NEWSNEWS January 31, 1996 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU CHIEF ANNOUNCES NEW COMMUNICAT IONS INITIATIVES At an All Hands meeting of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB), WTB Chief Michele Farquhar announced several initiatives designed to improve the Bureau's internal and external communications. "In an atmosphere of open communications, more can be accomplished. We would like to put greater emphasis on disseminating information so that the public better understands our mission and our work effort," said Farquhar. At the Bureau-wide staff meeting held January 30, Farquhar also introduced members of her Front Office team including: Jerry Vaughan, Deputy Bureau Chief; Ralph Haller, Deputy Bureau Chief; Roz Allen, Associate Bureau Chief; Karen Brinkmann, Associate Bureau Chief; Jackie Chorney, Assistant Bureau Chief; Jim Coltharp, Chief Economist; David Wye, Technical Advisor; D'wana Speight, Legal Advisor; Mike Hamra, Legal Advisor; Jay Markley, Industry Analyst; and Yvette Barrett, Confidential Assistant. Farquhar also noted that Brinkmann, Coltharp and Wye would be coordinating new Bureau efforts concerning legislation, industry analysis and technology, respectively. Farquhar also praised the success of the Wireless Bureau last year, under the leadership of Gina Keeney. "The Wireless Bureau hit the ground running and did a great job of setting up and running the auctions and developing policies designed to promote a more competitive telecommunications marketplace," said Farquhar. At the meeting, Farquhar reiterated several goals for the WTB, including: working to ensure the development of local competition; promoting quick and efficient roll-out of wireless services; ensuring the priority of public interest services such as enhanced 911 service, hearing aid compatibility in wireless services, and public safety communications; and streamlining WTB processes and operations. Finally, she established a goal of June 30, 1996, for completion of all work delayed by the furlough and for the substantial elimination of all WTB backlogs. - more - - 2- To improve its external communications with the public and industry, Farquhar announced several important efforts. First, the WTB has improved its accessibility by placing a new home page on the Internet (scheduled to go up on Friday, February 2). The WTB's home page can be accessed through the FCC home page at http:\\www.fcc.gov. Some of the information available includes recent decisions, public notices, and speeches; descriptions of the various services the Bureau regulates; information relating to licensing and radio operator applications; as well as the latest information on auctions. The Bureau also plans to implement an electronic filing system for 11 services, including broadcast auxiliary, general mobile radio and interactive video and data service, on February 20, 1996. The WTB began the electronic filing effort in January, 1995 with amateur license applications and later added the electronic filing of form 175 to expedite the auction process. FCC form 600 will also be available for limited electronic filing by the Personal Communications Service (PCS) auction winners and for testing in other services in February. With the addition of these new services, over 60% of all applications filed with the WTB will be able to be filed electronically. The WTB will also establish a national call center in Washington, D.C. and at the Bureau's Gettysburg, PA facility in April 1996. This call center will be the central focal point for all incoming calls to the Bureau. Trained personnel will handle all calls on site with the exception of specialized calls that may be referred to staff experts. This initiative will help centralize all incoming calls and provide better, more efficient service to the public. Customer service standards have also been established for the WTB that will ensure that the public gets the service it expects and deserves. The Bureau will also conduct monthly technology lunches and regular roundtable discussions with industry representatives in order to keep abreast of new marketplace developments. These meetings will also serve as a forum to discuss upcoming policy decisions and the Bureau's licensing and other processes. Farquhar also announced an increased emphasis on internal communications. As part of this effort, the Bureau recently began circulating a weekly report containing announcements of new WTB staff members, major events, speeches, agenda items, press releases and public notices, weekly activities as well as division updates. This document, and a new monthly report, will also be made available on the WTB's Internet home page. Farquhar will also hold monthly brown bag lunches with Bureau staff and has announced the creation of an electronic suggestion box that all staff can use to make recommendations to improve Bureau processes. - 3 - At the close of the meeting, Chairman Reed Hundt praised the Bureau's efforts in auctioning wireless services and in removing regulatory barriers to the delivery of new competition to the public. -FCC- News Media Contact: Kara Palamaras (202) 418-0654. Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contact: D'wana Speight at (202) 418-0600.