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Before the
               Federal Communications Commission
                     Washington, D.C. 20554

In the Matter of                    )
                                     )
The Development of a National Framework to        )
Detect and Deter Backsliding to Ensure       )
Continued Bell Operating Company Compliance      )          RM 9474
with Section 271 of the Communications Act        )
Once In-region InterLATA Relief Is Obtained      )


                             ORDER

     Adopted:  January 18, 2000         Released:  January 19, 2000

By the Common Carrier Bureau:

1.     On February 1, 1999, Allegiance Telecom, Inc. (Allegiance) filed a petition requesting
that the Commission initiate a rulemaking proceeding to establish an enforcement framework
governing a Bell Operating Company's continued compliance with the conditions of long distance
entry, once it receives section 271 approval.  That petition was placed on public notice on February 5,
1999, Report No. 2315.  Comments were filed on March 8, 1999, and reply Comments were filed on
March 23, 1999.
2.     The Commission recently set forth its views on the post-entry enforcement framework
that will govern Bell Atlantic now that it has received section 271 approval in the State of New York. 
The Commission noted that "any diminution in performance below levels deemed sufficient in this
order may expose Bell Atlantic to possible enforcement action under section 271(d)(6), including
suspension of authorization to provide service."  In that order, the Commission emphasized its
commitment to swift and effective post-approval enforcement pursuant to section 271(d)(6). 
Moreover, we note that a special team has been formed within the Enforcement Bureau which will (1)
review complaints and other information from interested persons regarding post-grant "backsliding"
by BOCs whose applications are approved, (2) undertake or recommend swift and effective
enforcement action where appropriate, and (3) act as the point of contact within the Commission for
persons wishing to provide information regarding possible "backsliding" by BOCs.  Accordingly,
given the decision to rely on case-by-case enforcement, we decline to initiate the requested rulemaking
proceeding and therefore dismiss the Allegiance petition.
                        ORDERING CLAUSE
3.     Accordingly, IT IS ORDERED that the Petition for Expedited Rulemaking filed on
February 1, 1999 by Allegiance Telecom, Inc. IS DISMISSED.  IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that
the proceeding, RM-9474, IS TERMINATED. 

                         FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
                         
                         
                         
                         Robert C. Atkinson
                         Deputy Chief, Common Carrier Bureau