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Federal Communications Commission
1919 - M Street, N.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 25, 1998

OPEN PROCEEDINGS


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) 418-0260, 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.

CABLE SERVICES BUREAU

CS 98-120; NPRM 7/9/98 (adopted 7/9/98); FCC 98-153

Carriage of the Transmissions of Digital Television Broadcast Stations - Amendments to Part 76 of the Commission's Rules

The Commission is seeking comments on changes to the broadcast signal carriage rules and other cable television rules, to accommodate digital television transmissions. Comments due September 17, 1998*; reply comments due October 30, 1998.

CS 98-120; Order 8/27/98 (adopted 8/27/98); DA 98-1719

DTV Must Carry Proceedings

Granted, in part the Association of Local Television Stations' Motion for Extension of Time in CS Docket No. 98-120. Comments due October 13; reply comments due November 24.

CS 98-132; NPRM 7/20/98 (adopted 7/13/98); FCC 98-159

Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Public File and Notice Requirements

The Commission seeks comment on streamlining the public file and notice requirements in the Commission's Part 76 Cable Television Rules. Comments due September 10, 1998*; reply

comments due September 25, 1998.

Order 9/4/98; DA 98-1800

National Association of Broadcasters - Echostar Communications Corporation

Granted a Motion for Reconsideration of an Expedited pleading schedule established in a Public Notice dated August 26, 1998 (DA 98-1710). Comments are now due September 25, 1998.

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

CC 98-131; NPRM 7/24/98 (adopted 7/15/98); FCC 98-164

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Part 61 of the Commission's Rules and Related Tariffing Requirements

Issued Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the 1998 Biennial Review part 61 of the Commission's Rules and Related Tariffing Requirements. Comments due 30 days after

publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.

CC 98-141; PN 7/30/98; DA 98-1492

SBC Communications, Inc. and Ameritech Corporation Seek FCC Consent for a Proposed Transfer of Control and Commission Seeks Comment on Proposed Protective Order Filed by SBC and Ameritech

On July 24, 1998, SBC Communications, Inc. and Ameritech Corporation filed joint applications under Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commission approval of the transfer of control to SBC of licenses and authorizations controlled or requested by Ameritech or its affiliates or subsidiaries. This transfer of control would take place as the result of a proposed merger of SBC and Ameritech. Comments due September 15, 1998*; oppositions or responses due October 15, 1998. Contact: Radhika Karmarkar, Lisa Choi or Bill Dever, Policy and Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1580.

CC 98-141; Order 9/1/98 (adopted 9/1/98); DA 98-1765

Ameritech Corp., Transferor and SBC Communications, Inc., Transferee

Granted extension of time to file petitions/comments and oppositions/responses in this proceeding. Comments due October 15; replies November 16.

PN 8/6/98; DA 98-1571

Request by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems United Way of America, United Way 211 (Atlanta, GA), United Way of Connecticut, Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services, Inc. and Texas I&R Network for Assignment of 211 Dialing Code - Pleading Cycle Established

On May 28, 1998, The Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, the United Way of American, United Way 211 (Atlanta, GA), United Way of Connecticut, Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services, Inc., and the Texas I&R Network, filed a Petition for assignment of 211 dialing code for use by the public to access essential community resource services, providing free information and referrals regarding community service organizations. Comments due September 8, 1998*; replies due September 21, 1998.*

PN 9/18/98; DA 98-1899

Common Carrier Bureau Revises Pleading Schedule for the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, United Way of America, United Way 211, United Way of Connecticut, Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services, Inc., and Texas I&R Network Request for Assignment of 211 Dialing Code

On August 6, 1998, the Common Carrier Bureau released a Public Notice, DA 98-1571, seeking comment on a request by the Alliance of Information and Referral Systems, United Way of America, United Way 211 (Atlanta, GA), United Way of Connecticut, Florida Alliance of Information and Referral Services, Inc., and Texas I&R Network for assignment of 211 dialing code. A pleading cycle of September 8 for comments and September 21 for replies was established. The Bureau is extending the reply comment period until October 5. Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2499; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 98-147, CC 98-11, CC 98-26, CC 98-32, CC 98-78, CC 98-91; MO&O and NPRM 8/7/98; FCC 98-188

Deployment of Wireline Services Offering Advanced Telecommunications Capability

The Commission took steps to implement Congress' framework with respect to encouraging the rapid deployment of new telecommunications technologies - advanced services. Comments due September 21, 1998*; replies due October 13, 1998.

CC 98-146, CC 98-147; PN 8/12/98; FCC 98-187, FCC 98-188; DA 98-1624

Common Carrier Bureau Establishes Revised Pleading Cycle for Comments in Section 706 Notice of Inquiry, FCC 98-187, and Deployment of Advanced Telecommunications Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 98-188 - CC Docket Nos. 98-146 and 98-147

Extended comment period in NOI (CC Docket No. 98-146) pursuant to Section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due September 14, 1998; reply comments due October 8, 1998. Extended comment period in MO&O and NPRM (CC Docket No. 98-147) regarding six petitions of relief. Comments due September 25, 1998; reply comments due

October 16, 1998. Contact: Janice M. Myles, Policy and Program Planning at (202) 418-1580.

PN 8/12/98; DA 98-1625

BellSouth and Bell Atlantic File a Petition for Rulemaking to Amend Part 32 of the Commission's Rules to Adopt the Accounting for Software Required by Statement of Position 98-1 (RM 9341)

On August 3, 1998, the Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies and BellSouth Corporation and BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. filed a petition for rulemaking to amend the Commission's existing Part 32 rules in order to accommodate recent changes in generally accepted accounting principles. Comments due September 14, 1998*; replies due September 28, 1998. Contact: Brett Kissel, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-0810.

PN 8/12/98; DA 98-1617

Bell South Files Revisions to Its Cost Allocation Manual - Public Comment Invited

On July 31, 1998, Bell South filed updates to its cost allocation manual (CAM). Comments on the CAM due September 11, 1998*; replies due September 28, 1998. Contact: Colleen Nibbe at (202) 418-0810.

PN 8/19/98; DA 98-1614

Sprint Local Telephone Companies File Petition for Waiver of Automated Reporting Management Information System 43-03 Filing Requirement

On July 27, 1998, Sprint Local Telephone Companies filed a petition for waiver of the Automated Reporting Management Information Systems (ARMIS) 43-03 filing requirement. Comments on this petition due September 18, 1998*; reply comments due October 5, 1998. Contact: Andrew Mulitz, Chief, Legal Branch, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-0850.

CC 96-45; PN 8/24/98; DA 98-1691

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission's and Twenty Rural Telecommunications Companies' Petition for Agreement with Designation of Rural Company Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Service Areas at the Exchange Level and for Approval of the Use of Disaggregation of Study Areas for the Purpose of Distributing Portable Federal Universal Service Support - CC Docket No. 96-45

On August 17, 1998, the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission and 20 rural telecommunications companies filed a Petition for Agreement with Designation of Rural Company Eligible Telecommunications Carrier Service Areas at the Exchange Level and for Approval of the use of disaggregation of study areas for the purpose of distributing portable federal universal service support. Comments on the Joint Petition for Waiver due September 14, 1998*; reply comments due September 28, 1998. Contact: Adrian Wright, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 8/26/98; DA 98-1694

Puerto Rico Telephone and Southwestern Bell File Revisions to their Cost Allocation Manuals - Public Comment Invited

The Commission is seeking comments on Puerto Rico Telephone Company's and SBC Telecommunications for Pacific Bell's updates to their cost allocation manuals. Comments due September 25; replies due October 9. Contact: Colleen Nibbe at (202) 418-0810.

PN 8/26/98; DA 98-1622

Comments Invited on Depreciation Rate Prescription Proposed for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company

The Common Carrier Bureau invites comments on proposed depreciation rates and amortizations for three Southwestern Bell Telephone Company jurisdictions. Comments due September 16*; replies due September 28. Contact: Stephen Steckler, Reporting Management and Reports Branch, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-0865.

CC 98-157; PN 8/28/98; DA 98-1712

Petition of U S West Communications, Inc. for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier in the Phoenix, Arizona, MSA - CC Docket No. 98-157 - Pleading Cycle Established

On March 5, 1998, US West Communications, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from regulating U S West as a dominant carrier in the provision of high capacity services in the Phoenix, Arizona Metropolitan Statistical Area, pursuant to Section 10 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due October 7, 1998; replies due October 28, 1998. Contact: Harold Watson, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1530.

PN 9/2/98

Request by Bell Atlantic-Massachusetts for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide ELCS

On August 11, 1998, Bell Atlantic-Massachusetts filed a petition requesting modification of local access transport area boundaries to provide expanded local calling service between its Warren and Sturbridge exchanges in Massachusetts. Comments due September 16*; replies September 30. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338.

PN 9/1/98; DA 98-1738

GTE Service Corporation Petitions for Establishment of New Rate Elements to Offer SONET-Based Switched Transport Services - Pleading Cycle Established

On July 17, 1998, GTE Service Corporation, on behalf of GTE Telephone Operating Companies and the GTE System Telephone Companies, filed a petition to provide additional SONET-based switched access services, or, in the alternative, petition for expedited waiver of Part 69 of the Commission's Rules to provide additional SONET-based switched access services. GTE requests authority to establish two new rate elements. The Commission is seeking comments on GTE's request. Comments due October 1, 1998; replies October 16, 1998. Contact: Harold Watson, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1530.

PN 9/3/98

Request by Bell Atlantic-Massachusetts for Limited Modification of LATA Boundary to Unify the Town of Erving,Massachusetts in a Single LATA

On September 2, 1998,Bell Atlantic-Massachusetts filed a petition requesting a LATA boundary modification to unify the Town of Erving, Massachusetts, currently bisected by the LATA 126/128 boundary. Comments concerning this matter due September 17*; replies October 1. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338.

CC 98-84; PN 9/3/98; DA 98-1792

Pleading Cycle Established for Comments on US WEST's Ex Parte Submission Concerning the Petition for Preemption, Declaratory Ruling and Injunctive Relief Filed by McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc. - CC Docket No. 98-84

On June 2, 1998, McLeodUSA Telecommunications Services, Inc. filed a petition pursuant to section 253 of the Communications Act, as amended, seeking preemption, declaratory ruling and injunctive relief regarding an order of the Nebraska Public Service Commission that allowed US WEST to withdraw Centrex service. On August 21, 1998, US WEST filed an ex parte submission indicating that the Supreme Court of Nebraska has recently reversed and remanded the Nebraska Commission's Order and directed the Nebraska Commission to dismiss the underlying complaints for lack of standing. The Commission seeks comments on US WEST's ex parte submission. Comments due September 24*; replies October 5. (DA No. 98-1792). Contact: Janice Myles, Policy and Program Planning Division at (202) 418-1577.

PN 9/8/98; DA 98-1806

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Petition for Waiver of Local Number Portability Deadline

On September 2, 1998, OGC Telecomm, LTD. d/b/a OGI Telecomm, L.P. filed a petition seeking a waiver and extension of Phase III implementation deadline, from September 21 to November 21, and a waiver of the 60-day advance notification requirement contained in 47 C.F.R. Section 52.23(e), for the Portland, OR MSA. Comments on OGC Telecomm's petitions for waiver and extension of the Phase III implementation deadline until November 21, and waiver of the 60-day advance notification requirement due September 18*; replies due September 25. Contact: Gayle Radley Teicher, Network Services Division at (202) 418-1515; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

PN 9/11/98; DA 98-1815

National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. Files Revisions to Its Cost Accounting and Procedures Manual - Public Comment Invited

On September 4, 1998, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. filed updates to its cost accounting and procedures manual. Comments due October 13; replies October 27. Contact: Debbie Weber at (202) 418-0812.

PN 9/15; DA 98-1866

Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Petition of the New England Public Communications Council, Inc., Requesting Preemption of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' Order Banning Charges by Payphone Service Providers for Directory Assistance

On June 16, 1998, the New England Public Communications Council, Inc., petitioned the Commission to declare that the continued prohibition imposed by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts against payphone service providers charging for intrastate directory assistance calls is preempted and without effect pursuant to Section 276 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Comments to this petition due October 15; replies October 30. (DA No.

98-1866). Contact: Al McCloud, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2499; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 98-170; NPRM 9/17/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-232

Truth-in-Billing and Billing Format

The Commission proposed to make telephone bills more consumer-friendly by providing customers with information they need to make informed choices in a competitive telecommunications marketplace. Comments due: 30 days from Federal Register publication; reply comments Due: 45 days from Federal Register publication.

CC 96-45; PN 9/17/98; DA 98-1872

RealWorld Advanced Technology Request for Waiver - Pleading Cycle Established - CC Docket No. 96-45

In the May 8, 1997 Universal Service Report and Order, the Commission directed all interstate telecommunications carriers, payphone providers,a nd others which provide interstate telecommunications service for a fee to contribute to the Universal Service Funds. Carriers that provide only international telecommunications service are not required to contribute to the universal service support mechanisms. RealWorld Advanced Technology, Inc., a reseller of international telecommunications service, is seeking a waiver of the Commission's Rules in order to contribute directly to the Universal Service Fund, based only on the revenue from calls terminating in the United States. Comments to RealWorld's Request for Waiver due October 2; replies October 13. Contact: Sheryl Todd or Linda P. Armstrong, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

CC 96-45; PN 9/18/98; DA 98-1871

Network Operator Services, Inc. Petition for Waiver of Universal Service Contribution or Reconsideration - Pleading Cycle Established - CC Docket No. 96-45

In the May 8, 1997, Universal Service Order, the Commission directed all interstate telecommunications carriers, payphone providers, and others which provide interstate telecommunications service for a fee to contribute to the Universal Service Funds. Contributions must be based in part on contributors' end-user telecommunications revenues from the previous year. Network Operator Services, Inc. has filed a petition requesting authority to calculate its contribution on the basis of its current revenues, or, in the alternative, for reconsideration of the requirement to use prior year revenues to calculate the contribution amount. Comments due October 2; replies October 13. Contact: Sheryl Todd or Linda P. Armstrong, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400; TTY: (202) 418-0484.

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU

IB 98-148, CC 90-337; NPRM 8/6/98 (adopted 8/6/98); FCC 98-190

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Reform of the International Settlements Policy and Associated Filing Requirements

Proposed rules to reform the international settlement policy to promote greater competition and lower international calling prices. The Commission proposed to lift regulations under the existing policy that restricts the kinds of arrangements U.S. carriers may enter into with foreign telecommunications carriers in World Trade Organization Member countries. Comments due September 16, 1998*; replies due October 16, 1998.

PN 8/26/98; DA 98-1703

Commission Staff Seek Comment on Spectrum Issues Related to Third Generation Wireless/IMT-2000

The International Telecommunication Union is in the process of identifying the long-term spectrum requirements for future "third generation" mobile wireless telecommunications systems, referred to as International Mobile Telecommunications - 2000 (IMT-2000). To refine the FCC Commission staff's analysis of potential IMT-2000 spectrum needs, the Commission seeks comment on a series of questions regarding the types of wireless services expected in the future, bandwidth and overall spectrum requirements, spectrum location, technological advancements and spectrum efficiency. The Commission also seeks comment regarding the potential impact on the existing services and the potential for IMT-2000 sharing with those services. Comments due September 30, 1998.

IB 98-172; NPRM 9/18/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-235

Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Band Among the Various Allocated Services

Proposed to redesignate the 17.7-19.7 GHz band among the various allocated services in order to make more efficient and better use of this portion of the spectrum. Comments due November 5; replies December 7.

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

MM 98-93; Erratum 6/22/98

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review--Streamlining of Radio Technical Rules in Parts 73 and 74 of the Commission's Rules

Erratum to NPRM released June 15 (FCC 98-117). Comments due August 21, 1998*; reply comments due September 21, 1998*.

