PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION  
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                 DA 97-904

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

            FREMONT TELECOM COMPANY FILED A PETITION 
            FOR WAIVER OF SECTIONS 36.611 AND 36.612 
        "UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND" OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES
                            AAD 97-56

                                        Released Date:  April 29, 1997

Comment Date:  May 19, 1997
Reply Date:         May 30, 1997


     On April 28, 1997, Fremont Telecom Company ("Fremont") filed a petition for waiver of 47
C.F.R. Sections 36.611 and 36.612 of the Commission's rules.  This waiver would permit Fremont
to receive universal service fund ("USF") support retroactively from January 1, 1997, based on
estimated costs to be trued up when actual costs are known.  Fremont began service November 15,
1996 after acquiring three rural Idaho exchanges from U S WEST Communications, Inc. pursuant
to a study area waiver granted on August 29, 1996.  

     Under our existing rules, eligibility for USF support payment is determined on the basis of
historical cost data.  For example, 1997 USF support is based on 1995 cost data.  Fremont states that
immediate USF support is critical to its ability to maintain and upgrade telephone service to an
acceptable level of quality and to bring service to unserved customers in a timely manner.  Fremont
states that as a new exchange carrier, it does not have any historical cost data upon which to base
current USF distributions in accordance with the Commission rules which are applicable in the
absence of the requested relief.  Fremont maintains that without the requested relief, its ability to
improve the quality of service provided to its customers or to even maintain its outdated and failing
plant, is in jeopardy.  

     Interested parties may file comments on the petition on or before May 19, 1997, and reply
comments on or before May 30, 1997, with the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission,
1919 M Street, N.W., Room 222, Washington, D.C. 20554. Comments and reply comments should
reference AAD 97-56.  Four (4) copies should also be sent to Adrian Wright, Competitive
Safeguards Branch, Common Carrier Bureau, Room 257, 2000 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20554, and one (1) copy should be sent to the Commission's contractor for public service record
duplication: International Transcription Service (ITS), 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington,
D.C. 20037.  Copies of the petition may be obtained from the Accounting and Audits Division's
public reference room, Room 812, 2000 L Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.  Copies are also available
from ITS at (202) 857-3800. 
     We will treat this proceeding as non-restricted for purposes of the Commission's ex parterules.  See generally, 47 C.F.R.  1.1200-1.1206.  However, if this waiver petition is opposed, it
will be treated as a restricted proceeding under the Commission's ex parte rules.  See generally, 47
C.F.R.  1.1208-1.1216.  For further information contact Adrian Wright at (202) 418-0840.
                                 
                FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION