PUBLIC NOTICE


Federal Communications Commission       News Media Information 202-418-0500
445 12th Street, SW                              Fax-On-Demand 202-418-2830
Washington, DC 20554                          Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov

                                                   DA 99   2554
                                    Released: November 17, 1999
                                
                                
                                
Commission Lifts Stay of Deaveraging Rule for Unbundled Network Elements
          and Interconnection, Effective May 1, 2000.

                 CC Docket Nos. 96-45 and 96-98
                                
The Commission stayed the effectiveness of section 51.507(f) of its rules on May 7, 1999.  See
Deaveraged Rate Zones for Unbundled Network Elements, CC Docket No. 96-98, Stay Order, 14
FCC Rcd. 8300 (1999); 64 FR 32206 (1999).  The Commission stated that the stay would remain in
effect until six months after the Commission released its order in CC Docket No. 96-45 finalizing and
ordering implementation of high-cost universal service support for non-rural LECs.

The Commission released on Nov. 2, 1999, its order in CC Docket No. 96-45 finalizing and ordering
implementation of intrastate high-cost universal service support for non-rural LECs.  See Federal-
State Joint Board on Universal Service, CC Docket No. 96-45, Ninth Report and Order and
Eighteenth Order on Reconsideration, FCC 99-306 (rel. Nov. 2, 1999).  Consequently, as stated in
the Nov. 2 order, the stay of section 51.507(f) shall be lifted on May 1, 2000.  By that date, states
are required to establish different rates for interconnection and UNEs in at least three geographic
areas pursuant to section 51.507(f) of the Commission's rules. For additional information, please
contact Neil Fried, Attorney, Common Carrier Bureau, Competitive Pricing Division, (202) 418-
1520.


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