MM 98-93; MO&O 7/23/98; DA 98-1468

Extended comment deadline to October 20, 1998; reply comment deadline to

November 20, 1998.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU

WT 98-136, ET 94-124; MO&O/NPRM 7/29/98 (adopted 6/30/98); FCC 98-142

Rules Promoting Commercial Use of 47 GHz Band

Adopted rules regarding the use of the 47.2-48.2 GHz frequency band (47 GHz band), upholding conclusions the Commission reached in the Second Report and Order in this proceeding. Sought comment on various proposals regarding the 47 GHz band including licensing and operating rules, auctioning, and suggestions for structuring rules to take into account the Government and non-Government allocation of the band. Comments due September 21, 1998*; replies due October 13, 1998.

PN 8/5/98; DA 98-1559

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Western PCS I License Corporation Request for Waiver of Section 20.6 of the Commission's Rules

On January 29, 1998, Western PCS I License Corporation filed a request for waiver of section 20.6. of the Commission's rules. Western seeks a waiver of the 45 MHz spectrum cap codified in section 20.6 because it holds the Block A broadband Personal Communications Service license for the Oklahoma City Major Trading Area and its affiliate, GCC License Corporation, acquired Block A cellular licenses for Oklahoma Rural Service Areas 7 and 8. Comments on Western's Request for Waiver due September 10, 1998*; reply comments due September 25, 1998. Contact: David Krech, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.

PN 8/5/98; DA 98-1559

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Western PCS I License Corporation Request for Waiver of Sectin 20.6 of the Commission's Rules

The Commission is seeking comment on Western PCS I License Corporation's request for waiver of section 20.6 of the Commission's rules, involving the 45 MHz spectrum cap. Comments due September 10, 1998*; reply comments due September 25, 1998. Contact: David Krech, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.

PN 8/10/98; DA 98-1578; Report No. LB 98-58

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Commercial Wireless Division - Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings LLC Seek FCC Consent for Transfer of Control - Pleading Cycle Established

The Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings (Puerto Rico) LLC have filed applications under section 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commissio napproval of the transfer of control to GTE Holdings of licenses and authorizations controlled or requested by PRTC, a sholly-owned subsidiary of the Puerto Rico Telephone Authority (PRTA). The Commission is seeking comments on these applications for transfer of control. Comments due September 17, 1998*; replies due September 30, 1998. Contacts: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division, WTB (Parts 22 and 24) at (202) 418-7240; Steve Buenzow, Private Wireless Division, WTB (Parts 90 and 101) at (717) 338-2657; Jeanette Spriggs, IB (Part 25) at (202) 418-1468.

PN 9/10/98; DA 98-1803

Revised Comment Cycle for Applications filed by Puerto Rico Telephone Company and GTE Holdings (Puerto Rico) for Consent for Transfer of Control of Puerto Rico Telephone Company

Amended August 7, 1998, Public Notice issued by WTB (DA 98-1578) announcing Puerto Rico Telephone Company's and GTE Holdings applications seeking consent for GTE acquisition of PRTC, to include the application of PRTC and GTE under section 214 of the Communications Act requesting the Commission approval of the transfer of control of GTE Holdings of the license and authorization of Cellulares Telefonica, Inc., a subsidiary of PRTC. Extended pleading cycle - comments due October 2; replies October 13. Contact: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division (Part 22 and Part 24) at (202) 418-7240; Steven Buenzow, Private Wireless Division (Part 90 and Part 101) at (717) 338-2646; Jeanette Spriggs, International Bureau (Part 25) at (202) 418-0727; Troy Tanner (Section 214) at (202) 418-1468.

WT 98-143; NPRM 8/10/98 (adopted 7/29/98); FCC 98-183

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Amendment of Part 97 of the Commission's Amateur Service Rules

Initiated a proceeding to examine FCC rules for the Amateur Radio Service in an effort to eliminate unnecessary and dupliative rules, as well as to streamline licensing processes. Comments due December 1, 1998; replies due January 15, 1999.

PN 8/13/98; DA 98-1626

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Triton Communications L.L.C.'s Request for Waiver of Section 20.6 of the Commission's Rules

The Commission is seeking comments on Triton Communications L.L.C.'s request for waiver of Section 20.6 of the Commission's rules regarding the 45 MHz spectrum aggregation limit. Comments due September 15, 1998*; replies due September 30, 1998. Contact: David Krech, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.

