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Federal Communications Commission
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).

February 5, 1999

OPEN PROCEEDINGS


The following is a listing of current FCC Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) and Notices of Inquiry (NOIs) open for public comment, except routine petitions to amend the Table of Allotments. This listing also includes pertinent Public Notices (PNs) announcing comment subjects and dates. For additional information, contact Martha Contee, Public Service Division at (202) 418-0260, TTY (202) 418-2555, email mcontee@fcc.gov. Please note: as comment and reply comment periods expire, they are deleted from this listing. *Asterisk indicates comment period deadline is past, but reply comment period still is open.

CABLE SERVICES BUREAU

MO&O 2/1/99 (adopted 1/29/99); DA 99-262

Echostar Communications Corporation v. Speedvision Network, L.L.C., Outdoor Life Network, L.L.C

Granted Motion for Extension of Time to February 17, in which to file Responsive Pleading filed by Speedvision Network, L.L.C., and Outdoor Life Network, L.L.C. regarding Echostar's program access complaint.

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

CC 96-115; Order 9/24/98 (adopted 9/23/98); FCC 98-239

Implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other Customer Information

Extended the deadline by which all telecommunications carriers must implement effective electronic safeguards to protect against unauthorized access to customer proprietary network information (CPNI). Deadline is now six months after the release date of the Commission's Order on reconsideration addressing CPNI issues in CC Docket No. 96-115.

CC 98-166; Notice and NPRM 10/5/98 (adopted 9/8/98); FCC 98-222

Prescribing the Authorized Unitary Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange Carriers

Initiated a proceeding to represcribe the authorized rate of return for interstate access services provided by ILECs. Direct Case Submission Due: December 3, 1998*; Responsive Submission Due: February 1, 1999; Rebuttal Submission Date: February 22, 1999; NPRM Comments Due: December 3, 1998*; NPRM Reply Comments Due: February 1, 1999*

CC 98-166; Order 11/16/98 (adopted 11/16/98); DA 98-2329

Prescribing the Authorized Unitary Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange Carriers

Granted, to the extent indicated and otherwise denied, the United States Telephone Association's, National Telephone Cooperative Association's, National Rural Telecom Association's, Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telephone Companies', Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance's and National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.'s request for extension of time within which to file responses to the Commission's Notice Initiating a Prescription Proceeding and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding. For the Prescription Proceeding, direct cases due on January 19, 1999*; responses due March 16, 1999; rebuttals due April 8, 1999. For the NPRM, comments due January 19, 1999* and reply comments due March 16, 1999.

CC 98-177; NPRM 11/24/98 (adopted 9/23/98) FCC 98-238

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Petition for Section 11 Biennial Review Filed by SBC Communications, Inc., Southwestern Bell Telephone Company, Pacific Bell and Nevada Bell

The Commission is seeking comment on several proposals submitted by SBC Communications, Inc. in its recently filed Petition for Section 11 Biennial Review. Comments due 30 days after Federal Register publication; replies due 45 days after Federal Register Publication.

CC 98-227; PN 12/8/98; DA 98-2509

Petition of SBC Communications, Inc. for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier for High Capacity Dedicated Transport Services in Fourteen Metropolitan Service Areas - CC Docket No. 98-227 -Pleading Cycle Established

On December 7, 1998, SBC Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating SBC as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity dedicated transport services in fourteen metropolitan service areas. Comments due January 21, 1999*; replies February 11, 1999. Contact: Harold Watson or Joel Taubenblatt at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 94-129; 2nd R&O and FNPRM 12/23/98 (adopted 12/17/98); FCC 98-334

Implementation of the Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996/Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of consumers' Long Distance Carriers

The Commission adopted new rules that will relieve consumers who have had their telephone service provider changed without their consent, a practice known as "slamming," from paying charges imposed by the unauthorized carrier for up to 30 days after being slammed. Comments Due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register; Reply Comments Due 45 days from publication in the Federal Register.

PN 12/30/98; DA 98-2639

Northern Telecom Files Petition for Waiver, Public Comment Invited

On December 9, Northern Telecom, Inc. filed a Petition for Waiver of section 68.308(e)(1) of the Commission's rules so that it may register its Elite modem under Part 68.200 of the commission's rules. Comments due January 28, 1999*; replies February 12. Contact: Vincent M. Paladini at (202) 418-2320.

