1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
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).
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.
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; 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 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.
CC 92-237; PN 2/17/99; DA 99-347
FCC Seeks Comment on Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business - CC Docket No. 92-237
The Common Carrier Bureau gives notice of the filing by Lockheed Martin IMS Corporation of responses to questions and/or issues concerning the Lockheed Martin Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business to a new independent company, Warburg, Pincus & Co. The Bureau seeks comment on the Lockheed Martin Request, taking into account the Lockheed Martin Response and the Mitretek Answers. Comments due March 17.* Contact: Kris Monteith at (202) 418-1520 or Jared Carlson or Jeannie Grimes at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 92-237; PN 2/15/99; DA 99-516
FCC Extends Deadline for Comments on Lockheed Martin Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of Communications Industry Service Business - CC Docket 92-237
The Common Carrier Bureau extended the deadline for filing of comments on the request by Lockheed Martin IMS for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business to a new independent company, Warburg, Pincus & Co., to April 16, 1999. Contact: Kris Monteith at (202) 418-1520 or Jared Carlson or Jeannie Grimes at (202) (202) 418-2320.
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.
CC 99-24; PN 3/3/99; DA 99-447
Competitive Pricing Division Grants Motion for Extension of Time for Comments and Reply Comments in Response to Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies' Petition for Forbearance - Pleading Cycle Revised - CC Docket No. 99-24
On January 20, 1998, the 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 jurisdictions in which it provides special access services. Comment period for this proceeding revised to March 18* for comments and April 8 for replies. 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 2/5/99; DA 99-296
Commission Seeks Comment on Bell Atlantic's Progress Report on Compliance with Bell Atlantic/NYNEX Merger Order Conditions
On August 14, 1997, the Commission granted, subject to conditions, the applications filed by NYNEX Corporation and bell Atlantic Corporation pursuant to sections 214(a) and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, for the transfer of control of certain licenses and authorizations from NYNEX to Bell Atlantic in connection with the merger of the two companies. The Commission's conditions included a number of requirements . On February 1, 1999, at the request of the Common Carrier Bureau, Bell Atlantic filed a report indicating its progress in implementing these conditions. The Commission is seeking comment regarding Bell Atlantic's compliance with the conditions. Comments due March 8*; replies March 23.* Contact: Anthony Dale, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-2260.
Order 3/23/99 (adopted 3/22/99); DA 99-565
Bell Atlantic Progress Report on Compliance with Bell Atlantic/NYNEX Merger Order Conditions
Extended the deadline for filing comments regarding Bell Atlantic's progress report re: its compliance with the conditions imposed int he Bell Atlantic/NYNEX Merger Order until March 31, 1999.
CC 99-65; PN 2/16/99; DA 99-334
Petition of Ameritech for Forbearance from Dominant Carrier Regulation of its Provision of High Capacity Services in the Chicago LATA - CC Docket No. 99-65 - Pleading Cycle Established
On February 5, 1999, the Ameritech Operating Companies filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating Ameritech as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity special access and dedicated transport for switched access in the Chicago local access and transport area, pursuant to Section 10 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due March 31; replies April 21. Contact: Steven Spaeth or Tamara Preiss at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 99-65; PN 2/16/99; DA 99-334
Petition of Ameritech for Forbearance from Dominant Carrier Regulation f its Provision of High Capacity Services in the Chicago LATA - CC Docket 99-65 - Pleading cycle Established
On February 5, 1999, the Ameritech Operating Companies filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating Ameritech as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity special access and dedicated transport for switched access int he chicago local access and transport area, pursuant to Section 10 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Comments due March 31; replies April 12. Contact: Steven Spaeth or Tamara Preiss at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 2/24/99; DA 99-370
SBC Files Revisions to Its Cost Allocation Manual - Public Comment Invited
On February 10, 1999, SBC Telecommunications, Inc., filed a revision to its Cost Allocation Manual. Comments due March 24*; replies April 7. Contact: Mark Stephens at (202) 418-
