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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).
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) 418-0190, 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
Dkt No.: CC- 99-117; Order 6/2 (adopted 6/2); DA 99-1072
CCB's Continuing Property Records Audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies
Granted MCI Worldcom, Inc.'s request for a thirty-day extension of time to file comments and reply comments in the NOI seeking comment on ten issues arising out of the Common Carrier Bureau's continuing property records audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies. Comments now due July 7* and replies due August 6.*
CC 99-117; Order 7/2 (adopted 7/2); DA 99-1321
Regional Bell Operating Companies
NOI seeking comment on ten issues arising out of the Common Carrier Bureau's continuing property records audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies. Extended time to file comments to September 13* and reply comments to October 13.CC 99-117; Order 9/10 (adopted 9/10); DA 99-1855
Regional Bell Operating Companies
NOI seeking comment on ten issues arising out of the Common Carrier Bureau's continuing property records audits of the Regional Bell Operating Companies. Extended time to file comments to September 23* and reply comments to October 25.
CC 99-249; NOI 7/21 (adopted 7/8); FCC 99-168
Low-Volume Long-Distance Users
The Commission is seeking comment on the impact of certain flat-rated charges on single-line residential and business customers who make few, or no, interstate long-distance calls. Comments due September 22*; replies October 20.
PN 8/12; DA 99-1606
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin's Petition for Delegation of Additional Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures
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. 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 August 5, 1999, the Public Service Commission of Wisconsin filed a petition requesting authority to implement various number conservation measures. Comments due September 13*; replies September 27. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320.
PN 8/16; DA 99-1631
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Illinois Commerce Commission's Petition for Expedited Temporary Waiver of 47 CFR 52.19(c)(3)(ii) - Pleading Cycle Established
On August 10, the Illinois Commerce Commission filed a Petition for Expedited Waiver of Section 52.19(c)(3)(ii)of the FCC's rules regarding area code overlay. Comments due September 16*; replies September 30. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320.
PN 9/1
Petition Seeks a Declaratory Ruling that the Manner in Which AT&T Marketed and Implemented Certain of Its Optional Calling Plans to Potential and Existing Customers in South Carolina Violated Sections 201(b), 202, 203, 254 and 258 of the Communications Act of 1934
The Commission received a petition seeking a declaratory ruling that inter alia, the manner in which AT&T marketed an implemented certain of its optional calling plans to potential and existing customers in South Carolina violated sections 201(b), 202, 203, 254(g), and 258 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Oppositions due September 24.
PN 9/1; DA 99-1775
Qwest Communications International Inc and U S West, Inc. Seek FCC Consent for a Proposed Transfer of Control in CC Docket 99-272
Qwest Communications International Inc. and U S West, Inc. filed applications under Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act as amended requesting Commission approval for the transfer of control of licenses and authorizations held by subsidiaries of the two companies in connection with the proposed merger of U S West with and into Qwest. Comments or petitions to deny due October 1. Responses or oppositions due October 18.
CC 96-45; FNPRM 9/3 (adopted 8/5); FCC 99-240
Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service
The commission addressed the unique issues that may limit telecommunications deployment and subscribership in the unserved or underserved regions of our Nation, including on tribal lands and insular areas. Comments due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register, Replies 90 days after publication int he Federal Register.
PN 9/3; DA 99-2807
IXC Communications, Inc. and Cincinnati Bell Inc. Seek Consent for Transfer of control - Pleading Cycle Established
IXC Communications, Inc. and Cincinnati Bell Inc. have filed applications under Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act, requesting Commission approval to transfer control of licenses or authorizations, currently held by IXC's subsidiaries, from the officers and shareholders or IXC, to CBI. Comments or petitions to deny due October 3; oppositions to such pleadings due October 13; replies to oppositions due October 20. Contact: Michelle Carey, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2550.
PN 8/31; DA 99-1735
Letter Seeking Clarification of Rate Regulatory Rules for Inside Wire Maintenance
Cole, Raywid and Braverman requested clarification of rules regarding the regulatory treatment of a "whole house" inside wire maintenance plan. Responses to petition due September 20*; replies due September 30.
