comments due April 12*; replies May 12.*
MM 99-25; Order 3/19/99 (adopted 3/19/99); DA 99-542
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service
Granted extension of the comment date to June 1, 1999, and reply comment date to July 1, 1999, in response to petitions filed by Lucent Digital Radio and by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, and a number of state broadcaster organizations.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU
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 99-87; NPRM 3/25 (adopted 3/19); FCC 99-52
Establishment of Public Service Radio Pool in the Private Mobile Frequencies Below 800 MHz
Proposed changes to the FCC's rules and policies to implement the revised auction authority. Comments due 60 days and replies 90 days after Federal Register publication.
CC 96-61; FNPRM 4/21 (adopted 3/8); FCC 99-43
Policy and Rules Concerning the Interstate Interexchange Marketplace
Seeking further comment on several issues regarding the application of rate integration to the interstate, interexchange services offered by commercial mobile radio service providers. comments due May 27; replies June 28.
PN 4/22; DA 99-780
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Paging Network, Inc.'s Request for Waiver of the Coverage Requirements for 900 MHz SMR Licensees
On February 24, Paging Network, Inc. filed a request for waiver of the Commission's coverage requirements for its Major Trading Area licenses in the 896-901/935-940 MHz band. Pageant, which acquired its MTA licenses at auction, is seeking to obtain additional time in which to construct its Specialized Mobile Radio systems. Comments due May 7*; replies May 17. Contact: Suzan Friedman at (202) 418-7240.
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
Order Granting Extension of Time 4/20 (adopted 4/20); DA 99-760
Amendment of the Commission's Rules to Update ISM Regulations and Promote Deployment of New, High Bandwidth Communications Devices
Granted The International Microwave Power Institute's motion for extension of time to extend the comment deadline in this proceeding. Comments now due May 19.
CC 97-213; PN 5/7; DA 99-863
Comment Sought on CALEA Revenue Estimates of Five Manufacturers (CC Docket No. 97-213)
OET is requesting comment on the aggregated revenue estimates for software and, in some cases, certain hardware, upgrades to switching equipment that five manufacturers plan to sell to wireline, cellular and broadband Personal Communications Services carriers to enable those carriers to meet the technical requirements of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. Comments due May 17; replies due May 27. Contact: Rodney Small at (202) 418-2452.
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.