WIRELESS TELECOM ACTION MARCH 5, 1997 WIRELESS TELECOM BUREAU RELEASES PROGRESS REPORT Today the FCC's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau released its Progress Report: Achievements Since Enactment of The Telecommunications Act of 1996. This report summarizes the major accomplishments and initiatives of the Bureau in the time since passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 on February 8, 1996. These accomplishments reflect the Bureau's efforts to achieve three primary objectives: (1) promoting economic growth and competition; (2) ensuring that all Americans share the benefits of increased growth and competition; and (3) implementing efficient processes to carry out these goals. News Media contact: Audrey Spivack at (202) 418-0654 -FCC- March 5, 1997 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU PROGRESS REPORT: ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE ENACTMENT OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 This report summarizes the major accomplishments and initiatives of the Federal Communications Commission's Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) in the time since passage of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (the "1996 Act") on February 8, 1996. These accomplishments reflect the Bureau's efforts to achieve three primary objectives while implementing the Act: (1) promoting economic growth and competition; (2) ensuring that all Americans share the benefits of increased growth and competition; and (3) implementing efficient processes to carry out these goals. I. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 Interconnection: On August 8, 1996, the Commission adopted an Order which required that local exchange carriers (LECs) offer interconnection to Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers on reasonable terms and conditions, in order to foster the emergence of competition between wireless service providers and LECs. Microwave Consolidation: The Commission adopted a Report & Order on February 8, 1996, that consolidated its rules governing common carrier and private operations fixed microwave services into a new Part 101. Amateur Service Rules: The Commission adopted an Order on February 28, 1996, amending Part 97 of the Commission's rules to conform the amateur service rules to the provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Order eliminated a filing requirement imposed on volunteer examiners and coordinators who administer amateur operator examinations. CMRS Licenses: The Commission adopted an Order on March 21, 1996, eliminating equal access obligations pertaining to cellular licensees. Domestic Ship and Aircraft Radios: In response to a Commission's request, Congress in the 1996 Act authorized the Commission to remove the requirement that the Commission make a specific public interest determination on each application of an individual wishing to hold a ship or aircraft radio station license. On April 1, 1996, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making proposing to remove individual radio licensing requirements on recreational vessel and aircraft operated domestically, and on October 18, 1996, the Commission adopted a Report and Order eliminating this requirement. This action disposed of the need for approximately 125,000 license applications and associated fees filed each year for recreational ship and aircraft stations and will save scarce Commission resources to improve service to the public in other areas. Automated Ship Distress & Safety System: The Commission adopted an Order on April 5, 1996 amending the Commission's rules to conform the Maritime Service Rules to the provisions of the 1996 Act. This Order eliminated the requirement for large cargo vessels and passenger vessels to carry a manual Morse code radiotelegraph installation so long as the vessels operate in accordance with the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System (GMDSS) provisions of the International Safety Convention. Partitioning/Disaggregation: On July 15, 1996, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making which proposed to adopt rules to permit geographic partitioning and spectrum disaggregation for broadband PCS, in accordance with Section 257 of the Act, which seeks to eliminate entry barriers into the telecommunications market for small businesses. On December 13, 1996, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making that gives existing PCS licensees and potential entrants greater flexibility to determine how much spectrum they need and the geographic areas in which they will provide service. The Further Notice proposes to allow partitioning and disaggregation for other wireless services where such rules have not previously been proposed or adopted, such as disaggregation of cellular spectrum and partitioning and disaggregation of the General Wireless Communications spectrum. Tower Siting: On April 23, 1996, WTB released a Fact Sheet ("New National Wireless Tower Siting Policies") explaining the provisions of the Telecommunications Act concerning placement of towers and other facilities for use in providing personal wireless services. In July 1996, WTB formed a Task Force addressing tower-siting issues under Section 704 of the Communications Act. The Task Force is conducting outreach meetings with industry, state and local governments, and consumers. The Task Force also released Fact Sheet # 2 in September, 1996, with updated