PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                 DA 96-2195

News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov

       PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR COMMENTS ON NECA'S
  SUPPLEMENTAL MODIFICATION TO THE INTERSTATE AVERAGE SCHEDULE
                            FORMULAS
                                AAD 96-132

                                             Released: December 31, 1996

Comment Date:  January 22, 1997 
Reply Date:         February 3, 1997


     On December 27, 1996, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA) filed a
supplemental modification to the interstate average schedule common line formula currently in
effect.  This modification consists of two adjustments: 1) removal of pay telephone station
equipment revenue requirements from the common line formula and 2) change in the common line
formula to offset increases in the number of access lines counted.  The net effect of these two
adjustments, according to NECA, will cause a common line settlement decrease of approximately
one-half percent.  The proposed effective date for the supplemental modification is April 1, 1997. 


     NECA claims that the first adjustment of the modification is necessary to comply with the
requirements of Section 276 of the Communications Act.  The second adjustment is necessary,
according to NECA, because it proposes to revise the definition of access lines for pool settlement
purposes.  This revision would eliminate current distinctions between pay telephone lines and other
types of access lines in a manner consistent with Pay Telephone Reclassification and Compensation
Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, CC Docket No. 96-128, Report and Order, 61
Federal Register 53207 (October 7, 1996).  NECA proposes the second adjustment to offset
increases in settlements, due to higher numbers of access lines counted, which may not reflect true
changes in costs. 

     Interested parties may file comments on the petition on or before January 22, 1997, and
reply comments on or before February 3, 1997, with the Secretary, Federal Communications
Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 222, Washington, D.C. 20554.  Comments and reply
comments should reference AAD 96-132.  Four (4) copies should also be sent to George Williams,
Competitive Safeguards Branch, Common Carrier Bureau, and one (1) copy should be sent to the
Commission's contractor for public service record duplication: International Transcription Service
(ITS), 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037.  Copies of the petition may be
obtained from the Accounting and Audits Division's public reference room, Room 812, 2000 L
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  Copies are also available from ITS at (202) 857-3800.

     We will treat this proceeding as non-restricted for purposes of the Commission's ex parterules.  See generally, 47 C.F.R.  1.1200-1.1206.  However, if this waiver petition is opposed, it
will be treated as a restricted proceeding under the Commission's ex parte rules.  See generally, 47
C.F.R.  1.1208-1.1216.  For further information contact George Williams at (202) 418-0867.

                FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION