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Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
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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).

September 11, 2000

OPEN PROCEEDINGS


The following is a listing of current FCC Notices of Proposed Rulemaking and Notices of Inquiry open for public comment, except routine petitions to amend the Table of Allotments. This listing also includes pertinent Public Notices announcing comment subjects and dates. For additional information, contact Marilyn Abraham, Consumer Information Bureau at (202) 418-2374. 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

CABLE SERVICES BUREAU

CS 00-132; NOI 8/1/00 (adopted 7/25/00); FCC 00-270

In The Matter of Annual Assessment of the Status of Competition in Market for the Delivery of Video Programming.

The Commission seeks information that will allow it to evaluate the status of competition in the video marketplace, prospects for new entrants to the market, and its effect on the cable television industry and consumers. Comments due September 8*; replies due September 29.

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

PN 5/10/00; DA 00-163

Revision of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission Systems.

Initiated inquiry to investigate the possibility of permitting the operation of ultra-wideband devices on an unlicensed basis under part 15 of the Commission's rules. Comments due 90 days from publication in Federal Register; replies due 120 days from publication in Federal Register.

CC 96-45; PN 8/4/00; DA 00-1783

Common Carrier Bureau Extends the Pleading Cycle for the Tribal Areas Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

On June 30, 2000, the Commission released the Twelfth Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. The Order adopts measures to promote telecommunications subscribership and infrastructure deployment within federally recognized tribal lands. The Commission extends the comment and reply comment dates to September 1* and September 15. Contact: Katherine Schroder at (202) 418-0484.

CC 96-98; PN 8/9/00; DA 00-1806

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the State of New York Department of Public Service Request for the Release of a New Code to Provide Relief for the 716 Numbering Plan Area NSD File No. L-00-161.

The Commission seeks comment on the request of the State of New York Department of Public Service for the release of a new area code to provide relief for the 716 area code. Comments due September 5*; replies due September 20. Contact: Aaron Goldberger at (202) 418-2320.

PN 8/9/00; DA 00-1811

Tandy Corporation, Walker Equipment and Ameriphone, Inc. Seek Waiver of Hearing Aid Compatibility Volume 47 C.F.R. Section 68.317(f).

On February 8, 2000, Tandy Corporation filed a petition with the Commission for waiver of 68.317(f) of its rules, 47 C.F.R. 68.317(f) in order to register under Part 68 a cordless telephone with a feature that preserves a loud setting from one use of the telephone to another. Comments due September 7*; replies due September 22. Contact: Jamal Mazrui at (202) 418-0069 or Susan Magnotti at (202) 418-0871.

CC 96-45; PN 8/10/00; DA 00-1824

Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc., GTE Southwest Incorporated, and Valor Telecommunications of New Mexico, LLC Seek a Waiver of the Definition of "Study Area" in Part 36 and a Waiver of the Various Commission's Rules.

On June 30, 2000, Mescalero Apache Telecom, Inc., GTE Southwest Incorporated and Valor Telecommunications of New Mexico, LLC filed a joint petition for waiver of the definition of "study area" as set forth in Part 36 of the Commission's rules. Comments due September 11; replies due September 21. Contact: Adrian Wright at (202) 418-7400.

CC 98-147; CC 96-98; Order 8/10/00 (adopted 8/9/00); FCC 00-297

Deployment of Wireline Services Offering Advanced Telecommunications Capability and Implementation of the Local Competition Provision of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.

In the advanced Services First Report and Order, the Commission adopted measures to facilitate the development of competition in the advanced services market. Comments due September 18; replies due October 10.

CC 96-45; Order and FNPRM 8/31/00 (adopted 8/30/00); FCC 00-332

Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service;Promoting Deployment and Subscribership in Unserved and Underserved Areas, Including Tribal and Insular Areas.

The Commission stayed, on its own motion, the implementation of recently adopted federal Lifeline and link Up assistance rule amendments only to the extent that they apply to qualifying low-income consumers living near reservations. Comments due October 12; replies due October 27.

CC 80-286; PN 8/15/00; DA 00-1865

Comment Sought on Recommended Decision Issued by Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional Separations.

The Commission seeks comment on the impact of the increased intrastate usage since 1995 on jurisdictional allocations and consumers. Comments due September 25; replies due October 10. Contact: William Cox at (202) 418-7400.

CC 96-45; PN 8/17/00; DA 00-1882

Common Carrier Bureau Seek Comment on Western Wireless Corporation Petition to Reject Rural Telephone Company Self-Certification Files by Valor Telecommunications Southwest, LLC.

On October 21, 1999, the Commission required rural carriers serving study areas with more than 100,000 access lines to file certification letters by July 1, 2000. Comments due September 18; replies due October 3.

PN 8/23/00; DA 00-1946

Enporion, Inc. Seeks Commission Determination of "Exempt Telecommunications Company" Status Under the Public Utility Holding Company Act.

On August 10, 2000, Enporion, Inc., pursuant to section 34(a)(1) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 as added by section 103 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-104, filed an application requesting a Commission determination that it is an exempt telecommunications company. Comments due September 22; replies due September 29. Contact: Al McCloud at (202) 418-2499 or Marty Schwimmer at (202) 418-2320.

PN 8/25/00; DA 00-1967

Pleading Cycle Established CC Docket No. 96-262 and CC Docket No. 94-1.

Comments due September 8*; replies due September 18. Contact: Joi Roberson Nolen at (202) 418-1520.

CC 96-45; PN 8/29/00; DA 00-1977

Citizens Telecommunications Company of Wyoming and Qwest Corporation Seek a Waiver of the Definition of "Study Area" in Part 36 of Rules.

On August 21, 2000, Citizens Telecommunications Company of Wyoming and Qwest Corporation filed a joint petition for waiver of the definition of "study area" as set forth in Part 36 of the Commission's rules. Comments due September 13; replies due September 25. Contact Adrian Wright at (202) 418-0854.

PN 8/30/00; DA 00-1978

Pleading Cycle Established CCB/CPD Filed No. 00-21.

On August 28, 2000, BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. filed a petition for pricing flexibility for switched access services pursuant to Section 1.774 of the Commission's rules. Comments due September 12; replies due September 22. Contact: Joi Roberson Nolen at (202) 418-1520.

PN 8/29/00; DA 00-1982

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Massachusetts Department of Telecommunications and Energy Petition for Delegation of Additional Authority to Implement Number Conservation Measures in Massachusetts.

On September 28, 1998, the Federal Communications Commission released the Pennsylvania Numbering Order, which delegated additional authority to state public utility commissions to order number rationing in jeopardy situations and encouraged state commissions to seek further limited delegations of authority to implement other innovative number conservation methods.

The Common Carrier Bureau seeks comment on Petitioner's request for additional delegated authority to implement the number conservation measures to the extent that they are not superseded by the national number resource optimization measures addressed in the numbering resource optimization order. Comments due September 27; replies due October 11. Contact: Aaron Goldberger at (202) 418-2320.

PN 8/30/00; DA 00-1989

Telergy East, LLC Seeks Commission Determination of "Exempt Telecommunications Company" Status Under the Public Utility Holding Company Act.

On August 18, 2000, Telergy East, LLC pursuant to section 34(a)(1) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 as added by section 103 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-104, filed an application requesting a Commission determination tha it is an exempt telecommunications company. Comments due September 20; replies due September 27. Contact: Al McCloud at (202) 418-2499 or Marty Schwimmer at (202) 418-2320.

PN 8/30/00; DA 00-1990

Energy Pool Funds Administration limited Seeks Commission Determination of "Exempt Telecommunications Company" Status Under The Public Utility Holding Company Act.

On August 18, 2000, Energy Pool Funds Administration Limited pursuant to section 34(a)(1) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 as added by section 103 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-104, filed an application requesting a Commission determination that it is an exempt telecommunications company.

Comments due September 20; replies due September 27. Contact: Al McCloud at (202) 418-2499 or Marty Schwimmer at (202) 418-2320.

PN 8/30/00; DA 00-1991

ESIS Limited Seeks Commission Determination of "Exempt Telecommunications Company" Status Under the Public Utility Holding Company Act.

On August 18, 2000, ESIS Limited pursuant to section 34(a)(1) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 as added by section 103 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Pub. L. No. 104-104, filed an application requesting a Commission determination that it is an exempt telecommunications company. Comments due September 20; replies due September 27. Contact: Al McCloud at (202) 418-2499 or Marty Schwimmer at (202) 418-2320.

PN 8/30/00; DA 00-1995

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the California Public Utilities Commission and Maine Public Utilities Commission Petitions for waiver of the Requirement to Conform their Thousands-Block Number Pooling Trials to the National Thousands-Block Number Pooling Rules by September 1, 2000.

The Common Carrier Bureau seek comment on the California Commission and Maine Commission petitions for waiver of the FCC's requirement that state public utility commissions conform their thousands-block number pooling trials to the FCC's national pooling rules by September 1, 2000. Comments due September 12; replies due September 19. Contact: Aaron Goldberger at (202) 418-2320.

CC 99-200; PN 9/5/00; DA 00-2011

The Commission Seeks Comments on the Thousands-Block Pooling Administrator Technical Requirements/Pleading Cycle Established.

On March 31, 2000, the Commission released a Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Numbering Resource Optimization. Comments due September 25; replies due October 2. Contact: Sanford Williams at (202) 418-1508.

CC 97-213; PN 9/1/00; DA 00-2022

Comment Invited on CTIA Petition to Suspend CALEA Compliance Date.

On August 23, 2000, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association filed a petition to immediately suspend the September 30, 2001 compliance date for implementation of certain assistance capabilities under the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. Comments due September 15. Contact: Rodney Small 202-418-2452.

CC 00-157; PN 9/1/00; DA 00-2024

FCC Seeks Comment on Joint Application for Consent to Transfer Control Filed by Northpoint Communications, Inc. and Verizon Communications.

On August 25, 2000, NorthPoint Communications, Inc. and Verizon Communications filed a joint application under Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. section 214, requesting Commission approval of the transfer of control of NorthPoint's section 214 authorization to provide domestic interstate telecommunications services as a non-dominant carrier in connection with the proposed merger of NorthPoint and Verizon digital subscriber line business into a new non-dominant carrier. Comments due October 2; replies due October 17.

Contact: Jessica Rosenworcel 202-418-2764.

CC 98-147; CC 96-98; PN 9/6/00; DA 00-2036

Common Carrier Bureau Extends Pleading Cycle for Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 98-147 and Fifth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 96-98.

Comments due October 12; replies due November 14. Contact: William Kehoe at (202) 418-1580.

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

MM 00-105; NPRM 6/20/00 (adopted 6/5/00); FCC 00-203

Elimination of Experimental Broadcast Ownerships Restrictions.

The Commission proposes to eliminate the multiple ownership rule for experimental broadcast stations, which now provides that no entity may control more than one experimental license absent a showing of need. Comments due September 1*; replies due October 2.

MM 00-108; NPRM 6/20/00 (adopted 6/8/00); FCC 00-213

Amendment of Section 73.658(G) of the Rules -- the Dual Network Rule.

The Commission proposes to amend the "dual network" rule applicable to broadcast stations. Comments due September 1*; replies due October 2.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

WT 00-48; NPRM &MO&O 3/24/00 (adopted 3/17); FCC 00-105

Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 of the Communications Rules concerning Maritime Communication Proposed to Consolidate, Revise and Streamline Rules Governing Maritime Communications Pursuant to Requests from the National GMDSS Implementation Task Force and Globe Wireless, Inc.

The Commission's NPRM proposes to consolidate, revise, and streamline its rules governing maritime communications pursuant to requests from the National GMDSS Implementation Task Force and Globe Wireless, Inc. The purpose of these proposed rule changes is to address new international maritime requirements, improve the operational ability of all users of marine radios and remove unnecessary or duplicative requirements from its Rules. Comments due 90 days after Federal Register publication and replies due 120 days after Federal Register publication.

R&O 6/30/00 (adopted 6/8/00); FCC 00-209

In the Matter of Extending Wireless Telecommunications Services to Tribal Lands.

The Commission adopted rules and policies that provide incentives for wireless telecommunications carriers to serve individuals living on tribal lands. Comments due: 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

MO&O and FNRPM 6/30/00 (adopted 6/22/00); FCC 00-224

In the matter of Service Rules for the 746-764 and 776-794 MHZ Bands, and Revisions to Part 27of the Commission's Rules/Carriage of the Transmissions of Digital Television Broadcast Stations/Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to Digital Television.

The Commission affirmed the service rules adopted in the 700 MHz reviewing applications for approval of voluntary agreements accelerating the transition of incumbent analog television licensees and opening these bands for new 700 MHz licensee use, and sought comment on several aspects of the spectrum clearing process. Comments due August 16*; replies due September 15.

WT 00-48; Order 7/21/00 (adopted 7/20/00); DA 00-1628

Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 of the Commission's Rules concerning Maritime Communications.

The Commission granted the United States Coast Guard's request to extend the deadline for filing comments in this proceeding. Comments due August 23*; replies due September 21.

PN 8/3/00; DA 00-1699

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on petition by American Trucking Associations, Inc., to transfer frequency advisory committee certification to American Mobile Telecommunications Association, Inc.

The Commission is seeking comment on a July 13, 2000 request by the American Trucking Associations, Inc., and the American Mobile Telecommunications Association, Inc. to transfer ATA's frequency advisory committee certification to AMTA. Comments due September 5*, replies due September 20.

WT 96-86; Fourth NPRM 8/2/00 (adopted 7/25/00); FCC 00-271

The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Communication Requirements through the Year 2010.

In this Fourth Notice of Proposed Rule Making, the Commission is considering various technical and operational issues regarding the use of interoperability frequencies in the 764-776 MHz and 794-806 MHz frequency bands. Comments can be filed 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, reply comments can be filed 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

PN 8/3/00; DA 00-1748

WirelessTelecommunications Bureau Seek Comment on TeleCorp PCS, L.L.C.'s Request for Waiver of the Five Year Broadband PCS Construction Requirement for the Partitioned/Disaggregated Louisville MTA.

On July 7, 2000, TeleCorp PCS, L.L.C., licensee of call sign WPOI215, a license partitioned/disaggregated from the Louisville MTA, filed a request for waiver of the five year construction requirements under Section 24.203(a) of the Commission's rules. Comments due September 4*; replies due September 19. Contact: Michael Ferrante at (202) 418-1323.

PN 8/3/00; DA 00-1749

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seek Comment on West Virginia PCS Alliance, L.C.'s Request for Waiver of the Five Year Broadband PCS Construction Requirement for the Partitioned Cincinnati MTA.

On July 7, 2000, West Virginia PCS Alliance, L.C. licensee of call sign WPOH986, a license partitioned from the Cincinnati MTA, filed a request for waiver of the five year construction requirements under Section 24.203(a) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. section 24.203(a). Comments due September 4*; replies due September 19.

PN 8/3/00; DA 00-1750

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on TeleCorp PCS, L.L.C.'s Request for Waiver of the Five Year Broadband PCS Construction Requirement for the Partitioned/Disaggregated St. Louis MTA.

On July 7, 2000, TeleCorp PCS, L.L.C. licensee of call sign WPOI217, a partitioned/disaggregated from the St. Louis MTA, filed a request for waiver of the requirements under Section 24.203(a) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. 24.203(a) licensees are required to provide adequate service to at least one-third of the population within five years. Comments due September 4*; replies due September 19.

PN 8/15/00; DA 00-1869

TLA Spectrum, LLC and the stockholders of Saco River Telegraph and Telephone Company seek FCC consent to transfer control of broadband PCS, cellular, and microwave authorizations.

TLA Spectrum, LLC a wholly owned subsidiary of Rural Cellular Corporation and the stockholders of Saco River Telegraph and Telephone Company have filed applications pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. section 310(d), seeking Commission approval to transfer control of licenses and authorizations held by Saco River and its subsidiaries from the stockholders of Saco River to TLA. Petitions/Comments due September 14; replies/oppositions due September 25. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or John Branscome at (202) 418-7240 (Parts 22 and 24); and Jamison Prime at (202) 418-0680 (Part 101).

CC 94-102; PN 8/16/00; DA 00-1875

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau seeks comment on Phase 1 E911 Implementation Issues.

The Commission seek comment on a request filed by King County, Washington E-911 Program Office for assistance in resolving a conflict related to the implementation on wireless Phase I Enhanced 911 (E911) service in the State of Washington. Comments due September 18, replies due October 11. Contact: Wendy Austrie at (202) 418-1310.

PN 8/17/00; DA 00-1893

SBC Communications Inc., Ameritech Wireless Communications, Inc., AT&T Wireless PCS, LLC, and Indiana Acquisition, L.L.C. Seek FCC Censent to Transfer Control of and to Assign Licenses.

SBC Communications Inc., Ameritech Wireless Communications, Inc., AT&T Wireless PCS, LLC ("AWP"), and Indiana Acquisition, L.L.C. have filed applications pursuant to Section 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. section 310(d), seeking Commission approval of (1) the transfer of control of AWP of licenses and authorizations currently controlled by subsidiaries and affiliates of SBC; (2) the reciprocal assignment of licenses between Ameritech Wireless and AWP; and (3) the reciprocal assignment of licenses between Ameritech Wireless and Indiana Acquisition. Petitions/Comments due September 18; replies/oppositions due September 28. Contact: Lauren Kravetz or Michael Samsock at (202) 418-7240.

PN 8/21/00; DA 00-1913

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by the State of Florida to Allow Use of General Category Offset Channels.

The Commission seek comment on Florid'a Waiver Request. Comments due September 5*; replies due September 15. Contact: Karen Franklin at (202) 418-0680.

PN 8/24/00; DA 00-1953

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request for Clarification of De Facto Control Policy and Proposed Spectrum Lease Agreement.

On June 30, 2000, GW Wireless, Inc., a subsidiary of Golden West Telecommunications Cooperative, Inc. and Long Lines, Ltd., and affiliate of Northwest Iowa Telephone Company, licensees of various Personal Communications Service and Local Multipoint Distribution Service Licenses in South Dakota and Iowa, Jointly filed a "Request for Clarification of De Facto Control Policy and Request for Authority to Operate Broadband PCS and LMDS Facilities Pursuant to Spectrum Lease Arrangement." Comments due September 15; replies due September 25. Contact: Don Johnson or Paul Murray at (202) 418-7240.

WT 00-110; CC 92-105; NPRM 8/29/00 (adopted 8/24/00); FCC 00-327

Implementation of 911 Act, The Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements.

Assigned 911 as a national abbreviated dialing code to be used exclusively for access to emergency police and other government services. Sought comment on appropriate transition periods for areas in which 911 is not currently in use as emergency number.

Comments due October 16; replies due November 15.