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                                                               NOTICE
                                                                     
                                    Federal Communications Commission
                                                     1919 M St., N.W.
     Washington, D.C. 20554                                          
                                                                     
DA 98-592                                                   March 27, 1998
                                                                     
                                                                     
  PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR COMMENTS ON THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS
     RESELLERS ASSOCIATION PETITION FOR RULEMAKING REGARDING THE
             COMMISSION'S INTERNATIONAL CALLBACK POLICY
                              RM-9249 

   On March 19, 1998, the Telecommunications Resellers Association (TRA) filed a petition for
rulemaking to eliminate the Commission's policy prohibiting U.S. carriers from offering one form of
international callback to countries that have expressly prohibited callback within their territory.  

   In the Callback Proceeding, the Commission determined that international callback serves the
public interest by promoting competition in international markets and driving down international
phone rates.  The Commission, however, also recognized a foreign government's sovereign right to
prohibit the provision of callback within its territory.  Under the doctrine of international comity, the
Commission prohibited U.S. carriers from offering the uncompleted call signaling form of callback in
countries that expressly prohibit callback.

   TRA asserts that much has changed since the Commission adopted its callback policy in 1995. 
TRA argues that, given the World Trade Organization Basic Telecom Agreement and the United
States' commitment to market-opening policies, the Commission should not be assisting countries that
resist competitive entry by callback providers.  As a result, TRA requests that the Commission reverse
its comity-based callback policy.

   Interested parties may file comments regarding this petition no later than May 1, 1998. Reply
comments may be filed no later than May 22, 1998.  All filings should refer to File No. RM-9249. 
In accordance with Section 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R.  1.419, an original and four
copies of all pleadings must be filed with the Secretary at the above address.  In addition, one copy of
each pleading must be filed with (1) International Transcription Services, Inc. (ITS), 1231 20th
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036; and (2) the International Reference Room, International
Bureau, Room 102, 2000 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.

   For further information relating to TRA's petition for rulemaking contact Adam Krinsky or
Jeanne Gellman, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, at (202) 418-1470.
                                 -FCC-