DA 97-1746

     Released:  August 15, 1997

    PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR COMMENT ON IMPLEMENTATION OF
        THE SUBSCRIBER CARRIER SELECTION CHANGES PROVISIONS 
             OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 AND 
       POLICIES AND RULES CONCERNING UNAUTHORIZED CHANGES OF
                 CONSUMERS' LONG DISTANCE CARRIERS
                                  
                       (CC Docket No. 94-129)
                                  
                 Comments Due:  September 15, 1997
              Reply Comments Due:  September 30, 1997 
                                  
     On July 15, 1997, the Commission released a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making
(FNPRM) and Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration concerning unauthorized
changes in subscriber carrier selections, generally referred to as "slamming."  The FNPRM seeks
comment on proposed modifications to the Commission's rules in order to implement Section 258
of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996.    

     Interested parties must file comments on or before September 15, 1997, and reply comments
by September 30, 1997.  To file formally in this proceeding, you must file an original and four
copies of all comments, reply comments, and supporting comments.  If you want each Commissioner
to receive a personal copy of your comments, you must file an original and eleven copies. 
Comments and reply comments should be sent to Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications
Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 222, Washington, D.C. 20554, with a copy to Cathy
Seidel of the Common Carrier Bureau, 2025 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.  In addition,
one copy should be sent to the Commission's contractor for public service records duplication,
International Transcription Service, Inc. (ITS), 1231 20th Street, N.W., 
Washington, D.C. 20036.  Comments and reply comments will be available for public inspection
during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 239,
Washington, D.C.  20554. 

     This proceeding is a permit-but-disclose rule making proceeding.  Ex parte presentations are
permitted, in accordance with the Commission's rules, provided that they are disclosed as required.

     For further information, contact Cathy Seidel, Enforcement Division, Common Carrier
Bureau, 202-418-0960.
     
                              -- FCC --