0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 96-45; PN 2/26/99; DA 99-399
Fort Mojave Telecommunications, Inc. and San Carlos Apache Telecommunications Utility, Inc. Petitions or Waiver of Section 54.403(a) of the Commission's Rules - Pleading Cycle Established
On February 12, 1999, and February 17, 1999, San Carlos apache Telecommunications Utility, Inc. and Fort Mojave Telecommunications, Inc., respectively, filed separate petitions requesting waiver of section 54.403(a) of the commission's rules to eliminate the prerequisite of state commission action, enabling San Carlos and Fort Mojave to receive an additional $3.50 in federal Lifeline support per Lifeline subscriber. Comments due March 19*; replies April 2. Contact: Mark Nadel, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 99-69; CC 99-98; Declaratory Ruling in CC Docket No. 99-98 and NPRM in Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99-68 2/26/99 (adopted 2/25/99); FCC 99-38
Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecommunications Act of 1996/Inter-Carrier Compensation for ISP-bound Traffic
Concluded that parties should be bound by their existing interconnection agreements, as interpreted by state commissions. Sought comments on proposals to govern future compensation agreements. NPRM comment date: April 12; NPRM Reply comment date: April 27.
CC 99-35; Order 2/26/99 (adopted 2/26/99); DA 99-374
Long Term Telephone Number Portability Tariff Filings of Ameritech Operating Companies/GTE System Telephone Companies/GTE Telephone Operating Companies/Pacific Bell/Southwestern Bell Telephone Company
Designated for investigation various issues involved in the long-term telephone number portability tariff filings filed by incumbent local exchange carriers. Direct Cases: March 29; Oppositions/Comment Date: April 13; Rebuttal Date: April 23.
BO Docket 99-11; PN 3/1/99; DA 99-430
Federal Communications Commission Will Hold a Series of Public Hearings on Telephone Service for Indians on Reservations; Set for March 23 in Chandler Arizona.
Comment period closes May 28, 1999. Contact: Eric Jensen at (202) 418-0990 or Belford Lawson at (202) 418-7264.
PN 3/4/99; DA 99-460
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy Petition for Waiver to Implement a Technology-Specific Overlay in the 508, 617, 781, and 978 Area Codes - 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 Order on Reconsideration, FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. The Pennsylvania Numbering Order delegated additional authority to state public utility commissions to order NXX code rationing in jeopardy situations and encouraged state commissions to seek further limited delegations of authority to implement other innovative number conservation methods. On February 12, 1999, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy filed a petition requesting that the Commission waive the provisions and permit the Petitioner additional authority to implement technology-specific or service-specific overlay in the 508, 617, and 978 area codes in eastern Massachusetts. Comments due April 5, replies April 19. Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 3/5/99; DA 99-462
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on New York Department of Public Service Petition for Additional Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures - 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 Order on Reconsideration, FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. The Pennsylvania Numbering Order delegated additional authority to state public utility commissions to order NXX code rationing in jeopardy situations and encouraged state commissions to seek further limited delegations of authority to implement other innovative number conservation methods. On February 19, 1999 the New York State Department of Public Service filed a petition requesting additional authority to implement Number Conservation Measures. Comments due April 5; replies April 19. Contact: Al Mccloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2330; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 3/5/99; DA 99-461
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy Request for Additional Authority to Implement Various Area Code Conservation Methods in the 508, 617, 781, and 978 Area Codes - 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 Order on Reconsideration, FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. The Pennsylvania Numbering Order delegated additional authority to state public utility commissions to order NXX code rationing in jeopardy situations and encouraged state commissions to seek further limited delegations of authority to implement other innovative number conservation methods. On February 17, 1999, the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy filed a petition requesting that the Commission waive the provisions and permit the Petitioner additional authority to implement various area code conservation measures in the 508, 617, 781, and 978 area codes in eastern Massachusetts. Comments due April 5; replies April 19. Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0404.