radio frequency emission information. On February 10, 1997, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Office of the General Counsel, Compliance and Information Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology co-hosted a Public Forum to discuss various zoning and land use issues relating to siting of wireless service facilities, such as collocation, moratoria, and establishing an ongoing dialogue and relationship between the local governments and the industry. The forum drew a full capacity audience that heard from 22 panelists representing cities, counties, zoning and planning offices, as well as industry associations. Commissioners Ness and Chong and Chief of Staff Blair Levin made introductory remarks, and the panels were moderated by Bill Kennard and Michele Farquhar. Section 255: On September 19, 1996, the FCC took an important first step to provide access to telecommunications services and equipment to those with disabilities. It released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) regarding Section 255 of the Communications Act, which provides that telecommunications service providers and telecommunications equipment manufacturers must make their services and equipment accessible to those with disabilities, if readily achievable. II. NON-TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT ACCOMPLISHMENTS A. Promoting Economic Growth and Competition Wireless Communications Service: On February 19, 1997, the Commission released a Report and Order establishing the Wireless Communications Service (WCS) in the 2.3 GHz band. This Report and Order establishes a new Part 27 of the Commission's Rules and fulfills the Congressional mandate expressed in Section 3001 of the Omnibus Consolidated Appropriations Act, 1997 to reallocate and assign the use of the frequencies at 2305-2320 and 2345-2360 MHz. This 30 MHz of spectrum may be used for use for any fixed, mobile, or radiolocation service, or for satellite DARS. An auction of WCS licenses -- which are for 10 MHz or 5 MHz blocks -- is scheduled for April of 1997. Paging: On February 19, 1997, the Commission adopted a Second Report and Order (R&O) and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (FNPRM), adopting rules governing geographic area licensing of Common Carrier Paging (CCP) and 929 MHz Private Carrier Paging (PCP) licenses. The R&O states that all mutually exclusive applications for non-nationwide CCP licenses and exclusive non-nationwide 929 MHz channels will be subject to competitive bidding procedures. Nationwide 931 MHz and 929 MHz geographic area licenses will be granted for 26 nationwide channels. Shared Part 90 channels will not be subject to geographic area licensing or competitive bidding. The FNPRM requests comment on coverage requirements for nationwide licenses, geographic partitioning by paging licensees, the feasibility of disaggregating paging spectrum and the appropriate application procedures for shared channels. The goal of this proceeding is to ensure that the paging service rules are consistent with the rules for competing services, so that competitive success will be dictated by the marketplace rather than by regulatory distinctions. The Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) on February 8, 1996, that proposes consolidation of common carrier and private carrier paging services to promote growth and streamline regulation. On April 24, 1996, the Commission released a First Report & Order partially lifting the paging freeze for incumbent licensees. On June 11, 1996, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration of First Report and Order, modifying the interim paging licensing rules. Paging in New York City: On February 19, 1997, the Bureau adopted an Order resolving a proceeding related to paging channels in the 931 MHz band for the greater New York City metropolitan market. Several attempts have been made to resolve challenges to grants of licenses awarded in a lottery for these 931 MHz frequencies. The Bureau approved a Settlement Agreement proposed by the litigants which modifies an existing settlement and resolves all outstanding litigation in this 931 MHz paging lottery. Wireless Safeguards: The Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making, Order on Remand and Waiver Order on July 25, 1996, that initiated a comprehensive review of its structural and nonstructural safeguards for local exchange carrier provision of commercial mobile radio services (CMRS). WTB also released an Order on February 27, 1996, approving a safeguards plan submitted by PacTel in connection with its broadband PCS offerings. Microwave Relocation: On April 25, 1996, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making in the Microwave Relocation proceeding with the goal of further promoting the rapid deployment of broadband Personal Communications Services (PCS). On February 13, 1997, the Commission amended its rules concerning relocation of microwave systems in the 2 GHz band to clear spectrum for PCS. The Second Report and Order shortened the period for voluntary negotiations between non-public safety microwave incumbents and PCS licensees in the C, D, E, and F blocks and allowed microwave incumbents who relocate their own systems to participate in the relocation cost sharing plan adopted by the Commission previously. PCS D, E, and F Rules: On March 20, 1996, the Commission released a NPRM for the broadband PCS D, E and F Blocks. On June 21, 1996, the Commission adopted a Report and Order to modify the competitive bidding and ownership rules for PCS in the 2 GHz band. An auction for 1,479 PCS licenses on these blocks was held from August 26, 1996, until January 14, 1997. Auctions: Auctions completed in six services for a total of 3,499 licenses and $13,115,419,014.35 in revenue for the U.S. Treasury. New MDS Competition: On March 28, 1996, the MDS auction of 493 licenses closed, allowing 154 new entrants (141 of which are small businesses), an opportunity to compete in the delivery of video programming to subscribers through microwave transmitting and receiving antennas. 