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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 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 in the 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.
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.
PN 9/23
Comment Sought on Ameritech's request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between the Middletown Exchange and the Hamilton and Cincinnati Exchanges in Ohio
On September 7, 1999, Ameritech filed a petition requesting modification of local access and transport area boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, measured expanded local calling service between the Middletown Exchange of Ameritech and the Hamilton and Cincinnati Exchanges of Cincinnati Bell Telephone Company. Comments due October 8*; replies October 15. Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 9/23
Comment Sought on Ameritech's Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between the Newcomerstown Exchange and the New Philadelphia Exchange in Ohio
On September 13, Ameritech filed a petition requesting modification of local access and transport area boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, flat rated expanded local calling service across a LATA boundary between the Newcomerstown exchange of Ameritech Ohio and the New Philadelphia exchange of GTE North Incorporated. Comments due October 8*; replies October 15. Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 9/27; DA 99-1988
Communique Telecommunications, inc. and InterContinental Telephone Corporation Petition the Commission to Reconsider its Memorandum Opinion and Order, FCC 99-80
On September 8, Communique Telecommunications, Inc. and InterContinental Telephone Corporation jointly filed a petition with the FCC requesting that the Commission reconsider its August 9 MO&O in which the Commission denied a petition for declaratory ruling filed by ICTC. Interested parties may file comments on this petition for reconsideration by October 7*. Replies due October 14. Contact: Joi Roberson Nolen, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520.
PN 9/29; DA 99-2016
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Ohio Public Utilities Commission's Petition for Delegation of Additional Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures
The Ohio Public Utilities commission filed a petition requesting a grant to the Petitioner of additional authority to implement certain area code conservation measures in the State of Ohio. Comments due October 20; replies November 3.
CC 99-295; PN 9/29; DA 99-2014
Comments Requested on Application by Bell Atlantic for Authorization Under Section 271 of the Communications Act to Provide In-Region, Interlata Service in the State of New York
New York Telephone Company, d.b.a Bell Atlantic- New York, Bell Atlantic Communications, Inc., NYNEX Long Distance Company, and Bell Atlantic Global Networks, Inc. filed an application for authorization to provide in-region, interLATA service in the State of New York. Comments due October 19. State Commission Written Consultations due October 19; Department of Justice Written Consultations due November 1; replies due November 8. Contact: Andrea Kearney at (202) 418-1580.
CC 96-61; PN 10/1; DA 99-2065
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on Union Telephone Company Petition for Waiver of Sections 64.1903(a) and 64.1903(b) of the Commission's Rules
Union Telephone Company filed a petition for waiver of sections 64.190(a)(2) and 64.1903(b) of the commission's rules to allow the continued provision of long distance services to its rural customers without structural changes. Comments due November 1; replies November 12. Contact: Janice M. Myles at (202) 418-1580.
PN 10/4; DA 99-2061
Oklahoma Independent Telephone Companies file Petition for Declaratory Ruling
The Oklahoma Independent Telephone Companies filed a petition seeking a declaratory ruling that a number of incumbent local exchange carriers must be allowed to establish cost-based, unsubsidized pay telephone access rate lines, in order to ensure that the pay telephone services provided by Oklahoma local exchange carriers to pay telephone service providers are tariffed in accordance with the Commission's pay telephone orders. Comments due November 4; replies November 19. Contacts: Lynne Milen or Renee Terry at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 10/7; DA 99-2015
Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. 2000 Modification of Average Schedule Universal Service Formulas
The National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. filed its 2000 Modifications of Average Schedule Universal Service Formulas. Comments due November 3; replies November 17. Contact: George Williams at (202) 418-0867; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
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 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 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.
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 9/14; 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 9/27; DA 99-1986
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Tenneco communications Corporation Request for Waiver to Permit Permanent Authorization on Developmental Frequencies
On February 25, 1997, Tenneco Communications Corporation filed a request for waiver of Section 90.65(e)(2) of the Commission's rules to convert 11 developmental licenses into regular licenses. Comments due October 27; replies November 11. Contact: Pam Slipakoff, Policy and rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
PN 9/28; DA 99-2003
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on CellNet Data Systems, Inc. Request for Limited Exception to the Application Freeze for the 928/952 MHz Multiple Address System Bands
On August 17, CellNet Data Systems, Inc., filed five applications for authorization along with a petition for expedited relief from the application freeze in the 928/952 MHz Multiple Address Systems bands implemented by the MAS Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order, WT Docket 97-81, FCC 99-101, released July 1, 1999. Interested parties may file comments by October 7*; replies by October 18. Contact: Shellie Blakeney, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
PN 9/28; DA 99-2004
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Itron, Inc. Request for Emergency Relief from the Multiple Address Systems Application Freeze
On August 13, Itron, filed a petition for emergency relief from the application freeze in the 928/952/956 MHz Multiple Address Systems bands implemented by the MAS Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Order, WT Docket 97-81, FCC 99-101, released July 1, 1999. Interested parties may file comments by October 7*; replies by October 18. Contact: Shellie Blakeney, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.
WT 96-198; R&O/FNOI 9/29 (adopted 7/14); DA 99-181
Implementation of Sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications Act of 1934, as Enacted by the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Access to Telecommunications Service, Equipment and Customer Premises Equipment by Persons With Disabilities
Adopted rules and policies to implement sections 255 and 251(a)(2) of the Communications At of 1934, as amended. Comments due November 14; replies December 14.
PN 9/30; DA 99-2046
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by the City of Pomona, California, to Obtain a License for a Frequency Allocated for Use by Part 22 Licensees
The City of Ponoma, California requests a waiver of the licensing freeze and any other Commission rules necessary to grant its application seeking authority for its policy department to use a UHF frequency which would allow it to achieve interoperability among public safety agencies in the Los Angeles area. Comments due October 11; replies October 18. Contact: Rick Kolovos at (202) 418-0680.
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.
MISCELLANEOUS
PN 9/24
FCC Seeks Comment Regarding Possible Revision or Elimination of Rules Under the Regulatory Flexibility Act, 5 U.S.C. Section 610
The FCC published a plan for the review of rules issued by the agency in calendar years 1986-1989, which have or might have significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Comments due December 10.