Order 3/5/99 (adopted 3/5/99); DA 99-463
Comsat Mobil Communications Request for Extension of Time for Filing Cost Allocation Manual Audit Report
Granted pursuant to Sections 0.91, 0291, and 1.46 of the Commission's Rules CMC's request for an extension of time until June 1, 1999, to file its independent cost allocation manual audit report.
CC 97-172; Order 3/8/99 (adopted 3/8/99); DA 99-468
Petition of US West Communications, Inc. for Forbearance
Extended to June 9, 1999, the date on which the petition seeking forbearance filed by US West shall be deemed granted in absence of a Commission denial of the peitition for failure to meet the statutory requirements for forbearance.
CC 97-181; R&O/FNPRM 3/10/99 (adopted 2/22/99); FCC 99-29
Defining Primary Lines
Adopted requirements for differentiating and identifying non-primary residential lines and multi-line business lines from primary residential lines and single line business lines in regards to the FCC's access charge rules for subscriber line charges and presubscribed interexchange carrier charges. Issued FNPRM on issue of individuals with speech or hearing disabilities having access at primary line rates to TTY line. Comments due April 9; replies April 26.
CC 96-45; PN 3/16/99; DA 99-459
Common Carrier Bureau Sends Updated Lists of Rural and Non-Rural Telephone Companies to the Universal Service Administrative Company and Changes 1999 Self-Certification Filing Deadline
On May 8, 1997, the Commission established in the Universal Service Order that rural and non-rural local exchange carriers (LECs) will receive federal universal service support determined by separate mechanisms. This PN revises the annual deadline for local exchange carriers to be classified as rural telephone companies to file letters certifying that they meet the statutory definition of rural telephone company. The new deadline for filing self-certification letters with the Commission is July 1 of each year. Contact: Adrian Wright, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400.
PN 3/17/99
Request by RCN Telecom Services and Bell Atlantic for Clarification of Bell Atlantic's Authority to Carry Local Traffic Between Exchanges on Behalf of Competitive Local Exchange Carriers
On January 25, 1999, RCN Telecom Services, Inc. and Bell Atlantic (BA) submitted a letter requesting that the Common Carrier Bureau clarify the scope of Bell Atlantic's ability to transport and terminate local calls originated by or terminated at a competitive local exchange carrier. RCN and BA request that the Commission declare that it is in the public interest to permit BA to provide transport and termination of RCN's expanded area service (EAS) traffic where calls originate and terminate in exchange areas that are within BA's EAS calling scope. Comments due April 7; replies April 21. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338; TTY: (202) 418-2325.
PN 3/17/99
Comment Sought on the Malheur Home Telephone Company Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between Various Exchanges in Oregon
On February 11, 1999, the Malheur Home Telephone Company, a subsidiary of US West Communications, Inc., filed a petition requesting modification of local access transport area (LATA) boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, flat-rated expanded local calling service (ELCS) between the Ontario, Oregon and Huntington, Oregon exchanges. Comments due March 31; replies April 7. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338; TTY: (202) 418-2325.
PN 3/17/99
Comment Sought on the US West Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between Various Exchanges in Oregon
On February 11, 1999, US West Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting modification of local access transport area (LATA) boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, flat-rated expanded local calling service (ELCS) between the Albany, Oregon and Scio, Oregon Exchanges. Comments due March 31; replies April 7. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338; TTY: (202) 418-2325.
PN 3/17/99; DA 99-525
The National Exchange Carrier Association Petitions For Expedited Waiver of Part 69 of the Commission's Rules - Pleading Cycle Established
On March 8, 1999, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. (NECA) filed an expedited petition pursuant to section 1.3 of the Commission's rules requesting that the Commission waive Part 69 of the Commission's rules to permit NECA to establish various new rate elements to offer Switched Access Synchronous Optical Transport service. Comments due March 29; replies April 5. Contact: Renee Terry, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520.
