NEWSReport No. DC 96-10    ACTION IN DOCKET CASE           February 8, 1996

           COMMISSION ADOPTS STREAMLINED LICENSING RULES AND 
                 PROCEDURES FOR FIXED MICROWAVE SERVICES
                (WT Docket No. 94-148, CC Docket No. 93-2)

     The Commission has adopted streamlined, simpler licensing rules and procedures for
the fixed microwave services.  Prior to today's action, Part 21 of the Commission's rules
contained the rules governing common carrier fixed microwave services, while Part 94
contained the rules governing private operational fixed microwave services.  Over the last
decade, there has been a convergence of these services due to their similar technical standards
and sharing of microwave frequency bands.  Previously, however, the license application
processing for these services was performed by different Commission offices, which
maintained separate processing practices and policies.  As a result, fixed microwave
applicants and licensees have been subject to different regulatory requirements dependent
upon the particular rule part by which their operations were governed.  This item also
implements Section 403(j) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 to provide expedited
licensing for fixed microwave services.

     By today's action, the Commission creates a comprehensive, single rule part which
governs both common carrier and private operational fixed microwave services, by revising
and consolidating Parts 21 and 94 of the Commission's rules.  Consequently, all fixed
microwave applicants and licensees generally will be subject to the same regulatory
requirements.  Moreover, this consolidation, combined with a single Commission office being
responsible for the application processing procedures and policies for these services, will
enable the Commission to handle fixed microwave applications more quickly and efficiently. 
The Commission's revision of Parts 21 and 94 of its rules also adopts uniform technical
standards for common carrier and private operational fixed microwave licensees.  Thus, there
should be economies of scale realized in microwave production as well as lower equipment
prices for licensees.   

     In addition, the Commission revises its rules to permit common carrier fixed
microwave applicants to commence construction of their facilities, at their own risk, prior to
receiving a license or filing a license application for such facilities.  Given that pre-
authorization construction already was permitted for private operational fixed microwave
licensees under Part 94, this action results in similar regulatory treatment for all fixed
microwave licensees and facilitates rapid delivery of service to the public.  The Commission,
however, denied a Petition for Rule Making filed by McCaw Cellular Communications, Inc.

                                 - more -

                                   - 2 -

requesting extension of the current temporary fixed procedures to initiate permanent
microwave service.  The Commission has, however, revised its rules to permit fixed
microwave carriers to operate their facilities, at their own risk, upon filing of a license
application with the Commission.

     Action by the Commission February 8, 1996, by Report and Order (FCC 96-51).
Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Barrett, Ness, and Chong.

                                  - FCC -

     News Media contact: Kara Palamaras at (202) 418-0654. 
     Wireless Telecommunications Bureau contacts: Robert James and Sonia Greenaway at
     (202) 418-0680.