CC 96-115, CC 96-98, CC 99-273; R&O, Ord. NPRM 9/9 (adopted 8/23; FCC 99-227
Implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996
To ensure that FCC policies in implementing the statutory requirements in the Telecom Act of 1996 are consistent, this item addresses the subscriber list information issues arising under section 222(e), directory listings and directory assistance issues arising under section 251(b)(3) and issues arising out of the convergence of directory publishing and directory assistance. Comments due October 13; replies October 28.
PN 9/15; DA 99-1894
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission's Petition for Delegation of Additional Authority to Implement Number Optimization Measures in the 603 Area Code - Pleading Cycle Established
On September 28, 1998, the Federal Communications Commission 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. 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 September 15, 1999, the New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission filed a petition requesting a waiver of the provisions of 47 C.F.R. Section 52.19(c)(3) and a grant to the Petitioner of additional authority to implement certain area code conservation measures in the 603 area code in N.H. Comments due October 5; replies October 15. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320.
CC 96-262, CC 94-1, CC 99-249, CC 96-45; NPRM 9/15 (adopted 9/14); FCC 99-235
Access Charge Reform/Price Cap Performance Review for Local Exchange Carriers/Low-Volume Long Distance users/Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service
The Commission is seeking comment on a proposal submitted by the Coalition for Affordable and Long Distance Services (CALLS) to the Commission. Comments due October 29; reply comments due November 19.
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
IB 98-96; R&O/NPRM 7/13 (adopted 6/21); FCC 99-150
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of Accounts Settlement in the Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services
Commission concluded that Commission shall cease operating as an accounting authority for settling accounts for maritime mobile, maritime satellite, aircraft and handheld terminal radio services. Will transition to full privatization of the account-settlement function and sought comment on a number of proposals regarding how best to implement this transition. Comments due August 23*; replies September 8*.
IB 98-96; Order 8/18 (adopted 8/17)l DA 99-1653
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review- Maritime Mobile and Maritime Mobile- Satellite Radio Services
Extended comment period in this proceeding until October 25 and reply comment period until November 29.
MASS MEDIA BUREAU
MM 93-177; NPRM 6/11 (adopted 5/28); FCC 99-126
An Inquiry Into the Commission's Policies and Rules Regarding AM Radio Service Directional Antenna Performance Verification
Proposed reductions in testing procedures for AM directional antennas. Comments due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
MM 93-177; Order 8/31 (adopted 8/31); DA 99-1755
Directional Antenna Performance Verification
Granted an extension of the comment and reply comment periods. Comments due November 9; replies November 24.
PN 7/29; DA 99-1484
Mass Media Bureau Announces Commencement of Period for Filing Comments on Requests for Flexibility to Preempt Children's Educational and Informational Programming
The Commission is commencing a public notice period for filing comments on the separate letters submitted by the ABC, CBS and NBC television networks requesting continued, limited flexibility to preempt children's "core" programming, i.e. programming specifically designed to serve the educational needs of children, during the 1999-2000 television season. Comments due September 24; replies October 8. Contact: Laura Gallo at (202) 418-1600.
PN 8/11; DA 99-1601
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Amended Petition for Rulemaking to Amend Parts 21 and 74 of the Commission's Rules to Permit Licensing in the Multipoint Distribution Service and the Instructional Television Fixed Service for the Gulf of Mexico
On October 17, 1996, the Commission put out for comment a petition for rulemaking filed by Gulf Coast MDS Service Company, which sought to amend parts 21 and 74 of the Commission's rules to permit licensing of Multipoint Distribution Service spectrum and Instructional Television Fixed Service spectrum in the Gulf of Mexico. Petrocom License Corporation, successor in interest to gulf Coast, has filed an amended petition for rulemaking in the same matter. Comments due September 10*; replies September 26. Contact: Dave Roberts at (202) 418-1600.
PN 9/9; FCC 99-240
Commission Seeks Comment on Processing Order for Applications Filed Pursuant to the Commission's New Local Broadcast Ownership Rules
The Commission requests supplemental comment in MM Docket Numbers 91-221 and 87-8 on procedures for processing applications filed pursuant to the Report and Order adopted in the local broadcast ownership proceeding on August 5, 1999. Comments due 7 days from publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 15 days from publication in the Federal Register. Contact: Vicki Phillips, Policy and Rules Division at (202) 418-2120.
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 99-87; NPRM 3/25 (adopted 3/19); FCC 99-52
Establishment of Public Service Radio Pool in the Private Mobile Frequencies Below 800 MHz
Proposed changes to the FCC's rules and policies to implement the revised auction authority. Comments due 60 days and replies 90 days after Federal Register publication.