CC 96-45 and 97-21; PN 3/17/99; DA 99-521
Universal Service Administrative Company Report to the FCC: Evaluation of the Rural Health Care Program - Pleading Cycle Established - CC Docket Nos. 96-45 and 97-21
In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress sought to provide rural Americans with affordable access to quality health care, by directing telecommunications carriers to provide telecommunications services to any public or non-profit health care provider at rates that are reasonably comparable to rates charged for similar services in urban areas in the same state. The FCC established a mechanism to distribute the $400 million to benefit rural health care providers as Congress intended in section 254 of the Act. The FCC has since directed the Universal Service Administrative Company (USAC) to assume responsibility for the rural health care support mechanism effective January 1, 1999. On March 5, 1999, USAC submitted a report with recommendations for improving the rural health care program. Comments on the report due March 29; replies April 5. Contact: Sheryl Todd or Linda P. Armstrong, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
PN 2/8/99; DA 99-304
AirTouch Communications, Inc. Applies for Authority to Transfer Control of Its Licenses and Authorizations to Vodafone Group P.L.C.
AirTouch Communications, Inc. and Vodafone Group P.L.C. have filed applications pursuant to Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended seeking Commission approval of the transfer of control to Vodafone of licenses and authorizations currently held directly and indirectly by AirTouch. Comments due March 10*; oppositions due March 22*; replies March 29. (DA No. 99-304). Contact: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240; JoAnna Lowry, International Bureau at (202) 418-1465.
IB 99-67; NPRM 3/5/99 (adopted 2/25/99); FCC 99-37
Amendment of Parts 2 and 25 to Implement the global Mobile Personal Communications By Satellite Memorandum of Understanding and Arrangements
Proposed amending the Commission's Rules to facilitate the global transport of portable telecommunications terminals used in connection with satellite systems providing global data, voice, Internet and other broadband services. Comments due May 3; replies May 18.
PN 3/10/99; DA 99-479
Petitions for Enforcement of International Settlement Benchmark Rates
AT&T, MCI WorldCom, and Sprint have filed joint petitions requesting that the Commission enforce its benchmark settlement rate of 15 cents per minute as required by the Commission's Benchmarks Order for service on the following routes: U.S.-Cyprus, U.S.-Kuwait, and
U.S.- Netherlands Antilles. Comments Due: April 14, 1999; Reply Comments Due: April 26, 1999. Contact: Telecommunications Division, International Bureau: Ken Stanley or Kathy O'Brien 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 98-204, MM 96-16; Order 2/12/99 (adopted 2/11/99); DA 99-326
Review of the Commission's Broadcast and Cable EEO Rules
Extended comment deadline to March 1*; replies to March 31.
MM 98-204, MM 96-16; Order 3/22/99 (adopted 3/22/99) ; DA 99-529
Review of the FCC's Broadcast and Cable EEO Rules
Extended reply comment date to April 15 in this proceeding.
MM 99-25; NPRM 2/3/99 (adopted 1/28/99); FCC 99-6
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service
Proposed to establish rules authorizing the operations of new, low power FM (LPFM) radio stations. Comments due April 12; replies May 12.
MM 99-25; Order 3/19/99 (adopted 3/19/99); DA 99-542
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service
Granted extension of the comment date to June 1, 1999, and reply comment date to July 1, 1999, in response to petitions filed by Lucent Digital Radio and by the National Association of Broadcasters, the Consumer Electronics Manufacturers Association, and a number of state broadcaster organizations.
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.
PN 2/10/99; DA 99-303
Aliant Communications, Inc. Seeks FCC Consent for Transfer of Control to Alltel Corporation
Aliant Communications, Inc. and ALLTEL Corporation filed applications pursuant to Sections 214 and 310 of the Communications Act, as amended, seeking Commission consent to transfer control to ALLTEL of licenses and authorizations held directly or indirectly by Aliant. Comments due March 12*; oppositions due March 23*; replies to oppositions due March 30.