CC 96-128; Order 12/31/98 (adopted 12/29/98); DA 98-2644

Implementation of Pay Telephone Reclassification and Compensation Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996

Denied without prejudice SBC's, Southern New England Telephone 's (SNET) and GTE's petitions to extend previously authorized limited waivers of the Commission's requirements regarding provisions of payphone-specific coding digits, which are intended to identify calls from payphones that are eligible for compensation for subscriber 800 and access code calls. Denial is without prejudice to the FCC's further consideration of the requested waivers following examination of public comments and additional information from the Petitioners. Sought comment on a related motion filed by the American Public Communications Council. Comments on the SBC, SNET and GTE waiver petitions and on the APCC motion for deferral due January 29* replies February 5.

CC 99-1; PN 1/4/99; DA 99-104

Petition of U S West Communications, Inc. for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier for High Capacity Services in Seattle, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area - CC Docket No. 99-1 - Pleading Cycle Established

On December 30, 1998, U S West Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating U S West as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity special access and dedicated transport services in the Seattle, Washington metropolitan statistical area. In particular, U S West seeks forbearance so that, with respect to high capacity services in the Seattle, Washington MSA, it may geographically average its rates, file tariffs on one day's notice with a presumption of lawfulness, and offer contract-based pricing, volume and term discounts, and promotional options. Comments due February 18; replies March 11. Contact: Joel Taubenblatt or Tamara Preiss at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 1/6/99; DA 99-108

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on a Petition of the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California for an Additional Delegation of Authority to Conduct NXX Code Rationing - Pleading Cycle Established

On September 28, 1998, the FCC released an order in the matter of a Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Request for Expedited Action on the July 15, 1997 Order of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Regarding Area Codes 412, 610, 215, and 717 and Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, MO&O and Ord. On Recon, FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. On November 3, 1998, the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California filed a petition requesting additional authority to continue to conduct its monthly lottery and to resolve disputes among industry participants pertaining to the terms and conditions of NXX code rationing. The Commission is seeking comment on the issues raised in this petition. Comments due February 5; replies February 22. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 1/6/99; DA 99-108

Petition of the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California for an Additional Delegation of Authority to Conduct NXX Code Rationing- Pleading Cycle Established

September 28, 1998, the FCC released an order in the matter of a Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Request for Expedited Action on the July 15, 1997 Order of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Regarding Area Codes 412, 610, 215, and 717 and the Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, MO&O and Ord. On Recon., FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. On November 3, 1998, the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California filed a petition requesting additional authority to continue to conduct its monthly lottery and to resolve disputes among industry participants pertaining to the terms and conditions of NXX code rationing. The Commission is seeking comment on the issues raised in this petition. Comments due February 5, replies February 22. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 92-237; PN 1/7/99; DA 99-117

FCC Seeks Comment on Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business - CC Docket No. 92-237

On December 21, 1998, Lockheed Martin IMS Corporation filed a Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business to a new independent company, Warburg, Pincus & Co. The Common Carrier Bureau seeks input from the public on issues that the Commission should address in considering this matter. Issues and/or Questions due January 22*; comments on Lockheed Martin request due March 17. Contact: Kris Monteith at (202) 418-1520 or Jared Carlson or Jeannie Grimes at (202) 418-2320. TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 1/14/99; DA 99-154

National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. Files 1999 Modifications of Average Schedules - Public Comment Invited

On December 31, 1998, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. filed its proposed 1999 Modification of Average Schedules. Comments due February 15; replies March 3. Contact: George Williams at (202) 418-0867; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 1/19/99; DA 99-162

Comments Sought on Update of Cost Allocation Manuals

Various local exchange carriers filed annual updates to their cost Allocation Manuals for the year ended December 31, 1998. Comments due February 16; replies March 2. Contact: Mark Stephens at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

Order 1/20/99 (adopted 1/19/99); DA 99-197

Petition for Forbearance of the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance

Extended by 90 days to May 18, the date by which a petition for forbearance requesting that the Commission forbear from applying nine regulations to mid-sized incumbent local exchange carriers serving fewer than two percent of the nation's access lines filed by the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under section 10(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

CC 99-224; PN 1/21/99; DA 99-224

Petition of Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier in Delaware; Maryland; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New York; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; Washington, D.C.; Vermont; and Virginia - CC Docket No. 99-24 - Pleading Cycle Established

Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from applying Part 69 rate structure rules and Part 61 rate level rules to its special access services in 12 of the jurisdiction in which it provides special access rules. Bell Atlantic also asks the Commission to forbear from applying its tariff filing rules so as to permit Bell Atlantic to file tariffs for special access service on one day's notice. Comments due March 8; replies March 30. Contact: Steven Spaeth or Tamara Preiss at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