WT 99-87; Order 5/19 (adopted 5/19); DA 99-950
Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended - Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies on Certain Part 90 Frequencies/Establishment of Public Service Radio Pool in the Private Mobile Frequencies Below 800 MHz
Granted request for extension of time to file documents. Comments due August 2*; replies September 16.*WT 99-87; Order 9/13 (adopted 9/10); DA 99-1861
Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended - Promotion of Spectrum Efficient Technologies on Certain Part 90 Frequencies/Establishment of Public Service Radio Pool in the Private Mobile Frequencies Below 800 MHz
Granted Land Mobile Communications Council's September 8 Rquest for Extension of Time to File Reply Comments in this proceeding. Reply comments due September 30.
WT 97-207; Dec. Rul/NPRM 7/7 (adopted 6/10); FCC 99-137
WTB Calling Party Pays Service Offering in the Commercial Mobile Radio Services
The Commission adopted a Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to help facilitate the offering of Calling Party Pays (CPP) as an optional wireless service to consumers in the United States. CPP has the potential to promote the development of local competition and to provide an important new alternative to consumers who have not previously used wireless extensively. Comments due August 18*; replies September 8.*
WT 97-207; Order 8/6 9 (adopted 8/6); DA 99-1566
Calling Party Pays
Extended time to file comments due September 17*; replies October 18
WT 99-217, CC 96-98; NPRM/NOI/3rd FNPRM 7/7 (adopted 6/10); FCC 99-141
Promotion of Competitive Networks in Local Telecommunications Markets
The Commission initiated a proceeding intended to facilitate the development of competitive telecommunications networks that will provide consumers with alternatives to services provided by the incumbent wireline local exchange carriers (LECs). Comments due August 13*; replies September 3.*
WT 99-217, CC 96-98; Order 8/6 (adopted8/6); DA 99-1563
Promotion of Competitive Networks
Granted Utilities and LSGAC's requests for extension of time. Comments due Augut 27*; replies Sept 27 for NPRM in WT 99-217 and FNPRM in CC Docket 96-98. Comments due October 12 and replies December 13 for NOI in WT Docket 99-217.
PN 7/28; DA 99-1458; Report No. WT 99-263
Petition of the Wireless Consumers Alliance, Inc. For a Declaratory Ruling on Communications Act Provisions and FCC Jurisdiction Regarding Preemption of State Courts from Awarding Monetary Damages Against Consumer Protection or Other State Laws
On July 16, the Wireless Consumers Alliance, Inc. filed a petition requesting a Declaratory Ruling on whether the provisions of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, or the FCC's jurisdiction thereunder, serve to preempt state courts from awarding monetary relief against commercial mobile radio service (CMRS) providers for (a) violating state consumer protection laws prohibiting false advertising and other fraudulent business practices or (b) wrongful conduct in the context of contractual disputes an tort actions adjudicated under state contract and tort laws. Comments due September 10*; replies October 12. Contact: Susan Kimmel or Mary Woytek at (202) 418-1310.
PN 8/13; DA 99-1612
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Requests for Waiver by Brentwood and Hauppauge Fire Districts, Suffolk County, NY, to Obtain Licenses for 47 MHz Frequencies Allocated for Highway Maintenance
The Brentwood Fire District and the Hauppauge Fire District, both in Suffolk County, NY, have filed separate and independent applications and requests for waiver of Sections 90.20(d)(21) and (22) of the Commission's Rules. Comments due September 13*; replies September 28. Contact: John P. Fernandez, Policy and Rules Branch of the Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
WT 99-266; NPRM 8/18 (adopted 8/5); FCC 99-205
Extending Wireless Telecommunications Services to Tribal Lands
The Commission is seeking comment on potential terrestrial wireless and satellite policy initiatives to address telecom needs of Indian living on tribal lands. Comments due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register.
PN 8/30; DA 99-1734
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Extends Waiver of Limitations on Payments in Settlement Agreements Among Parties in Contested Licensing Cases
Extended the waiver of the "greenmail" rules that was granted in the Settlement Window Public Notice, released April 16, 1999. Waiver extended until October 30. Contact: Don Johnson, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.
