445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
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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).
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) 418-0190, 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 6/8; DA 99-1104
Cable Services Action - Petition Seeking Declaratory Ruling That Internet Service Providers Are Entitled to Commercial Leased Access to Cable Facilities under Section 612 of the Communications Act of 1934, As Amended
The Commission received a Petition for Declaratory Ruling from Internet Ventures, Inc. and its subsidiary, Internet On-Ramp, Inc., asking the Commission to issue a ruling that Internet service providers are entitled to commercial leased access under Section 612 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Responses Due to Petition: July 13, 1999*, Replies to Petitions Due: July 28, 1999. Contact: Reference Information Center: (202) 418-7092.
CS 99-250; NPRM 7/14 (adopted 7/9); FCC 99-166
Optel, Inc.
The Commission is seeking comment on a proposal to amend the Commission's rules to allow private cable operators and other multichannel video programming distributors to use the frequencies in the 12 GHz band for the delivery of video programming. Comments due August 16; replies September 20.
MO&O 7/19 (adopted 7/15); DA 99-1392
Internet Ventures, Inc., Internet On-Ramp, Inc.
Granted Motion of Extension of Time filed by Internet Ventures, Inc and Internet On-Ramp, Inc. to file replies until August 11, 1999 on Petition for Declaratory Ruling regarding whether Internet Service Providers are Entitled to Leased Access to Cable Facilities under Section 612 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU
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.
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 96-128; PN 6/25; DA No. 99-1266
Competitive Pricing Division of the Common Carrier Bureau Extends Pleading Cycle of the Colorado Payphone Association Reconsideration Petition in CC Docket No. 96-128 - Pleading Cycle Established
In order to afford the parties adequate time to consider issues raised in the Colorado Payphone Association's Petition for Partial reconsideration and in its ex parte supplement, the deadline to file opposition comments is extended to July 7.* Time to file replies to any opposition is extended to July 26. Contact: Lynne Milne or Renee Terry, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520, TTY: (202) 418-0484.
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.
NPRM 6/2 (adopted 5/27); FCC 99-122
Numbering Resource Optimization
Proposed examining a variety of measures intended to increase the efficiency with which telecommunications carriers use telephone numbering resources. Comments due July 30; replies August 30.
Dkt No.: CC- 99-117; Order 6/2 (adopted 6/2); DA 99-1072
CCB's Continuing Property Records Audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies
Granted MCI Worldcom, Inc.'s request for a thirty-day extension of time to file comments and reply comments in the NOI seeking comment on ten issues arising out of the Common Carrier Bureau's continuing property records audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies. Comments now due July 7* and replies due August 6.
CC 99-117; Order 7/2 (adopted 7/2); DA 99-1321
Regional Bell Operating Companies
NOI seeking comment on ten issues arising out of the Common Carrier Bureau's continuing property records audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies. Extended time to file comments to September 13 and reply comments to October 13.
PN 6/23; DA 99-1196
Brazos Telecommunications Inc., Cap Rock Telephone Coop., Five Area Telephone Coop. Inc., and Santa Rosa Telephone Coop. Inc. file Application for Review of Petitions for Waiver of Section 36.611 of the Commission's Rules - Public Comment Invited
On May 7, the Common Carrier Bureau released an Order denying the Petitions for Waiver of Section 36.611 filed by the above-mentioned petitioners. On June 7, the Petitioners filed an Application for Review. Comments due July 23; replies August 6. Contact: Gary Seigel at 9202) 418-0879; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 6/23; DA 99-1232
Lucent Technologies, Inc., Files Petition for Waiver; Public Comment Invited
On May 18, Lucent Technologies, Inc. petitioned the Commission for a waiver of the volume control requirement contained in 47 C.F.R. Section 68.6 for its Explosive Atmosphere telephone. Comments due July 23; replies August 9. Contact: Susan Magnotti, Network Services Division at (202) 418-0871.
CC 96-45; PN 6/23; DA 99-1212
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Letter Filed by Department of Commerce Regarding Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism - CC Docket 96-45
On April 7, 1999, the National Telecommunications and Information administration, United States Department of Commerce, on behalf of the Clinton Administration, sent a letter to Chairman William E. Kennard regarding the schools and libraries universal service support mechanism. NTIA addressed the issue of whether universal service support provided to eligible schools and libraries for Internet access and internal connections be conditioned on the agreement by such schools and libraries to adopt a policy regarding Internet usage by children. The FCC seeks comment on whether the Commission should adopt this proposal. Contact:Elizabeth Falinoti, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400.
