March 28, 1997
                                                                   
                                                                   
   Reminder to Small Businesses About Availability of Information
                      and Guidance from the FCC


     Section 213 of the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act (SBREFA), Pub.
L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 858 (1996), provides that, "wherever appropriate," agencies should have the
practice of answering inquiries by small entities concerning information on, and advice about,
compliance with applicable statutes and regulations.  The FCC has long had a goal of providing such
information.  In this News Release, we summarize major ways small entities can obtain such
information, consistent with SBREFA. 

     To facilitate dissemination of information to the public and to communications service
providers, the Commission created the National Call Center on June 3, 1996.  See FCC News
Release, "FCC's Toll Free Information Service Begins," June 3, 1996.  By this action, the
Commission sought to centralize and streamline the manner in which the public obtains information
about virtually any aspect of the Commission, including regulations and enforcement policies.  The
National Call Center also directs callers to other agency staff for informal guidance on topics within
their particular area of expertise, thereby providing easy-to-understand information and access to
guidance that is essential for small businesses entering or continuing in the communications
industry.  The phone number is 1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322).

     In addition, the Commission provides information on FCC topics through the Office of
Public Affairs.  The Commission's informational bulletins cover topics such as how to file a
Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request and the process for issuance of new Commission rules
and policies.  The FCC's Office of Communications Business Opportunities (OCBO) also serves as
an access point for small businesses seeking information on FCC proceedings. Information
concerning the Commission's regulatory processes is also available via the Internet, fax, and mail.
The FCC's home page (http://www.fcc.gov or ftp.fcc.gov) provides information on topics such as
rulemakings and other actions adopted by the Commission, actions adopted by each Bureau, auction
updates, and hot topics pending before the Commission. Additionally, the FCC homepage provides
user-friendly tools such as FCC forms for electronic filing, a "Quick Search" method to quickly find
information by a word or topic, and e-mail addresses where the public can send questions,
comments, and filings.  The Commission also disseminates informal guidance, both written and oral,
through its Bureaus and Offices.  
     The Commission is committed to ensuring that its policies toward small businesses continue
to evolve with the evolving communications industry.  In light of the dramatic growth and
technological developments in the area of communications, the Commission will continue to look
for ways to make information easily accessible to the public, and to small businesses in particular. 

     For further information, contact:

Douglas Cooper, (202) 418-1160, Compliance and Information Bureau
Eric Malinen, (202) 418-0995, Office of Communications Business Opportunities
Rosemary Kimball, (202) 418-0511, Office of Public Affairs
National Call Center, 1-888-CALL FCC (225-5322) 
                    



                               - FCC -