PN 9/3; DA 99-1806
Frontier and Bell Atlantic Seek CC Consent to Transfer Control of Cellular, Paging and Microwave Licenses; Pleading Cycle Established
Comments or petitions to deny are due by October 3; oppositions to such pleadings may be filled no later than October 13; replies to such oppositions due October 20. WTB Contacts: Lauren Kravetz or Elizabeth Williams at (202) 418-7240
PN 9/3; DA 99-1812
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment On Inter-Regional Channel Re-Assignment Agreement Submitted by Regions 20, 28 &36 in GN Docket Nos. 90-789-573
On September 2, 1999, the Region-20 821 MHz Public Safety Review Committee submitted a Response Statement in the Form of a written ex parte presentation in GN Docket Nos. 90-7 and 89-573. The Commission also received a Second Addendum to the Petition to Amend the Region-20 821 MHz Public Safety Plan. The Commission also has a request from the Region 28 Planing Update Committee to accept the Region 28 Fifth Filing Window assignments that were included in the Agreement as amendments to Region 28's 821 MHz Public Safety Plan. The Commission seeks comment on the approval of these agreements/amendments. Comments due September 17*; replies September 24.
PN 9/14; DA 99-1876
BCP CommNet, L.P. and Vodafone Airtouch PLC Seek Consent for Transfer of Control - Pleading Cycle Established
Vodafone Airtouch Plc and BCP CommNet, L.P. have filed applications seeking Commission consent for the transfer of control of CommNet Cellular, Inc. from BCP-CLP to Vodafone Airtouch. Comments of petitions to deny due October 14; oppositions due October 21; replies to oppositions due October 28. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240 or Ramona Melson, Public Safety and Private Wireless at (202) 418-0680.
PN 9/17; DA 99-1913
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Establishes Pleading Cycle for Request for Authorization to Participate in the AirCell System
On December 24, 1998, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued an order granting, in part, AirCell, Inc.'s Petition for Waiver. In the Order, the Bureau stated that future cellular operators seeking to become participants int he AirCell system must file requests for waiver. The deadline for filing Oppositions to the waiver request is October 1. Contact: Wilbert E. Nixon, Jr., Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-0620.
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
ET 99-231; NPRM 6/24 (adopted 6/21); FCC 99-149
Amendment of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Spectrum Devices
The Commission proposed to amend the Part 15 rules regarding the operation of non-licensed spread spectrum systems, specifically, to revise the rules for frequency hopping systems operating in the 2.4 GHz band (24000-2483.5 MHz) to allow for wider operational bandwidths. Comments due 75 days after Federal Register publication; replies 105 days after publication.
ET 99-254; NPRM 7/15 (adopted 7/14); FCC 99-180
Closed Captioning Requirements for Digital Television Receivers
Proposed amendment of Part 15 of rules to adopt technical standards for the display of closed captions on digital television (DTV) receivers, and proposed to require the inclusion of closed captioning decoder circuitry in DTV receivers. The proposals will help ensure access to digital programming for people with disabilities. Comments due 75 days after publication in Federal Register; reply comments due 105 days after publication in the Federal Register.
ET 99-255; NPRM 7/16 (adopted 7/14); FCC 99-182
In the Matter of Amendment of Parts 2 and 95 of the Commission's Rules to Create a Wireless Medical Telemetry Service
The Commission proposed to amend Parts 2 and 95 of the rules to allocate spectrum and to establish rules for a Wireless Medical Telemetry Service. Action by the Commission. Comments due 45 days from publication in Federal Register; replies due 75 days from date of publication in Federal Register.
ET 99-261; NPTM 7/23 (adopted 7/16); FCC 99-183
Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Additional Spectrum to the Inter-Satellite, Fixed and Mobile Services and to Permit Unlicensed Devices to Use Certain Segments in the 50.2-50.4 GHz and 51.4-71.0 GHz
Proposed to amend the United States Table of Frequency Allocations with respect to the 50.1-50.4 GHz and 51.4-71.0 GHz bands. Comments due September 7*; replies September 22*.
ET 99-261; Order 8/27 (adopted 8/27); DA 99-1721
Amendment of Part 2 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Additional Spectrum to the Inter-Satellite, Fixed, an Mobile Services and to Permit Unlicensed Devices to Use Certain Segments in the 50.2-50.4 GHz and 51.4-71.0 GHz Bands
Deadline for filing comments and reply comments is extended to September 21* and October 6, respectively.