NEWS
   Report No. ET 97-2    ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY    March  13, 1997
   
   COMMISSION ACTS TO STREAMLINE THE EQUIPMENT
        AUTHORIZATION PROCESS 
   (ET Docket No. 97-94)
             
          The Commission today proposed to simplify and streamline its equipment
   authorization processes which will benefit both large and small manufacturers and
   encourage the development of innovative products for consumers.  In a Notice of
   Proposed Rulemaking adopted today, the Commission stated that by improving the
   equipment authorization process new products could be introduced into the market
   more rapidly.   
   
          In this NPRM, the Commission proposed amendments to Parts 2, 15, 18 and
   other rules to:
   
                  1) simplify the existing equipment authorization process;
   
                  2) deregulate the equipment authorization requirements for certain
                  types of equipment; and
   
                  3) provide for electronic filing of applications for equipment
                  authorization.
   
          The Commission stated that these proposed actions would reduce burdens on
   industry.  This action  would reduce the number of applications required to be filed
   with the Commission annually from about 3500 to approximately 1800, significantly
   reducing paperwork requirements on manufacturers.  A similar, previous action was
   estimated to save the computer industry $250 million annually, and savings of at least
   another $100 million can be expected for the products covered by the current
   proposal.  The provision for electronic filing of applications should reduce by more
   than half the current applications processing time of approximately 40 days.
   
   
   
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          The current equipment authorization procedure called "notification" would be
   eliminated. Type acceptance would be combined with certification.  The Commission
   did not make any changes to the verification and Declaration of Conformity
   procedures, which are both manufacturer self-authorization programs.
          
          The Commission believes that these steps will reduce the regulatory burdens
   on manufacturers and will lead to an increase in product development and encourage
   innovation. 
   
          Action by the Commission March 13, 1997, by Notice of Proposed
   Rulemaking (FCC 97-84).  Chairman Hundt, Commissioners Quello, Ness and
   Chong.
   
                                 -  FCC  -
   
          News Media Contact:  Jodie Buenning at (202) 418-0500.
          Office of Engineering and Technology Contact:  Julius P. Knapp at (301) 
          725-1585 x 201 or John Reed at (202) 418-2455