October 26, 1998 ELECTRONIC COMMENT FILING SYSTEM (ECFS) REPLACES RIPS TODAY As of today, Monday, October 26, 1998, the Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) will replace the Record Imaging Processing System (RIPS) as the main source for copies of documents filed in docketed and rulemaking proceedings. The public can view all ECFS documents via the World Wide Web page at and can also file comments electronically in unrestricted rulemaking and docketed proceedings. ECFS is designed to work on the Internet using Netscape version 3 or higher, or Internet Explorer version 3 or higher. A "frequently asked questions" (FAQ) page will also be added to ECFS to help make the system easier to use. The FCC's Reference Operations Division maintains computer workstations in the Reference Center in room 239 of 1919 M Street, NW, Washington, DC, for those who wish to come to the FCC to use the system to view documents and obtain printed copies. To expedite obtaining paper copies of comments in the Reference Center, the FCC has a "batch print" utility that enables printing an entire docket or selected documents. Documents may be printed in your office through the usual Internet browser "print" commands. For more information about using the system, please contact Patricia Rawlings at prawling@fcc.gov or at (202)418-0294. For more information about filing comments, please contact Magalie Salas at msalas@fcc.gov or Bill Caton at wcaton@fcc.gov or at (202)418- 0300. For more information about the system please contact Sheryl Segal at ssegal@fcc.gov or (202)418-0265. - FCC -