PN 8/14/98; DA 98-1637; Report No. LB-98-60

McCaw RCC Communications, Inc. and Metrocall, Inc. Seek FCC Consent for Transfer of Control and AT&T Two-Way Messaging Communications, Inc. and Metrocall USA, Inc. Seek FCC Consent for Assignment of License of a Narrowband PCS License

McCaw RCC Communications and Metrocall, Inc. have filed applications under Section 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commission approval of the transfer of control of Metrocall, Inc. of licenses and authorizations controlled or requested by McCaw RCC Communications, Inc. In addition, AT&T Two-Way Messaging Communications, Inc. and Metrocall, Inc. have filed an application for consent to the assignment of a narrowband PCS license from AT&T Two-Way Messaging Communications, Inc. to Metrocall USA, Inc. The Commission is seeking comment on these applications. Comments due September 15, 1998*; replies due September 25, 1998.

PN 8/17/98; Report No. LB-98-61; DA 98-1645

Centennial Cellular Corp. and CCW Acquisition Corp. Seek FCC Consent for Transfer of Control - Pleading Cycle Established

Centennial Cellular Corp. and CCW Acquisition Corp. filed applications under Section 310(d) of the Communications Act requesting Commission approval of the transfer of control to CCW of Part 22 and Part 24 licenses and authorizations held directly or indirectly by Centennial Cellular Corp. Comments due September 17, 1998*; replies due September 28, 1998. Contact: Commercial Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams: (202) 418-7240.

PN 8/21/98; DA 98-1687

Wireless Bureau Seeks Comment on July 31, 1998 Letter from Personal Communications Industry Association Proposing Streamlining of Wireless Regulations

On July 31, 1998, the Personal Communications Industry Association submitted a letter to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau concerning potential streamlining or elimination of certain wireless regulations. Interested parties should file comments no later than 15 days from Federal Register Publication of this Public Notice. Contact: Jeffrey Steinberg, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-0620.

PN 8/25/98; DA 98-1705

Dispatch Interactive Television Request for Declaratory Ruling and Waiver of Sections 95.855 and 95.859(a) of the Commission's Rules

On June 9, 1998, Dispatch Interactive Television, Inc. (DITV), filed a Request for Waiver of Declaratory Ruling of Sections 95.855 and 95.859(a) of the Commission's Rules. DITV is seeking to provide one-way voice or data transmission services, including paging services, over an interactive video and data service (IVDS) system it proposes to build in Indianapolis, Indiana. Comments on this Waiver Request due September 15, 1998*; replies due September 30, 1998. Contact; James Moskowitz, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0680.

Gen 88-549; PN 8/28/98; Report WT 98-30

Comments Invited on North Central Texas (Region 40) Public Safety Plan Amendment (Gen Docket No. 88-549)

On June 22, 1989, the Commission accepted the Public Safety Plan for North Central Texas (Region 40) governing the use of the frequency assignments in the 821-824/866-869 bands. On July 17, 1997, Region 40 submitted a proposed amendment to its plan that would revise its current channel allotments. Comments due September 28; replies due October 13. Contact: Joy Alford at (202) 418-0680.

PR 91-143; PN 8/28/87; Report WT 98-28

Comments Invited on Arizona (Region 3) Public Safety Plan Amendment (PR Docket No. 91-143)

On September 4, 1991, the Commission accepted the Public Safety Plan for Arizona (Region 3) governing the use of the frequency assignments in the 821-824/866-869 MHz bands. On June 12, 1998, Region 3 submitted a proposed amendment to its plan that would revise the current channel allotments. Comments due September 28; reply comments due October 13. Contact: Joy Alford at (202) 418-0680

PN 8/28/98; DA 98-1715

Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on United States Cellular Corporation Request for Waiver of Section 22.942 of the Commission's Rules

On May 11, 1998, United States Cellular Corporation filed a request for waiver of section 22.942 of the Commission's rules regarding the limitation on cellular licensees holding interests i the other channel block overlapping cellular geographic service area. Comments due September 28; replies due October 13. Contact: David Krech, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240.

