Telecommunication Act 1996 Implementation Schedule Report

REPORT ON FCC IMPLEMENTATION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996

October 29, 1996

The following is a report by Dan Phythyon, Director of the Office of Legislative and Intergovernmental Affairs, detailing additional progress made in implementing the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 since the August 7, 1996 report.

Eighth Report on Telecom Act Implementation

Since the August 7, 1996 report, the Commission has taken the following steps to implement the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

Commission Actions

Third Report and Order and Second Order on Reconsideration adopted reaffirming the FCC's rules for the operation of open video systems. (CSB, released 8/8).
Adopted a Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order to implement the dialing parity, nondiscriminatory access, network disclosure and numbering administration requirements of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 8/8).
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released regarding the implementation of digital television (DTV). (OET/MMB, released 8/14).
Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to implement streamlined tariff filing requirements for local exchange carriers. (CCB, released 9/6).
Adopted a Report and Order streamlining procedures for utility companies to enter in the telecommunications industry. (OGC, released 9/12).
Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released reducing accounting reporting requirements for common carriers. (CCB, released 9/12).
The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service held an open meeting on September 13, 1996 on Insular Areas and the recovery of interstate loop costs.
Held the third and final meeting of the Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee on September 17, 1996.
Notice of Inquiry adopted regarding access to telecommunications service, telecommunications equipment, and customer premises equipment by persons with disabilities. (WTB, released 9/19).
Adopted a Report and Order implementing the pay phone provision of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 9/20).
Public Notice announcing appointment of private sector board members to the Telecommunications Development Fund. (OGC, OCBO released 10/1).
Adopted an Order amending the FCC rules to remove restrictions against corporate licensees having alien officers or directors. (OGC, released 10/9).
Adopted an Order approving the open video system certification of Digital Broadcasting OVS. (CSB, released 10/10).
Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee released report making recommendations on the expansion of telemedicine. (Report released 10/15).
The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service held an open meeting on October 17, 1996 to address universal service associated with implementation of Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
Adopted an Order approving the open video system certification of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey, Inc. (CSB, released 10/17).
Adopted a Report and Order to permit operation of certain domestic ship and aircraft radio stations without individual licenses. (WTB, released 10/25).

Facilitating Public Information

Common Carrier Bureau held a public form on September 12, 1996, to discuss access charge reform and universal service issues raised by the Telecom Act of 1996.
Common Carrier Bureau and Office of General Counsel held a public forum on September 17, 1996, to discuss enforcement issues raised by the Telecom Act of 1996.
Wireless Telecommunication Bureau released on September 18, 1996, Fact Sheet #2 regarding national wireless facilities siting policies.
Office of General Counsel and Office of Communications Business Opportunities held a public forum on September 24, 1996, on market entry barriers for small businesses.
Office of General Counsel held a public forum on October 2, 1996 to discuss key issues stemming from implementation of Section 103 (added a new Section 34 to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935) of the Telecom. Act.