Order 6/29 (adopted 6/29); DA 99-1277
Federal- State Joint Board on Universal Service
Granted in part, denied in part the requests of the United States Telephone Assn. (USTA), Sprint Corporation, and the National Assn. of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC), for extensions of the comment date and the reply comment date for the universal service high-cost Methodology Order and Inputs. Revised Comment Date: July 23, 1999 Revised Reply Comment Date: August 6, 1999.
CC 99-200; PN 7/1; DA 99-1315
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on North American Numbering Council Recommendation Concerning Replacement of Central Office Code Utilization Survey - CC 99-200
On June 30, the Chief of the Common Carrier Bureau received a final report and recommendation from the North American Numbering Council on a plan to replace the Central Office Code Utilization Survey, the current tool for forecasting demand for central office codes. The FCC seeks comment on the NANC report and recommendation in connection with the FCC's recently initiated proceeding on numbering optimization, which raised a number of inquiries about number utilization and forecast reporting. Comments due July 30; replies August 30. Contact: Jeannie Grimes, Jared Carlson or Tejal Mehta, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2345. TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 7/7; DA 99-1331
Petition of Smith Bagley, Inc. for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier - Pleading Cycle Established
Petition seeking designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier for those parts of its service area in Arizona and New Mexico that encompass federally reserved Native American lands. Comment Date: July 27, 1999, Reply Comment Date: August 6, 1999 CCB Contact: Mark Nadel at (202) 418-7400.
PN 7/8; DA 99-1343
Southwestern Bell Files Revisions to its Cost Allocation Manual - Public Comment Invited
On March 29, SBC Telecommunications, Inc. filed revisions to Southwestern Bell Telephone Company's cost allocation manual. Comments due August 9; replies August 25. Contact: Debbie Weber at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 99-253; NPRM 7/14 (adopted 7/13); FCC 99-174
Comprehensive Review of the Accounting Requirements and ARMIS Reporting Requirements for Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers Phase 1
Adopted an NPRM in its Comprehensive Accounting and Reporting Review, which is a collaborative effort between the FCC and state commissions, which will lead to rule changes that will eliminate or streamline accounting and reporting requirements. Comments due August 23; replies September 9.
PN 7/14; DA 99-1380
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Texas Public Utility Commission Petition for Delegation of Additional Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures
The Public Utility Commission of Texas filed a petition requesting authority to implement various number conservation measures. Comments due August 16; replies August 30. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320.
Order 7/15 (adopted 7/15); DA 99-1378
MCI Telecommunications Corporation Vs. Pacific Bell
Granted Motion for a Ten (10) Day Extension of Filing Deadlines. MCI's Request for Damages and accompanying Interrogatories must be filed and served by July 23, 1999; PacBell's Opposition to MCI's Request for Damages, along with its Objections to MCI's Request for Interrogatories, must be filed and served by August 2, 1999, PacBell's must file and serve, by August 2, 1999, any Request for Interrogatories that it has for MCI; (4) MCI must file and serve, by August 9, 1999 any objections that it has to PacBell's Requests for Interrogatories; and the parties' in-person status conference is now scheduled to take place on August 12, 1999, at 3:00 p.m., E.S.T.
CC 96-45; PN 7/19; DA 99-1356
Western Wireless Corporation Petitions for Preemption of an Order of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission - Pleading Cycle Established - CC 96-45
On June 23, Western Wireless Corporation and its wholly-owned subsidiary, GCC License Corporation, filed a petition for preemption of an order of the South Dakota Public Utilities Commission which denied Western Wireless' request for designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier under section 214(e) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Comments due August 18; replies September 2. Contact: Richard D. Smith, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400.
CC 99-249; NOI 7/21 (adopted 7/8); FCC 99-168
Low-Volume Long-Distance Users
The Commission is seeking comment on the impact of certain flat-rated charges on single-line residential and business customers who make few, or no, interstate long-distance calls. Comments due September 20; replies October 20.
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
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 7/12 (adopted 7/9); DA 99-1358
The Boeing Company
Granted Motion for Extension of Time and the deadline for filing Opposition/Responses and Reply Comments in this proceeding is extended to August 4 and August 16, respectively.
