PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
445 12th STREET, S.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                                     

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

                                     
                   MASS MEDIA BUREAU IMPLEMENTS
Multipoint Distribution Service/Instructional Television Fixed Service
          Broadband Licensing System (BLS) Public Access

By:  Chief, Mass Media Bureau                       Released:  May 30, 2000

The Mass Media Bureau announces the availability of online public access to the Multipoint
Distribution Service/Instructional Television Fixed Service Broadband Licensing System (BLS).
Effective May 30, 2000, users can access this system via the Internet from the Mass Media Bureau's
Web Site at: http://www.fcc.gov/mmb.  Internet access to the BLS requires a user to have, at
minimum, a browser such as Netscape version 3.04 or Internet Explorer version 3.51.   

The Bureau's new online public access system enables users to search and display MDS, ITFS and
Commercial ITFS applications and station information including Internet display of granted station
authorizations.  In addition, users may view applications filed in electronic format. 

The public can access the BLS, and purchase copies of applications and station information, in the
FCC's Reference Information Center, 445 12th Street, SW, Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C.,
20554, during regular business hours.  Fee-based research and duplicating services are available from
the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc. (ITS), 1231 20th Street,
NW, Washington, D.C. 20036, telephone (202) 857-3800, facsimile (202) 857-3805.

We encourage licensees to check the status of their authorizations.  The data in the BLS is based on
information that is currently available and should be considered a work in progress.  Any database
correction(s) should be brought to our attention by filing a letter with the Secretary of the
Commission, captioned "BLS database correction request."  The request should include the
submitter's name and organization, name of licensee or applicant whose data is to be corrected, file
number and an explanation of the correction(s).  Copies of the documentation necessary to
substantiate the request should be included.

ITFS licensees who may be filing renewal applications should review the status of their
authorizations in BLS.  If a licensee has submitted a Certification of Completion of Construction, the
database should reflect an authorization with the active status as "Certified Completed
Construction."  However, if the active status is shown as "Granted But Not Certified," the
Commission's records may not contain the appropriate Certification and an electronically filed
renewal application will not be accepted by the system.  ITFS licensees are urged to electronically
file a Certification of Completion of Construction to correct the status of their authorizations, FCC
Form 330A.  

For technical assistance in using the BLS or to report a technical problem with the system, please
contact the BLS Help Desk at (202) 418-0121.  To request additional information concerning MDS
or ITFS applications, please call (202) 418-1600. 


                                   -FCC-