BO Docket 99-11; PN 1/21/99; DA 99-201

Federal Communications Commission Will Hold a Series of Public Hearings on Telephone Service for Indians on Reservations and Seeks Comment from the General Public on All Testimony and Other Evidence Presented Therein: Reply Comment Date to Be Designated, if Necessary, at the Conclusion of the Hearing Cycle (BO Docket No. 99-11)

The FCC plans to hold several public hearings entitled: "Overcoming Obstacles to Telephone Service for Indians on Reservations". The first hearing will be held Friday, January 29, 1999, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 2401 12th Street, N.W., Albuquerque, N.M. from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The FCC is responding to concerns that Indians on reservations, in comparison to other Americans, receive fewer telephone services. At these hearings, the FCC seeks to learn the reasons for this lack of telephone service and to determine what specific actions the FCC might take to improve access to telephone service on Indian reservations. Comments due March 31, 1999. Contact: Eric Jensen, OCBO at (202) 418-0990; Bill Kehoe, CCB at (202) 418-7122.

PN 1/22/99; DA 99-228

ALLTEL Corporation Petitions for Waiver of Section 61.41 of the Commission's Rules - Pleading Cycle Established

On January 15, 1999, ALLTEL Corporation filed a petition requesting that the Commission waive sections 61.41(c)(1), (2), and (d) of the Commission's rules and any other necessary provisions of its rules, to permit the continued regulation of the ALLTEL incumbent local exchange companies as rate-of-return companies following its merger transactions with Aliant Communications, Inc., and to permit the Aliant subsidiary, Aliant Communications Co., to convert to rate-of-return regulation following the merger. Comments due February 21; replies March 8. Contact: Renee Terry, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520.

PN 1/29/99; DA 99-251

Comments Sought on Update of Cost Allocation Manual

On January 21, the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) filed an annual update to its Cost Allocation Manual (CAM) for the year ended December 31, 1998. Among other things, the updated CAM reflects additional activity centers created for services provided to the Universal Service Administration Company and Independent NECA Services, Inc. Comments due March 1; replies March 15. Contact: Mark Stephens at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU

IB 98-212; PN 11/27/98; DA 98-2412

AT&T Corp., VLT Co. L.L.C., Violet License Co. LLC and TNV [Bahamas] Seek FCC Consent for Grant of Section 214 Authority, Modification of Authorizations and Assignment of Licenses in Connection with Proposed Joint Venture Between AT&T and British Telecom

On November 10, 1998, AT&T Corp., VLT Co. L.L.C., Violet License Co. LLC and TNV [Bahamas] Limited filed applications under the Cable Landing License Act and SectionS 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended seeking various authorizations, modifications, and assignments in connection with the proposed creation of a global joint venture between AT&T and British Telecommunications PLC, to provide international voice, data and video communications services to customers throughout the world. Comments due January 11, 1999*; replies due February 10, 1999. Contact: Sherille Ismail, elecommunication Division at (202) 418-1470.

IB 98-212; Order 1/8/99 (adopted 1/7/99); DA 99-124

AT&T/BT Merger

Extended comment dates. Comments or petitions to deny due January 19*; replies February 17.

IB ITC-97-127; PN 1/8/99; DA 99-123

International Bureau Seeks Comment on Telmex/Sprint Corporation's Response to the Commission's Order to Show Cause - IB Docket No. ITC-97-127

Pursuant to the Commission's Order to Show Cause (DA 98-2400, November 24, 1998), Telmex/Sprint Communications, L.L.C., filed a Response on December 23, 1998. Comments due February 8, 1999; replies March 1. Contact: Sherille Ismail, Telecommunications Division at (202) 418-1470.

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

MM 98-204, MM 96-16; NPRM 11/20/98 (adopted 11/19/1998); FCC 98-305

Broadcast and Cable Equal Employment Opportunity Rules and Policies and Termination of the EEO Streamlining Proceeding

Requested comment concerning a new broadcast equal employment opportunity rule and policies consistent with the D.C. Circuit's decision in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Snyod v. FCC. Comments due January 19, 1999*; replies February 18, 1999.

MM 98-204, MM 96-16; Order 1/5/99 (adopted 1/5/99); DA 99-105

Review of FCC's Broadcast and Cable EEO Rules

Extended reply comment date to February 18 and replies to March 23.

MM 98-203; NPRM 11/23/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-304

Ancillary or Supplementary Use of Digital Television Capacity by Noncommercial Licensees

Sought Comment on whether to impose limits on remunerative activities undertaken by noncommercial educational television licensees on their DTV capacity. Comments Due: January 28, 1999*; Reply Comments Due: March 1, 1999.