PN 2/17/99; DA 99-354
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Public Safety and Private Wireless Division - WNP Communications, Inc. and PCO Acquisition Corp. Seek FCC Consent for Assignment of Authorizations
WNP Communications, Inc. and PCO Acquisition Corp., a wholly owned subsidiary of NEXTLINK Communications, Inc., have filed an application under Section 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commission approval of the assignment from WNP to PCO of the Local Multipoint distribution Service licenses held by WNP. Comments due March 19*; oppositions and other replies due March 29. Contact: Ramona Melson, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
WT 99-66; NPRM 2/24/99 (adopted 2/12/99); FCC 99-23
Amendment of Parts 2 and 95 to Establish a Medical Implant Communications Service
Proposed allocating 402-405 MHz band for this service on a shared basis. Comments due April 9, replies April 26.
WT 98-229/CC 95-116; PN 3/10/99; DA 99-484
Clarification of Filing Deadline for Petitions for Reconsideration of the CMRS Local Number Portability Forbearance Order - WT Docket 98-2229; CC Docket 95-116
On February 9, 1999, the FCC released an order addressing a Petition for Forbearance filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association concerning implementation of local number portability by commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) providers. Deadline for filing petitions to reconsider the Forbearance Order may be filed within 30 days of the publication of the amended rules and a summary of the order in the Federal Register. Contact: David Furth at (202) 418-0632.
PN 3/11/99; DA 99-494
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Broadwave Albany, L.L.C. et al Requests for Waiver of Part 101 Rules
On January 8, 1999, Broadwave Albany, L.L.C., et al., filed requests for waiver of the Commission's Part 101 Rules regarding fixed microwave radio service. Comments due April 12; replies April 22. Contact: Michael Pollak or Shellie Blakeney, Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
PN 3/16/99; DA 99-523; Report No. 99-7
Public Safety National Plan Region 20 (Washington, DC) Announces an Application Filing Window for the 821-824 /866-869 MHz Bands
Filing Window Accepted from March 15 through April 30. Contact: William Van Aller at (301) 217-7779.
PN 3/18/99; DA 99-537
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by San Mateo County, California, to Obtain a License for Thirty-one Frequencies Allocated for Paging Control Operations
On January 28, 1999, the County of San Mateo, California, filed applications and a Request for Waiver of Section 22.621 of the Commission's Rules requesting a waiver to permit it to use 31 frequencies for public safety purposes that are now allocated for point-to-multipoint paging control operation in the San Francisco, CA, area. Comments on the Waiver Request due March 29; replies April 5. Contact: Peter J. Daronco, Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-7235.
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
ET 98-206
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 98-206; Order 2/5/99 (adopted 2/4/99); DA 99-284
Rules to Permit Operation of NGSO and FSS Systems Co-Frequency with GSO and Terrestrial Systems in the KU-Band Frequency Range
Extended comment date to March 2* and reply comment date to March 29.
ET 99-34; NPRM 2/3/99 (adopted 1/28/99); FCC 99-8
In the Matter of an Industry Coordination Committee System for Broadcast Digital Television Service
The Commission seeks comment on the establishment of an industry coordination committee to assist the Commission in the implementation of digital television (DTV) service, and specifically requests comment on proposals addressing certain issues. Comments due March 29; replies April 28.
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.
MD 98-200; NPRM 3/24/99 (adopted 3/9/99); FCC 99-44
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 1999
Commenced a proceeding to revise the FCC's Schedule of Regulatory Fees in order to collect the amount of regulatory fees that Congress, pursuant to section 9(a) of the Communications Act, as amended, has required the Commission to collect for Fiscal Year 1999. Comments due April 19; replies April 29.