Update on Improvements to Wireless 
             Telecommunications Bureau's Licensing Activities

     Electronic filing and licensing.  Although electronic filing is available for almost all
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) services, approximately only 11% of such
applications are actually filed electronically, with the bulk of these being auction-related. 
Based on these statistics, WTB Chief Michele C. Farquhar remarked that "electronic filing is a
sorely underutilized, available mechanism through which applicants can ensure faster
processing of their licensing requests."  For example, electronic filing decreases the processing
time for the average application by approximately 25%.  WTB plans to expand its use of
electronic licensing.  Electronic licensing allows processing of applications by computer
software rather than manual processes.  Electronic licensing is yet another means to reduce the
processing time for routine applications.

     Communications with the public.  WTB, particularly its Office of Operations in
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, communicates with the public primarily through its telephone
network, the Internet, and the private wide-area network.  Earlier this year, WTB updated the 
Office of Operations' telecommunications infrastructure.  As a result, the quality of
communications with the public has increased dramatically with few callers hanging up and
few calls being blocked.  In addition, WTB has increasingly used the Internet and the wide-
area network as vehicles for making licensing data available to the public.  In the coming
year, the Bureau plans to make additional refinements to further improve upon its
communications with the public.  For instance, the Bureau is developing front-end graphical
user interfaces and mapping software in an effort to make its licensing information more user
friendly.

     Identification of unnecessary regulatory requirements.  The Commission has taken
several steps to reduce the regulatory burdens placed on the wireless industry.  During this
year, WTB has been working with a task force of the Federal Communications Bar
Association (FCBA) in an effort to identify both short-term and long-term steps that could be
taken to reduce regulatory burdens.  To date, these efforts have resulted in the clarification of
certain Part 22 licensing rules.  WTB plans to undertake a similar endeavor, in concert with
the FCBA's task force, regarding other licensing rules.  As part of its initiative to eliminate
outdated and unnecessary regulatory burdens, the Commission has expanded its use of license
by rule rather than by authorization.   Licensing by rule not only saves scarce FCC
administrative resources but it also benefits the public by allowing them to use radio services
more quickly.

     While the Bureau has made some improvements upon its licensing activities, it
continues to examine its processes in order to determine whether additional refinements are
needed.  According to WTB Chief Farquhar, "the Bureau can always improve upon its
processes and it is committed to doing so.  Thus, we will continue to explore new and
creative ways to make our licensing processes more efficient, effective, and expeditious."