900 MHz SMR Auction: The 900 MHz Specialized Mobile Radio (SMR) auction of 1020 licenses closed on April 15, 1996. Eighty new SMR operators (60 of which are small businesses) won licenses, allowing them to compete in the provision of dispatch and other sophisticated mobile data and voice services. On October 4, 1996, the Commercial Wireless Division released a Public Notice to seek comment on a petition for rulemaking filed by the American Mobile Telecommunications Association, Inc. (AMTA). AMTA's petition requested that the Commission modify its 900 MHz SMR rules to allow geographic partitioning and spectrum disaggregation for all 900 MHz MTA licensees. C Block Auction: On May 6, 1996, the Broadband PCS C Block (Entrepreneurs Block) Auction closed, raising $10.2 billion to be deposited with the U.S. Treasury. In this auction, 89 small businesses won a total of 493 PCS licenses to compete in the marketplace. On May 15, 1996, two high bidders in the auction failed to make down payments on their licenses. The Commission deemed these licenses to be in default, and within two months, the FCC conducted a re-auction of the 18 defaulted licenses. This auction lasted only 8 days and brought high bids totaling $904.6 million, $30 million more than was generated for these licenses in the original auction. CMRS Resale: On June 12, 1996, the Commission adopted an Order prohibiting providers of cellular, broadband personal communications services and "covered" specialized mobile radio service from unreasonably restricting the resale of their services. CMRS Flexibility: On June 27, 1996, the FCC adopted rules to allow commercial wireless communications providers, such s cellular, Personal Communications Services (PCS), and paging carriers, flexibility in determining the mix of mobile and fixed services that they will provide to the public. Roaming: On June 27, 1996, the Commission adopted a rule governing "manual" roaming to enable wireless customers to use their phones when they are traveling outside their home service areas. The Commission also adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making (NPRM) requesting comment as to whether it should adopt a rule requiring providers of these services to offer "automatic" roaming agreements on a nondiscriminatory basis to each other. 28 GHz Frequency Band: On July 18, 1996, the Commission adopted a plan for the 28 GHz frequency band and released a Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making that opened the door for consumers to obtain a wide variety of new broadband, two-way interactive video and data services. These services will be provided by LMDS and satellite systems. Interactive Video Data Service: On November 21, 1996, the Commission released the Tenth Report and Order in the Competitive Bidding Docket. The WTB Order modifies the competitive bidding rules for the upcoming IVDS auction. The rule: (1) eliminates the bidding credits available to women-and-minority-owned IVDS applicants; (2) extends two levels of bidding credits to small businesses based upon a revise two-tiered small business definition; (3) clarifies the attribution rules for affiliates of IVDS applicants and (4) increases the amount of the upfront payments required to participate in the IVDS auction. On September 10, 1996, the Commission released the Sixth Memorandum Opinion and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to affirm the competitive bidding rules set forth for Interactive Video and Data Service (IVDS) in the Fourth Report and Order, and to amend the rules to permit the use of simultaneous multiple round auctions. The Commission also clarified the anti-collusion rules and, for future IVDS auctions, decided to extend the bidding credits for designated entities to both licenses in each IVDS service area, rather than only half of the available licenses as previously provided. Refarming: On February 20, 1997, the Commission adopted rules in the Second Report & Order that set forth a consolidation plan for the Private Land Mobile Radio Services (PLMR) below 800 MHz and addressed other issues raised in conjunction with the consolidation. This represents a significant step in the evolution of the private land mobile services and reflect a comprehensive restructuring of the PLMR regulatory environment. These changes will promote a highly effective and efficient use of PLMR spectrum and contribute to an environment in which advanced technologies will thrive. On December 30, 1996, the FCC released a Memorandum Opinion & Order which addressed petitions for reconsideration and clarification received in response to the "Refarming" Report & Order. The MO&O revises certain rules to promote spectrum efficiency in the private land mobile radio bands. General Competitive Bidding Rules: On February 20, 1997, the Commission adopted the Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Notice of Proposed Rule Making to amend the Part 1 General Competitive Bidding Rules. Based upon the Commission's experience in conducting 12 auctions to date, the Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order adopt clarifications and procedural changes to Subpart Q of Part 1 of the Commission's rules that will benefit bidders and the auction process generally, and addresses financing issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the Competitive Bidding Fifth Memorandum Opinion and Order. The Notice of Proposed Rule Making seeks comment on proposed changes to the General Competitive Bidding Rules that are intended to simplify the regulations, eliminate unnecessary rules wherever possible, and obviate the need for the Commission to consider specific auction rules for each auctionable service. These actions are taken based on the Commission's experiences in the previous 12 spectrum auctions. SMR Freeze Waivers: On October 23, 1996, the Bureau released an Order regarding the approximately 3,300 requests filed by 800 MHz SMR licensees seeking to waive the freeze on acceptance of applications for 800 MHz SMR channels. The Order directs the Bureau's Licensing Division to grant waiver requests to the extent that the applicants seek to modify their systems within their respective aggregate geographic footprints established by previously constructed facilities with loading of at least 70 miles per channel. Requests that do not satisfy these criteria are to be denied. Spectrum Policy Paper: On January 22, 1997, the WTB released a staff paper entitled "Using Market-Based Spectrum Policy to Promote the Public Interest," by FCC Deputy Chief Economist Greg Rosston and WTB staff attorney Jeff Steinberg. This paper is intended to stimulate discussion concerning the appropriate role of government in determining how spectrum is used by licensees, and it was a collaborative effort, with Commission staff from OET, OPP, IB and OGC all providing input. Private Land Mobile White Paper: On December 19, 1997, the WTB released a white paper on the role and requirements of the Private Land Mobile community in an ever changing environment, including descriptive information on how private systems work, who uses them, and what needs they serve. The paper concludes that the need for private systems will continue, but that technology advances have created a wide range of new commercial services, including cellular, personal communications services, specialized mobile radio, advanced paging, and satellite systems, that can be used to meet some private communications requirements. Unserved Cellular Areas: On January 31, 1997, the Commission adopted a Further Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration and partial reconsideration with regard to amendment of the FCC's rules to provide for filing and processing of applications for unserved areas in the cellular service. On November 7, 1996, the Ninth Report and Order was released by the Commission, amending Part 22 of the Commission's Rules to provide for filing of applications for the Unserved Areas in the Cellular Service and to modify other Cellular Rules. Global Positioning System: On November 21, 1996, the Commission released a Notice of Proposed Rule Making proposing to permit the use of 112 - 118 MHz for differential Global Positioning System (GPS) correction data and the use of hand-held transmitters on frequencies in the Aeronautical Enroute Service. These proposals will enhance air safety and reduce delays at our nation's airports. Multiple Address Systems: On February 19, 1997, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rule Making to examine the ways to maximize the use of spectrum allocated to Multiple Address Systems (MAS) in the Fixed Microwave Services. This action proposes a flexible regulatory framework for spectrum allocations, thereby providing opportunities for continued development of competitive new service offerings by allowing flexible use of spectrum, expediting market entry through modified licensing procedures, and promoting technological innovation by eliminating unnecessary regulatory burdens. 220 MHz Rules: On February 19, 1997, the Commission adopted the 220 MHz Third Report and Order and Fifth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Order establishes rules for the future licensing and operation of the 220-222 MHz band. Under these rules, the Commission will license 220-222 MHz spectrum through competitive bidding in 175 Economic Areas (EAs), six Regional Economic Area Groupings (REAGs), and on a nationwide basis. The Order also permits licensees operating in the 220-222 MHz band to provide fixed and paging services in addition to land mobile radio services. B. Ensuring That All Americans Share Benefits of Increased Growth and Competition Public Safety Wireless Advisory Committee: The Public Safety Wireless Advisory Committee was established in August 1995, by the FCC and NTIA to provide advice on the wireless communication needs of the public safety community through the year 2010. On April 5, 1996, the Commission opened a rule making proceeding (WT Docket No. 96-86) to address the operational, technical and spectrum requirements for state and local public safety entities through the year 2010. On September 16, 1996, the Public Safety Wireless Advisory Committee had its final meeting and submitted to the FCC and the NTIA its final report with recommendation on public safety communications. Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility: In January 1996, Chairman Reed Hundt opened a two-day summit in which the wireless industry, hearing aid manufactures, audiologists, and consumers discussed how to resolve wireless hearing aid compatibility and interference issues. On May 12, 1996, the participants released reports to the Chairman in which they indicated that they had reached consensus on several key issues. The Commission is assisting participants in their continuing efforts to reach consensus on the remaining issues. Emergency Medical Radio Service (EMS): On February 8, 1996, the Commission adopted an Order which created the Emergency Medical Radio Service as a new Private Radio Service. This service will be provided on clear narrowband channels for use solely by life support organizations. It will also enhance interoperability and will allow medical services, rescue organizations, disaster relief organizations, and beach patrols to communicate with each another. Temporary Telephone Service: In an Order released on April 17, 1996, WTB granted US West's request for waiver of provisions of Section 22.903 that would prohibit it from providing cellular service to customers in US West's local exchange area awaiting the installation of landline telephone service. Enhanced 911 (E-911): On June 12, 1996, the Commission adopted a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that creates rules to govern the availability of basic 911 services and the implementation of E911 for wireless services. For basic 911 services, the Order requires all cellular, broadband PCS, and certain SMR licensees to transmit all 911 calls made from mobile handsets that have a code identification to a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), without any blocking or validation procedures. The Order also requires these carriers to provide certain E911 features which enable the PSAP to identify the location of the caller, including Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and Automatic Location Identification (ALI), within a required time frame. Low Power Radio Service: On July 25, 1996, the Commission adopted rules creating the Low Power Radio Service (LPRS) in the 216-217 MHz band. LPRS devices will be authorized on a secondary, non-interference basis, for short-range, lower power communications including auditory assistance devices for persons with disabilities, health care assistance devices for persons with illnesses, law enforcement tracking systems, and point-to-point network control communications for Automated Maritime Telecommunications Systems (AMTS). Wireless Technologies in the Classroom: On May 21, 1996, in conjunction with the CTIA Foundation, WTB coordinated a public forum entitled "Using Wireless Technologies in the Classroom," at the J.O. Wilson Elementary School in Washington, D.C. The Bureau has also been working closely with the Office of Engineering and Technology on the NII/SUPERNET NPRM, which would make available spectrum for a new category of unlicensed equipment which could provide advanced telecommunications services to educational institutions and other users. The Bureau is also working to ensure that the Universal Service proceeding considers how wireless technologies may provide a more efficient method of delivering telecommunications services to schools and libraries. Consumer/Small Business Outreach: On March 15, 1996, and then again on February 19, 1997, WTB Chief Michele Farquhar and other WTB staff participated in an Auctions Conference sponsored by the FCC's Office of Communications Business Opportunities. These one day conferences provided small businesses with in-depth information on spectrum licensing and proposed FCC auctions. On April 23, 1996, WTB hosted a consumer outreach session for public interest and consumer groups to discuss wireless issues and new outreach initiatives. Participants included Media Access Project, Consumer Federation of America, the National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates and the American Association of Retired People. Family Radio Service: On May 10, 1996, the Commission adopted a Report and Order establishing a very low power, unlicensed, UHF two-way voice radio service for personal communications. This service is intended to meet the desires of individuals for short distance personal communication needs without licensing requirements. WTB Disabilities Task Force: In June 1996, the Bureau formed a task force to make recommendations to the Chief on how WTB can make its processes and products more accessible to those with disabilities. The Task Force's efforts have resulted in the installation of two Text Telephone Devices (TTY's) in the Bureau and other accessibility-related actions. Telecommunications Access Advisory Committee (TAAC): Bureau staff monitored and tracked the actions of the TAAC from May of 1996 through January of 1997. The TAAC was established to recommend guidelines to the U.S. Architectural and Transportation Barriers Compliance Board on accessibility guidelines for telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment. These recommendations will be used by the Access Board to develop accessibility guidelines in conjunction with the Commission under Section 255(e) of the 1996 Act. The TAAC was comprised of representatives of manufacturers of customer premises equipment; organizations representing the access needs of individuals with disabilities; telecommunications providers and carriers; and other persons affected by the guidelines. C. Implementing Efficient Processes to Carry Out These Goals Customer Service Standards: WTB is implementing customer service standards to improve our processes and our communications with customers. Among other things, the Bureau made electronic filing available for most of WTB's licenses and automated its license renewals (see below). Auction System Improvements: The Commission's auction system has been enhanced to improve its efficiency, provide bidders with more flexibility during auctions, and increase the speed at which auctions can be brought to an efficient close. Specifically, the electronic bidding system has been modified to provide bidders with warning screens to indicate when bids greatly exceed the minimum accepted bid; to permit bid submission and bid withdrawal during the same time period; to allow multiple submission of bids in the same period; and to reduce the number of screens encountered by bidders when accessing the system. Universal Licensing System: At a February 18, 1997 Automation and Licensing Forum, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Chief Michele Farquhar introduced new software mapping technology that will enable anyone with Internet access to visualize the contours of individual FCC licenses in a given area, and electronic filing will enable licensees to input needed or changed data in minutes, without filing lengthy forms and waiting for FCC staff processing. Electronic Filing: In February 1996, WTB introduced electronic filing for Personal Communications Services, Land Mobile Radio Services, General Mobile Radio Service, Land Mobile Broadcast Auxiliary Service, and Interactive Video Data Service license applications. The new system has the capacity for receiving approximately 75% of the applications currently filed for these services. Also, on May 16, 1996, the Bureau held an electronic filing demonstration for trade press. The Bureau has also fully implemented interactive electronic filing of the Form 600 application. Interactive electronic filing allows applicants to download free FCC filing software from the Internet, connect to the FCC Wide Area Network, and file individual Form 600 applications for private land mobile services, Personal Communications Services (PCS) and Specialized Mobile Radio Service (SMR). WTB is continuing to work on improvements and expansion of its electronic filing capabilities, including the electronic filing of comments in rule making proceedings. Notice of Inquiry on Improving Processes: The Commission released a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) on February 14, 1996, seeking comment on a variety of options for improving the Commission's processes. Among other things, the NOI seeks comment on steps the WTB should take to ensure that consumers and State and local governments have sufficient opportunity to participate in proceedings relating to wireless services. Working with FCBA Task Force: In March 1996, the Bureau clarified certain existing rules and agreed to work with a Federal Communications Bar Association Task Force and other wireless industry representatives to streamline and eliminate outdated rules and requirements and to improve public access to information. Backlog Reductions in Fiscal Year 1996: The Enforcement Division has met its goal of reducing the number of pending informal complaints. During the government furlough, the number of outstanding complaints rose to 323; and the Division set a goal to reduce this number to less than 200 by June 1, 1996. By that date, there were only 182 pending complaints. The Broadband Branch of the Commercial Wireless Division received 4,611 cellular applications and disposed of 4,843. The Narrowband Branch of the Commercial Wireless Division received 12,387 common carrier land mobile applications and disposed of 9,333. The Legal Branch of the Commercial Wireless Division closed 271 cases. Consumer Assistance Branch Phone System: Following the installation of its new phone system on March 4, 1996, the Consumer Assistance Branch responds to an average of over 1,000 calls per day, up from an average of 586 calls a year ago. The average inquiry receives a response in less than 20 seconds. Internet Access: On January 8, 1997, the Wireless Bureau issued a Public Notice announcing the availability of more options on the Internet for reviewing and printing of the weekly public notices. In an effort to provide more user-friendly information, the weekly notice has been separated into four separate portions, allowing customers to access and print only the portion of the weekly notice that pertains to their specific interest. The weekly notices highlighting items that were filed or acted upon during a specific week for Part 74 (Broadcast Auxiliary), Part 80 (Marine Public Coast/Alaska Public Fixed), Part 87 (Aviation Ground Aeronautical Advisory, Enroute, Fixed and Airport Control Tower), Part 90 (Commercial Mobile Radio Services) and Part 101 (Fixed Microwave Services), will be updated on the Bureau's Internet site and will remain on the Internet for one month. WTB Web Site: The Bureau launched its web site in February 1996. The site contains information for the general public on auctions, rule makings, news releases, fact sheets and hot topics in the Bureau. Since its launch, the site has received approximately 129,593 hits through January 1997.