MM 98-203; Order 1/28/99 (adopted 1/28/99); DA 99-255

Ancillary or Supplementary Use of Digital Television Capacity by Noncommercial Licensees

Granted Motion for Extension of Time filed by Association of America's Public Television Stations; extended time for filing comments to February 16 and replies to March 16.

MM 95-31; Order 12/3/98 (adopted 12/3/98); DA 98-2489

Reexamination of the Comparative Standards for Noncommercial Educational Applicants

Extended to January 28, 1999*, and March 15, 1999, the time for filing comments and replies, respectively re: the proceeding soliciting comment on proposed changes to the process used to select among competing applicants for noncommercial educational broadcast stations, on reserved and non-reserved channels.

PN 1/7/99; DA 99-122

Date Extended for Mandatory Electronic Filing of Children's Television Programming Report

Extended date that Children's Television Programming Report was due to be filed electronically from January 10 to February 10. Contact: Laura Johnson or Laura Gallo at (202) 418-1600.

Order 1/7/99 (adopted 1/7/99); DA 99-115

Amendment of Sections 74.1231, 74.1232, 74.1233, 74.1284 of the Commission's Rules

Extended time for filing comments in this proceeding to February 10.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

CC 95-116; MO&O 9/1/98 (adopted 9/1/98); DA 98-1763

Telephone Number Portability

Granted a petition filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) requesting a nine-month stay of the requirement that all cellular, broadband personal communications service (PCS), and covered specialized mobile radio (SMR) carriers provide service provider number portability by June 30, 1999, while supporting nationwide roaming. The Bureau finds that extending the deadline from June 30, 1999 to March 31, 2000, is necessary to ensure the efficient development of wireless number portability.

WT 96-86; 1st R&O and 3rd NPRM 9/29/98 (adopted 8/6/98); FCC 98-191

The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency Communication Requirements Through the Year 2010 - Establishment of Rules and Requirements for Priority Access Service

The Commission is seeking comment on how to license the 8.8 MHz of spectrum designated as "reserve" in the First Report and Order. Specifically, the Commission is seeking comment on whether some or all of this spectrum should be licensed by means of the Regional Committee process, licensed directly to each state, or licensed pursuant to any alternative licensing process not expressly described herein. The Commission proposes technical criteria to protect satellite-based global navigation systems from harmful interference. The Commission also seeks comment on proposals to promote interoperability on public safety channels below 512 MHz and seeks comment concerning how the public safety community is addressing computer hardware and software adjustments needed to remedy the Year 2000 problem. Comments due 60 days after Federal Register publication; replies due 90 days after Federal Register Publication.

WT 96-86; Order 12/24/98 (adopted 12/23/98); DA 98-2588

The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency Communication Requirements Through the year 2010

Granted in part, and denied in part, Motion for Extension of Time for Filing Comments in Response to Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking filed by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council. Comments due by January 9, 1999*. Reply comments due February 18, 1999.

WT 98-205, WT 96-59, GN 93-252; NPRM 12/10/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-308

Commercial Mobile Radio Services (CMRS) Spectrum Cap

In this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the FCC undertakes a comprehensive review of the 45 MHz CMRS spectrum cap as part of the Biennial Review of the Commission's regulations. The FCC seeks comment on whether the Commission should repeal, modify or retain 45 MHz spectrum cap. In addition, the FCC seeks comment on a petition, submitted by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA), to forbear from enforcement of the CMRS spectrum cap pursuant to section 10 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act). Comments Due: January 25, 1999*; Reply Comments Due: February 10, 1999. Comments and Reply Comments to be filed in WT Docket 98-205.

WT 98-229; MO&O 12/15/98 (adopted 12/15/98); FCC 98-330

Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association's Petition for Forbearance From Commercial Mobile Radio Services Number Portability Obligations

The Commission extended until March 16, 1999, the date on which the petition for forbearance filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association shall be granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under Section 10(a) of the Act.

WT 98-228; PN 12/17/98; DA 98-2537

Commission Opens Filing Window for Commercial Operator License Examination Managers - WT Docket No. 98-228

On January 14, 1993, the Commission privatized the administration of license examinations for Commercial Radio Operators and delegated authority to the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau to certify private entities to be Commercial Operator License Examination (COLE) managers. In its initial solicitation for COLE managers, the Commission stated that another filing window may be opened in the future if the Commission determined that additional COLE managers would be beneficial. The Commission announces a filing window for requests from additional entities interested in being certified as a COLE manager. Requests should be received between January 25* and February 22, 1999. Contact: Joy Afford, Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0694.

