PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20554
                                                                                                                         
         News Media Information 202/418-0500 Recorded listing of releases and texts 202/418-2222.
              
                       DA 98-130

               COMMISSION SEEKS COMMENT ON LCI PETITION FOR
        DECLARATORY RULING CONCERNING BELL OPERATING COMPANY ENTRY INTO
                                   IN-REGION LONG DISTANCE MARKETS

                            CC DOCKET NO. 98-5


    Released:  January 26, 1998
 

    In a filing dated January 22, 1998, LCI International Telecom Corp. (LCI)
petitioned the FCC for an expedited declaratory ruling on its proposal regarding the
Regional Bell Operating Companies' (RBOCs') entry into in-region long distance
markets.  In its petition, LCI asks the FCC to take action on its proposal, captioned "A
'Fast Track' Plan To Expedite Residential Local Competition and Section 271 Entry
Through Establishment of Independent RBOC Wholesale and Retail Service
Companies" in order to promote local competition.  LCI asks the FCC to declare there
is a rebuttable presumption of compliance with section 271 if an RBOC voluntarily
agrees  to separate its retail and wholesale activities as set forth in its proposal. 

    Interested parties are to file an original and 12 copies of their comments on the
LCI petition no later than February 25, 1998, with the Secretary, FCC, 1919 M Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.  An original and 12 copies of all reply comments are
to be filed with the Secretary, FCC no later than March 27, 1998.  All pleadings are
to reference CC Docket No. 98-5.  An additional copy of all pleadings must also be
sent to Janice M. Myles, Common Carrier, Bureau, FCC, Room 544, 1919 M Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C.  20554, and to the Commission's contractor for public
service records duplication, International Transcription Services, Inc. (ITS, Inc.), 1231
20th Street, N.W., Washington, DC  20036.  The LCI petition is available for
inspection and copying during normal business hours in the FCC's Reference Center,
Room 239, 1919 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.  Copies also can be
obtained from ITS at 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, DC 20036, or by calling
ITS at (202)-857-3800 or faxing ITS at 202-857-3805. 

    We will treat this proceeding as permit, but disclose for purposes of the
Commission's ex parte rules.  See generally 47 C.F.R.  1.1200-1.1216.  Parties
making oral ex parte presentations are reminded that memoranda summarizing the
presentation must contain a summary of the substance of the presentation and not
merely a listing of the subjects discussed.  More than a one or two sentence
description of the views and arguments presented is generally required.  See 47 C.F.R.
 1.1206(b)(2), as revised.  Other rules pertaining to oral and written presentations
are set forth in section 1.1206(b) as well.  Interested parties are to file with the
Commission Secretary, and serve Janice Myles and ITS with copies of any written ex
parte presentations or summaries of oral ex parte presentations in these proceedings
in the manner specified above.  We also require all written ex parte presentations or
summaries of oral ex parte presentations in this proceeding to be served on all parties
to the proceeding.  

    
                                  - FCC -$// PN, LCI Pet. for Declaratory Ruling DA 98-__, CC 98-5 //$
$/ 47 USC 271 /$