IB 98-96; R&O/NPRM 7/13 (adopted 6/21); FCC 99-150
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of Accounts Settlement in the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services
Commission concluded that Commission shall cease operating as an accounting authority for settling accounts for maritime mobile, maritime satellite, aircraft and handheld terminal radio services. Will transition to full privatization of the account-settlement function and sought comment on a number of proposals regarding how best to implement this transition. Comments due August 23; replies September 8.
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.MM 99-25; Order 5/20 (adopted 5/20); FCC-112
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service
Granted 60-day extension of comment and reply comment periods in the FCC's pending low power radio rulemaking proceeding. Comments due August 2; replies September 1.
MM 93-177; NPRM 6/11 (adopted 5/28); FCC 99-126
An Inquiry Into the Commission's Policies and Rules Regarding AM Radio Service Directional Antenna Performance Verification
Proposed reductions in testing procedures for AM directional antennas. Comments due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 60 days after publication int he Federal Register.
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.
WT 99-87; Order 5/19 (adopted 5/19); DA 99-950
Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended - Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies on Certain Part 90 Frequencies/Establishment of Public Service Radio Pool in the Private Mobile Frequencies Below 800 MHz
Granted request for extension of time to file documents. Comments due August 2; replies September 16.
PR 93-144; PN 5/21; DA 99-974
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Requests Comment on the Construction Requirements for Commercial Wide-Area 800 MHz Licensees Pursuant to Fresno Mobile Radio, Inc. v. FCC
Commission requested comment on the construction requirements that the Commission should impose on 800 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio commercial licensees that are part of a wide area system. Comments due June 21*; replies July 6*. Contact: Scott A. Mackoul or Don Johnson, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.
PR 93-144; PN 6/15; DA 99-1168
New Deadlines for Filing Comments on the Construction Requirements for Commercial Wide-Area 800 MHz Licensees
Extended filing deadline. Comments due July 12*; replies July 30.
WT-99-168; NPRM 6/3 (adopted 5/13); FCC 99-97
In the Matter of Service Rules for the 746-764 and 776-794 MHz Bands, and Revisions to Part 27 of the Commission's Rules
These proposed service rules include provisions for application licensing, technical and operating rules, and competitive bidding. The revised spectrum allocation in the Reallocation Report and Order provided for the potential provision of Fixed, Mobile, and Broadcasting services on these bands. Comments Due: July 19, 1999*; Reply Comments Due: August 13, 1999.
Dkt No.: WT- 99-168; NPRM 6/4 (adopted 5/13); FCC 99-97
New Service Rules
Proposed new service rules for commercial licensing in the 746-764 MHz and 776-794 MHz bands that have been reallocated from use solely for the broadcasting service. Comments due: July 19, 1999*. Replies due: August 13, 1999.
PN 7/1; DA 99-1301
FCC Seeks Comment on American Electric Power Service Corporation Request for Waiver to Permit Sharing of Industrial and land Transportation and Business System with Public Safety and Federal Government Users
On December 3, 1998, American Electric Power Service Corporation filed a Request for Waiver of Section 90.179 of the Commission's Rules to permit it to share its 800 MHz Industrial/Land Transportation and Business Category system with public safety and Federal Government users on a non-profit, cost shared basis. Comments due August 2; replies August 17. Contact: John Fernandez, Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
PN 6/30; DA 99-1283
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on a Request for Waiver of the Coverage Requirements for 900 MHz SMR Licensees Filed by Geotek Communications, Inc. and Hughes Network Systems
On June 16, Geotek Communications, Inc., Debtor-In-Possession, its subsidiaries and affiliates and Hughes Electronic Systems filed a request for waiver of the Commission's coverage requirements for Geotek's Major Trading Area licenses in the 896-901/935-940 MHz band. Comments due July 15*; replies July 25. (DA No. 99-1283). Contact: Don Johnson at (202) 418-7240.
Order 7/19 (adopted 7/16); DA 99-1403
Geotek Communications, Inc. - To For consent to Assign 900 MHz SMR Licenses
Granted Mobex Communications, Inc.'s Motion for Extension of Time in which to file Reply Comments in this proceeding. Reply comments now due July 30.
PN 7/2; DA 99-1323
FCC Seeks Comment on Request by SBC Communications Inc. and Cellular Communications of Puerto Rico, Inc. for FCC Consent to Transfer Control of Licenses to SBC Communications Inc. and for A Subsequent Investment by Telefonos de Mexico S.A. de C.V.
SBC Communications Inc. and Cellular Communications of Puerto Rico, Inc. have filed applications pursuant to Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, seeking Commission approval of the transfer of control to SBC of licenses and authorizations currently controlled by subsidiaries and affiliates of CCPR. Comments or petitions to deny due August 2; oppositions to such pleadings due August 12; replies to oppositions due August 19. Contact: Lauren Kravetz, WTB Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240; Susan O'Connell, International Bureau at (202) 418-1480.
WT 97-207; Dec. Rul/NPRM 7/7 (adopted 6/10); FCC 99-137
WTB Calling Party Pays Service Offering in the Commercial Mobile Radio Services
The Commission adopted a Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to help facilitate the offering of Calling Party Pays (CPP) as an optional wireless service to consumers in the United States. CPP has the potential to promote the development of local competition and to provide an important new alternative to consumers who have not previously used wireless extensively. Comments due August 18; replies September 8.
WT 99-217, CC 96-98; NPRM/NOI/3rd FNPRM 7/7 (adopted 6/10); FCC 99-141
Promotion of Competitive Networks in Local Telecommunications Markets
The Commission initiated a proceeding intended to facilitate the development of competitive telecommunications networks that will provide consumers with alternatives to services provided by the incumbent wireline local exchange carriers (LECs). Comments due August 13; replies September 3.
PN 7/14; DA 99-1373
Skytel Communications, Inc. and MCI WORLDCOM, Inc. Seek Consent for Transfer of Control - Pleading Cycle Established
MCI WORLDCOM, Inc. and SkyTel Communications, Inc. have filed applications under Sections 214 and 310(d) of the communications Act requesting Commission approval to transfer control of licenses or authorizations currently held by SkyTel and its affiliates, from the officers and shareholders of SkyTel to MCI WORLDCOM. Comments /petitions to deny due August 13; oppositions due August 20; replies to oppositions due August 27. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240 or Jeanette Spriggs, International Bureau at (202) 418-0727.
WT 99-87; PN 7/21; DA 99-1431
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Incorporates Nextel Communications, Inc. Waiver Record into WT Docket No. 99-87 - Seeks Comment on Licensing of PMRS Channels in the 800 MHz Band for Use in Commercial SMR Systems
The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on whether the Commission should amend its licensing rules for the 800 MHz band to allow the incorporation of PMRS channels into a CMRS system. Comments due 8/2; replies 9/16. Contact: Gary D. Michaels at (202) 418-0660 or Ramona Melson at (202) 418-0680.
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
PN 6/23; DA 99-1211
FCC to Seek Comments on a Letter from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Relating to Communications Transmission Facilities Located at Lookout Mountain, CO
The FCC is seeking comment on the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation's letter regarding the proposed construction of the transmissions tower and maintenance facility on Lookout Mountain, Colorado. Comments due July 23; replies August 9. Contact: Robert Cleveland at (202) 418-2422 or Holly Berland at (202) 418-1732.
PN 7/22; DA 99-1435
FCC To Grant Extension of Time for Comments re: Communications Transmission Facilities at Lookout Mountain, CO
Comments extended to August 23; replies September 9.
ET 99-231; NPRM 6/24 (adopted 6/21); FCC 99-149
Amendment of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Spectrum Devices
The Commission proposed to amend the Part 15 rules regarding the operation of non-licensed spread spectrum systems, specifically, to revise the rules for frequency hopping systems operating in the 2.4 GHz band (24000-2483.5 MHz) to allow for wider operational bandwidths. Comments due 75 days after Federal Register publication; replies 105 days after publication.
ET 99-254; NPRM 7/15 (adopted 7/14); FCC 99-180
Closed Captioning Requirements for Digital Television Receivers
Proposed amendment of Part 15 of rules to adopt technical standards for the display of closed captions on digital television (DTV) receivers, and proposed to require the inclusion of closed captioning decoder circuitry in DTV receivers. The proposals will help ensure access to digital programming for people with disabilities. Comments due 75 days after publication in Federal Register; reply comments due 105 days after publication in the Federal Register.
ET 99-255; NPRM 7/16 (adopted 7/14); FCC 99-182
In the Matter of Amendment of Parts 2 and 95 of the Commission's Rules to Create a Wireless Medical Telemetry Service
The Commission proposed to amend Parts 2 and 95 of the rules to allocate spectrum and to establish rules for a Wireless Medical Telemetry Service. Action by the Commission. Comments due 45 days from publication in Federal Register; replies due 75 days from date of publication in Federal Register.