PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                 DA 97-66

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

   TRI-COUNTY TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION AND TCT WEST, INC. FILED A
PETITION FOR WAIVER OF SECTIONS 36.611(a) AND 36.612 
        "UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND" OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES
                            AAD 96-130

                                        Released Date:  January 13, 1997

Comment Date:  February 3, 1997
Reply Date:        February 13, 1997


     On November 12, 1996, Tri-County Telephone Association ("Tri-County") and TCT West,
Inc. ("TCT West") through its economic cost consultant, ITCs, Inc., filed a petition for waiver of 47
C.F.R. Sections 36.611(a) and 36.612 of the Commission's rules.  TCT West is a subsidiary of Tri-
County and both companies operate in Wyoming.  This waiver would permit Tri-County and TCT
West to receive an increased level of universal service fund ("USF") support.  Under our rules,
eligibility for USF payment is determined on the basis of historical accounting data.  For example,
1997 USF support will be based on 1995 accounting data.

     Tri-County and TCT West state that they have undertaken a massive service upgrade in
addition to expanding service to a significant number of previously unserved households.  Tri-
County and TCT West claim that the end result, absent the granting of this waiver, will be either an
interim local rate increase or a severe operating loss for 1996 and 1997.  Tri-County and TCT West
urge the Commission to see the merit of granting this petition, and propose two alternatives by which
such an appropriate decision might be implemented.  The first, which Tri-County and TCT West
prefer, would consist of submission to the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc., estimated
data for the period concurrent with payment, subject to retroactive adjustment and true-up based on
audited actual financial results during the following year when such data is available.  The second
alternative would use actual data from a period immediately preceding the payment period, thereby
eliminating the traditional USF payment lag.   

     Interested parties may file comments on the petition on or before February 3, 1997, and
reply comments on or before February 13, 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 96-130.  Four (4) copies should also be sent to Adrian Wright,
Competitive Safeguards Branch, Common Carrier Bureau, Room 812, 2000 L Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20554, 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 Adrian Wright at (202) 418-0840.
                                 
                FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION