DAILY DIGEST

Vol. 17, No. 205                                           October 23,1998

**Before an entry denotes that the item is part of the FCC's implementation of the 1996 Telecom Act. While we will attempt to flag all Telecom Act-related items, this marking is unofficial and informational only.

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The following items were adopted at the October 22, 1998, Commission meeting and released later that day.

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NEWS RELEASES

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COMMISSION ADOPTS MODEL PLATFORM FOR USE IN DETERMINING UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT FOR HIGH COST AREAS. Today the Commission took the next step towards ensuring the accessibility of affordable telecommunications services to all Americans while opening telecommunications markets to competition. The Commission adopted the framework for estimating the costs incurred by certain telephone companies for providing services to consumers in rural, insular, and other high cost areas. Report No: CC-98-36. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: October 22, 1998. Dkt No.: CC-96-45, 97-160. (FCC No. 98-279) News Media Contact: Rochelle Cohen (202) 418-0253. CCB Contact: Common Carrier Bureau Contact: Chuck Keller at (202) 418-7380; TTY: (202) 418-2555. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/News_Releases/1998/nrcc8074.html

COMMISSION TAKES FURTHER ACTION TO ENSURE FAIR AND EFFICIENT ADMINISTRATION OF THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT MECHANISMS. The Commission today took further action to ensure that the universal service support mechanisms operate fairly and equitably, particularly with respect to wireless telecommunications carriers. Report No: 98-35. by MO&O & FNPRM. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: October 22, 1998. Dkt No.: CC-96-45. (FCC No. 98-278) News Media Contact: Rochelle Cohen (202) 418-0253. CCB Contact: Common Carrier Bureau Contact: Lori Wright at (202) 418-7391; TTY: (202) 418-2555. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/News_Releases/1998/nrcc8073.html

FCC REQUESTS COMMENT ON PERMITTING DIRECT ACCESS TO INTELSAT SYSTEM. The Commission seeks comment on the legal, economic, and policy ramifications of permitting direct access to the INTELSAT system in the United States. Direct access to INTELSAT would enable U.S. carriers and users to obtain space segment capacity directly from INTELSAT rather than through Comsat, the U.S. Signatory to INTELSAT. Report No: IN-98-55. by NPRM. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: October 22, 1998. Dkt No.: IB-98-192. (FCC No. 98-280) News Media Contact: Rosemary Kimball (202) 418-0500. IB Contact: International Bureau: James Ball at (202) 418-0427 and Sande Taxali at (202) 418-7586. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/News_Releases/1998/nrin8037.html

FCC ADOPTS NEW PROCEDURES TO STREAMLINE RADIO AND TELEVISION APPLICATIONS; REQUIRE ELECTRONIC FILING; INSTITUTE RANDOM AUDIT ENFORCEMENT; AND IMPROVE OWNERSHIP DATA COLLECTION. The FCC today adopted new procedures to streamline the radio and television application process by adopting electronic filing for 15 key application and reporting forms; substituting certifications for narrative exhibit submissions; requiring ownership reports to be filed every two years instead of annually; and revising requirements for extending the construction periods of broadcast stations and selling unbuilit construction permits. Report No: MM-98-15. by R&O. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: October 22, 1998. Dkt No.: MM-98-43, 91-140, 94-149. (FCC No. 98-281) News Media Contact: David Fiske (202) 418-0500. MMB Contact: Mass Media Bureau Contact: Lisa Scanlan (202) 418-2720; Jerianne Timmerman (202) 418-1600. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/News_Releases/1998/nrmm8034.html

EXPERIMENTAL RADIO RULES REVISED TO PROMOTE INNOVATION, NEW SERVICES; EXTENDED LICENSE TERMS; PERMIT SCHOOLS TO HOLD LICENSES. The FCC has revised its Experimental Radio Service rules to encourage experiments; ensure that experimental licenses do not result in abuse of FCC processes; eliminate unnecessary and burdensome experimental regulations; and protect public safety frequencies. The streamlined rules, adopted in a Report and Order today, will make it easier for applicants to obtain licenses tailored to their particular needs. In addition, the FCC rules will allow schools to hold experimental licenses, as individual students may do now. Report No: ET-98-9. by R&O. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: October 22, 1998. Dkt No.: ET-96-256. (FCC No. 98-283) News Media Contact: Audrey Spivack (202) 418-0654. OET Contact: Office of Engineering and Technology: Rodney Small at (202) 418-2452. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/News_Releases/1998/nret8013.html

FCC PROPOSES RULES TO MEET TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS OF CALEA. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing technical requirements for wireline, cellular, and broadband Personal Communication Services carriers to comply with the assistance capability requirements prescribed by the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. by FNPRM. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: October 22, 1998. Dkt No.: CC-97-213. (FCC No. 98-282) News Media Contact: Meribeth McCarrick (202) 418-0654. OET Contact: Office of Engineering and Technology Contacts: Julius Knapp at (202) 418-2468, Charles Iseman at (202) or Rodney at (202) 418-2452; Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Contact: David Wye at (202) 418-1897. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Engineering_Technology/News_Releases/1998/nret8014.html

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The following items are dated for and released on October 23, 1998:

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NEWS RELEASES

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FCC CALENDAR OF EVENTS. OPA. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/calendar.html

FCC FILINGS. OPA.

OPEN PROCEEDINGS. OPA Contact: Public Service Division: Martha Contee at (202) 418-0260, TTY: (202) 418-2555, email mcontee@fcc.gov.

220 MHZ SERVICE AUCTION CLOSES. Yesterday the Commission's 220 MHz service auction, which began on September 15, 1998, closed after 173 rounds raising $21,650,301 in net high bids. The 220 MHz auction represents the Commission's 17th auction. Report No: WT-98-36. News Media Contact: Meribeth McCarrick (202) 418-0654. WTB Contact: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau: Brett Tarnutzer at (202) 418-7142 or Scott Mackoul at (202) 418-7240. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/News_Releases/1998/nrwl8043.html

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Released: October 23, 1998. TARIFF TRANSMITTAL PUBLIC REFERENCE LOG.Public Reference Log: 10/22/98. Contact: Public Reference Room: (202) 418-1933. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/Tariffs/combined/tt102298.pdf

Released: October 23, 1998. COMPETITIVE PRICING DIVISION RELEASES ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ON ASSET PRICE INDEX IN PRCE CAP FOURTH REPORT AND ORDER. (DA No. 98-2145). Dkt No.: CC-94-1. Contact: Steven Spaeth at (202) 418-1539, TTY: (202) 418-0484.

Released: October 23, 1998. NATIONAL EXCHANGE CARRIER ASSOCIATION, INC. FILE 1999 MODIFICATIONS OF AVERAGE SCHEDULE UNIVERSAL SERVICE FORMULAS.Comments Due: November 23, 1998; Reply Comments Due: December 11, 1998. (DA No. 98-2126). Contact: George Williams at (202) 418-0867, TTY: (202) 418-0484. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/1998/da982126.wp

Report No: 1205. Released: October 23, 1998. CABLE TELEVISION SERVICE REGISTRATIONS; SPECIAL RELIEF AND OTHER FILINGS. Contact: Cable Services Bureau: (202) 418-7000.

Report No: SPB-139. Released: October 23, 1998. LOCKHEED MARTIN CORPORATION, REGULUS, LLC, COMSAT CORPORATION, AND COMSAT GOVERNMENT SERVICES, INC. SEEK FCC CONSENT FOR TRANSACTIONS.Comments Due: November 23, 1998; Reply Comments or Oppositions Due: 12/8/98 Replies: December 18, 1998. Contact: Satellite Policy Branch: Alexander Field at (202) 418-2064. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Public_Notices/1998/pnin8246.wp

Report No: TEL-00020S. Released: October 23, 1998. STREAMLINED INTERNATIONAL SECTION 214, CABLE LANDING LICENSE AND SECTION 310(B)(4) APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR FILNG (FORMAL SECTION 63.18 AND 1.767).Applications Subject to Streamlined Processing. Contact: International Bureau Reference Center: (202) 418-1492 or (202) 418-1493. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Public_Notices/1998/pnin8247.pdf

Report No: TEL-00022NS. Released: October 23, 1998. NON-STREAMLINED INTERNATIONAL SECTION 214, CABLE LANDING LICENSE AND SECTION 310(B)(4) APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR FILING (FORMAL SECTION 63.18 AND 1.767. Contact: Intenrational Bureau Reference Center: (202) 418-1492 or (202) 418-1493. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Public_Notices/1998/pnin8248.pdf

Report No: 44353. Released: October 23, 1998. BROADCAST ACTIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Actions/ac981023.txt

Report No: 24353. Released: October 23, 1998. BROADCAST APPLICATIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Applications/ap981023.txt

Report No: 24353A. Released: October 23, 1998. INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION FIXED SERVICE: PROPOSED CONSTRUCTION PERMITS AND LICENSES. Contact: Charles Gratch at 9202) 418-1610.

Released: October 23, 1998. FCC OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY RELOCATES TO THE PORTALS.Procedure for Paper Filings. Contact: Magalie Salas, FCC Secretary, Bill Caton, Deputy Secretary or Ruth Dancey, Assistant Secretary at (202) 418-0300. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Miscellaneous/Public_Notices/1998/pnmc8062.wp

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TEXTS

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IN THE MATTERS OF PROVISION OF AERONAUTICAL SERVICES VIA THE INMARSAT SYSTEM/PROVISON OF AERONAUTICAL SERVICES VIA THE INMARSAT SYSTEM ORDER ON RECONSIDERATION AND FURTHER NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING/PROVISION OF AERONAUTICAL SERVICES VIA THE INMARSAT. SYSTEM NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING. The Commission authorize the contined use of INMARSAT space segment capacity in US airspace by Comsat on an ancillary and supportive basis for the provision of Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Service and Aeronautical Mobile-Satellite Service, in portions of the L-band on aircraft in international flight. Dkt No.: CC-87-75. Action by the FCC. Adopted: October 5, 1998. by R&O & Auth. (FCC No. 98-262). IB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/1998/fcc98262.wp

AMENDMENT OF SECTION 73.202(B), TABLE OF ALLOTMENTS, FM BROADCAST STATIONS (QUESTA, NEW MEXICO). Effective December 7, 1998, Amended the FM Table of Allotments, to allot Channel 279C1 at Questa, New Mexico at the request of Metro Broadcasters-Texas, Inc., as the community's first local aural service. Dkt No.: MM-98-83. Action by Chief, Allocations Branch, Policy and Rules Division, Mass Media Bureau. Adopted: October 14, 1998. by R&O. (DA No. 98-2113). MMB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Orders/1998/da982113.wp

AMENDMENT OF SECTION 73.202(B), TABLE OF ALLOTMENTS, FM BROADCAST STATIONS (MANZANITA, OREGON). Proposed allotment of Channel 235A to Manzanita, Oregon, as the community's first local aural service. Comments Due: December 14, 1998; Reply Comments Due: December 29, 1998. Dkt No.: MM-98-189. Action by Chief, Allocations Branch, Policy and Rules Division, Mass Media Bureau. Adopted: October 14, 1998. by NPRM. (DA No. 98-2115). MMB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Notices/1998/da982115.wp

AMENDMENT OF SECTION 73.202(B), TABLE OF ALLOTMENTS, FM BROADCAST STATIONS (CROSS CITY, FLORIDA). Proposed allotment of Channel 249A at Cross City, Florida, as that community's second FM broadcast service. Comments Due: December 14, 1998; Reply Comments Due: December 29, 1998. Dkt No.: MM-98-190. Action by Chief, Allocations Branch, Policy and Rules Division, Mass Media Bureau. Adopted: October 14, 1998. by NPRM. (DA No. 98-2114). MMB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Notices/1998/da982114.wp

DCR PCS. Designated October 30, 1998, at 12:01 A.M., Eastern Time for the effective date of DCR PCS's election. Action by General Counsel. Adopted: October 22, 1998. by Letter. (DA No. 98-2139). OGC

ADDENDA: The following items, released October 22, 1998, did not appear in Digest No. 204:

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Report No: CCB/CPD 98-62. Released: October 22, 1998. PROTESTED TARIFF TRANSMITTALS ACTIONS TAKEN. (DA No. 98-2134). Contact: Contact Person: Judy A. Nitsche at (202) 418-1540.

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SPEECHES

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STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM KENNARD ON FCC'S FY 1999 BUDGET. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Kennard/Statements/stwek880.html

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER MICHAEL POWELL. Re: The Signing into Law by President Clinton of the Year 2000 Information and Readiness Disclosure Act. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Powell/Statements/stmkp829.wp

ADDENDA: The following items, released October 21, 1998, did not appear in Digest No. 203:

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Report No: 3656. Released: October 21, 1998. CABLE SERVICES ACTION.

Report No: SEC-00016. Released: October 21, 1998. SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES.Re: Satellite Radio Applications Accepted for Filing. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Public_Notices/1998/pnin8252.pdf

Report No: SES-00017. Released: October 21, 1998. SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES INFORMATION.Re; Actions Taken. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Public_Notices/1998/pnin8253.pdf

Report No: 44351. Released: October 21, 1998. BROADCAST ACTIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Actions/ac981021.txt

Report No: 24351. Released: October 21, 1998. BROADCAST APPLICATIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Applications/ap981021.txt