Order 8/28/98 (adopted 8/28/98); DA 98-1730

Tower Registration of Scana Communications, Inc.

Granted Motion for Extension of Time to extend comment deadline in this proceeding. Comment deadline extended to September 25, 1998.

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.

GEN Docket No. 90-287; PN 9/15/98; DA 98-1777; Report No. WT 98-31

Comments Invited on Northern California Area (Region 6) Public Safety Plan Amendment (GEN Docket No. 90-287)

On November 20, 1990, the Commission adopted the Public Safety Plan for Northern California Region 6 governing the use of the frequency assignments in the 821-824/866-869 MHz bands. On March 6, 1998, the Northern California Region 6 Planning Update Committee submitted a proposed amendment to its Plan that would revise its current channel allotments. The Commission is soliciting comments from the public before taking action. Comments due October 1; replies October 16. Contact: Joy Alford at (202) 418-0680.

WT 98-169; Order, MO&O, and NPRM 9/17/98 (adopted 9/15/98); FCC 98-228

Amendment of Part 95 of the Commission's Rules to Provide Regulatory Flexibility in the 218-219 MHz Service/Amendment of Part 95 of the Commission's Rules to Allow Interactive Video and Data Service Licenses to Provide Mobile Services

The Commission undertook a comprehensive examination of the Commission's regulations governing the licensing and use of frequencies in the 218-219 MHz band, allocated to the interactive Video and Data Services (IVDS) in the Personal Radio Services. Comments Due: October 30, 1998; Reply Comments Due: November 25, 1998. Comments to be filed in WT Docket No. 98-169 only.

WT 98-160; NPRM 9/18/98 (adopted 9/17/98); FCC 98-217

1998 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Amendment of Part ) of the Commission's Rules to Close the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Gettysburg Reference Facility

The Commission proposed to amend rules to eliminate the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Reference Room in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The Commission also proposed to update Section 0.453 of the Commission's Rules to accurately reflect the location and availability of license application information within the Wireless Bureau. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register.

CC 94-102; DA 9/22/98; DA 98-1936

Additional Comment Sought - Wireless 911 "Strongest Signal" Proposal Filed by Ad Hoc Alliance for Public Access to 911 - CC Docket No. 94-102

The Commission is seeking additional comment in the wireless Enhanced 911 rulemaking proceeding with respect to an ex parte presentation filed by Ad Hoc Alliance for Public Access to 911 on September 17, 1998. Separate letters addressing the Alliance ex parte filing were submitted to the commission by: the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials-International, Inc. and the National Association of State None-One-One Administrators (jointly), and the National Emergency Number Association. In its ex parte filing, the Ad Hoc Alliance presented an approach under which the Commission would require that, if the signal from the users provider is "inadequate" at the time a 911 call is placed through the use of an analog cellular handset, then the handset must have the capability to select automatically the strongest available compatible channel of communication for purposes of completing the 911 call. The Ad Hoc Alliance also provided an engineering report regarding the minimum level of signal strength at the cellular handset considered necessary for "good" communication. The Commission is seeking additional comment to assist the Commission in determining whether to adopt the approach presented by the Ad Hoc Alliance in its September 17 ex parte filing. Comments due October 7; replies October 19. Comments due October 7; replies October 19. Contact: Won Kim, Policy Division at (202) 418-1310.

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY

98-153; NOI 9/1/98 (adopted 8/20/98); FCC 98-208

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 radio systems on an unlicensed basis under part 15 of the Commission's rules. Comments due 75 days from publication in Federal Register; reply comments due 105 days from publication in Federal Register.

ET 98-156; NPRM 9/1/98 (adopted 8/21/98); FCC 98-209

Amendment of Part 15 of the Commission's Rules

Proposed to amend part 15 of the Commission's Rules to allow the operation of fixed point-to-point transmitters in the 24.05-24.25 GHz band at field strengths of up to 2500 m V/m. Comments due 75 days after publication in the Federal Register; reply comments due 105 days after publication in the Federal Register.