PN 12/23/98; DA 98-2585

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on a Request for Modification of a Nationwide Narrowband PCS License Filed by SkyTel Communications, Inc.

On December 14, 1998, SkyTel Communications, Inc. on behalf of its wholly owned subsidiary, Destineer Corp. requests modification of narrowband PCS license KNKV208 to remove the 930.5-930.55 MHz band and add 940.75-940.8 MHz band. Comments due January 22, 1999*; replies February 8. Contact: Todd Slamowitz at (202) 418-7240.

PN 12/24/98; DA 98-2578; Report WT 98-45

Wireless Telecom Action - Public Safety National Plan Region 54 (Chicago) Announces an Application Filing window for the 821-824/866-869 MHz Bands

Region 54 announces a filing Window for submittal of radio channel allotment requests and license applications for radio frequencies in the 821-824/866-869 MHz band. Applications accepted through 2:00 p.m. C.S.T. on March 15, 1999. Contact: Mike Donatelli, Region 54 Secretary at (312) 746-9249.

CC 94-102; PN 12/24/98; DA 98-2631

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Outlines Guidelines for Wireless E911 Rule Waivers for Handset-Based Approaches to Phase II Automatic Location Identification Requirements - CC Docket No. 94-102

Waiver requests should be filed by February 4, 1999* replies February 22. Contact: Won Kim or Dan Grosh, Policy Division, at (202) 418-1310.

GEN 90-119; PN 12/28/98; DA 98-2616; Report WT 98-46

Wireless Telecom Action - Comments Invited On Florida (Region 9) Public Safety Plan Amendment (GEN Docket No. 90-119)

The Commission is seeking comments on the Florida Region 9 Committee's December 9 letter proposing to amend the Region 9 Plan. Comments due January 28, 1999*; replies February 15. Contact: Ghassan Khalek at (202) 418-2771.

PN 1/5/99; DA 99-106

FCC Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and GPU Energy to Permit Sharing of A Statewide 800 MHz System by Public Safety and Industrial/Land Transportation Eligibles

On August 17, 1998, Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company and Jersey Central Power & Light Company, collectively trading as GPU Energy, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed a Request for Waiver of Section 90.179(a) of the Commission's Rules. The waiver request seeks permission for eligibles in the Public Safety Radio Pool and in the Industrial Land Transportation Category to operate and utilize a statewide, 800 MHz conventional and trunked Public Safety/Power Radio Service system on a non-profit, cost shared basis. Comments due February 4*; replies February 19. Contact: Freda Lippert Thyden, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0627.

PN 1/19/99; DA 99-175

FCC Seeks Comment on Request for Interim Authority and Waiver Filed by Amtrak, New Jersey Transit Authority, Alstom Signaling, Inc. and Union Switch and Signal, Inc. for the Import, Marketing, Installation and Operation of High Speed Rail Safety Radio Equipment

On December 4, 1998, the Commission received a request for a waiver of Parts 2, 87, and 95 of its Rules submitted jointly by the National Railroad Passenger Corporation , the New Jersey Transit authority, Alstom Signaling, Inc. and Union Switch and Signal, Inc. The parties seek permission for the importation, marketing, installation and operation of an advanced civil speed enforcement system, consisting of radio equipment necessary for the initiation of proposed high speed rail service and enhanced safety for commuter rail services in the northeast corridor. Comments due February 2*; replies February 9. Contact: Gene Thomson, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

Parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's Rules

Proposed to permit non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO )fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in certain segments of the Ku-band and proposed policies to govern such operations. Also proposed or sought comment on, technical criteria to ensure that such NGSO FSS operations do not cause unacceptable interference to existing users or do not unduly constrain future growth of incumbent services. Comments Due: February 16, 1999; Reply Comments Due: March 15, 1999.

ET 95-18; MO&O/3rd NPRM/Order 11/25/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-309

Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2GHz for Use by the Mobile-Satellite Service

Disposed of two petitions for reconsideration and one petition for clarification of the First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, affirming the FCC's allocation of the 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2200 MHz bands to the Mobile-Satellite Service. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

Order 1/19/99 (adopted 1/15/99); DA 99-179

Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2 GHz for Use by the Mobile-Satellite Service

Extended comments in this proceeding to February 3; reply comments to March 15.

OFFICE OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR

MD 98-200; NOI 12/4/98 (adopted 11/10/98); FCC 98-298

Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 1999

The Commission began a rulemaking proceeding seeking comments and suggestions for revising its Schedule of Regulatory Fees in order to recover the amount of regulatory fees that Congress requires it to collect for Fiscal Year 1999. OMD Contact: Fee Hotline at (202) 418-0192.