1919 - M Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
ftp.fcc.gov
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).
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
MO&O 2/1/99 (adopted 1/29/99); DA 99-262
Echostar Communications Corporation v. Speedvision Network, L.L.C., Outdoor Life Network, L.L.C
Granted Motion for Extension of Time to February 17, in which to file Responsive Pleading filed by Speedvision Network, L.L.C., and Outdoor Life Network, L.L.C. regarding Echostar's program access complaint.
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU
CC 96-115; Order 9/24/98 (adopted 9/23/98); FCC 98-239
Implementation of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 - Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and Other Customer Information
Extended the deadline by which all telecommunications carriers must implement effective electronic safeguards to protect against unauthorized access to customer proprietary network information (CPNI). Deadline is now six months after the release date of the Commission's Order on reconsideration addressing CPNI issues in CC Docket No. 96-115.
CC 98-166; Notice and NPRM 10/5/98 (adopted 9/8/98); FCC 98-222
Prescribing the Authorized Unitary Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange Carriers
Initiated a proceeding to represcribe the authorized rate of return for interstate access services provided by ILECs. Direct Case Submission Due: December 3, 1998*; Responsive Submission Due: February 1, 1999*; Rebuttal Submission Date: February 22, 1999; NPRM Comments Due: December 3, 1998*; NPRM Reply Comments Due: February 1, 1999*
CC 98-166; Order 11/16/98 (adopted 11/16/98); DA 98-2329
Prescribing the Authorized Unitary Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange Carriers
Granted, to the extent indicated and otherwise denied, the United States Telephone Association's, National Telephone Cooperative Association's, National Rural Telecom Association's, Organization for the Promotion and Advancement of Small Telephone Companies', Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance's and National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc.'s request for extension of time within which to file responses to the Commission's Notice Initiating a Prescription Proceeding and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this proceeding. For the Prescription Proceeding, direct cases due on January 19, 1999*; responses due March 16, 1999; rebuttals due April 8, 1999. For the NPRM, comments due January 19, 1999* and reply comments due March 16, 1999.
CC 94-129; 2nd R&O and FNPRM 12/23/98 (adopted 12/17/98); FCC 98-334
Implementation of the Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996/Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of consumers' Long Distance Carriers
The Commission adopted new rules that will relieve consumers who have had their telephone service provider changed without their consent, a practice known as "slamming," from paying charges imposed by the unauthorized carrier for up to 30 days after being slammed. Comments Due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register; Reply Comments Due 45 days from publication in the Federal Register.
PN 12/30/98; DA 98-2639
Northern Telecom Files Petition for Waiver, Public Comment Invited
On December 9, Northern Telecom, Inc. filed a Petition for Waiver of section 68.308(e)(1) of the Commission's rules so that it may register its Elite modem under Part 68.200 of the commission's rules. Comments due January 28, 1999*; replies February 12. Contact: Vincent M. Paladini at (202) 418-2320.
CC 99-1; PN 1/4/99; DA 99-104
Petition of U S West Communications, Inc. for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier for High Capacity Services in Seattle, Washington Metropolitan Statistical Area - CC Docket No. 99-1 - Pleading Cycle Established
On December 30, 1998, U S 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 special access and dedicated transport services in the Seattle, Washington metropolitan statistical area. In particular, U S West seeks forbearance so that, with respect to high capacity services in the Seattle, Washington MSA, it may geographically average its rates, file tariffs on one day's notice with a presumption of lawfulness, and offer contract-based pricing, volume and term discounts, and promotional options. Comments due February 18; replies March 11. Contact: Joel Taubenblatt or Tamara Preiss at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 1/6/99; DA 99-108
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on a Petition of the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California for an Additional Delegation of Authority to Conduct NXX Code Rationing - Pleading Cycle Established
On September 28, 1998, the FCC released an order in the matter of a Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Request for Expedited Action on the July 15, 1997 Order of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Regarding Area Codes 412, 610, 215, and 717 and Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, MO&O and Ord. On Recon, FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. On November 3, 1998, the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California filed a petition requesting additional authority to continue to conduct its monthly lottery and to resolve disputes among industry participants pertaining to the terms and conditions of NXX code rationing. The Commission is seeking comment on the issues raised in this petition. Comments due February 5*; replies February 22. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 1/6/99; DA 99-108
Petition of the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California for an Additional Delegation of Authority to Conduct NXX Code Rationing- Pleading Cycle Established
September 28, 1998, the FCC released an order in the matter of a Petition for Declaratory Ruling and Request for Expedited Action on the July 15, 1997 Order of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission Regarding Area Codes 412, 610, 215, and 717 and the Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, MO&O and Ord. On Recon., FCC 98-224, CC Docket No. 96-98. On November 3, 1998, the California Public Utilities Commission and the People of the State of California filed a petition requesting additional authority to continue to conduct its monthly lottery and to resolve disputes among industry participants pertaining to the terms and conditions of NXX code rationing. The Commission is seeking comment on the issues raised in this petition. Comments due February 5*; replies February 22. Contact: Jared Carlson, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2320; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 92-237; PN 1/7/99; DA 99-117
FCC Seeks Comment on Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business - CC Docket No. 92-237
On December 21, 1998, Lockheed Martin IMS Corporation filed a Request for Expeditious Review of the Transfer of the Lockheed Martin Communications Industry Services Business to a new independent company, Warburg, Pincus & Co. The Common Carrier Bureau seeks input from the public on issues that the Commission should address in considering this matter. Issues and/or Questions due January 22*; comments on Lockheed Martin request due March 17. Contact: Kris Monteith at (202) 418-1520 or Jared Carlson or Jeannie Grimes at (202) 418-2320. TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 1/14/99; DA 99-154
National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. Files 1999 Modifications of Average Schedules - Public Comment Invited
On December 31, 1998, the National Exchange Carrier Association, Inc. filed its proposed 1999 Modification of Average Schedules. Comments due February 15; replies March 3. Contact: George Williams at (202) 418-0867; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 1/19/99; DA 99-162
Comments Sought on Update of Cost Allocation Manuals
Various local exchange carriers filed annual updates to their cost Allocation Manuals for the year ended December 31, 1998. Comments due February 16; replies March 2. Contact: Mark Stephens at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
Order 1/20/99 (adopted 1/19/99); DA 99-197
Petition for Forbearance of the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance
Extended by 90 days to May 18, the date by which a petition for forbearance requesting that the Commission forbear from applying nine regulations to mid-sized incumbent local exchange carriers serving fewer than two percent of the nation's access lines filed by the Independent Telephone and Telecommunications Alliance shall be deemed granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under section 10(a) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
CC 99-224; PN 1/21/99; DA 99-224
Petition of Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies for Forbearance from Regulation as a Dominant Carrier in Delaware; Maryland; Massachusetts; New Hampshire; New Jersey; New York; Pennsylvania; Rhode Island; Washington, D.C.; Vermont; and Virginia - CC Docket No. 99-24 - Pleading Cycle Established
Bell Atlantic Telephone Companies filed a petition requesting that the Commission exercise its authority to forbear from applying Part 69 rate structure rules and Part 61 rate level rules to its special access services in 12 of the jurisdiction in which it provides special access rules. Bell Atlantic also asks the Commission to forbear from applying its tariff filing rules so as to permit Bell Atlantic to file tariffs for special access service on one day's notice. Comments due March 8; replies March 30. Contact: Steven Spaeth or Tamara Preiss at (202) 418-1520; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
BO Docket 99-11; PN 1/21/99; DA 99-201
Federal Communications Commission Will Hold a Series of Public Hearings on Telephone Service for Indians on Reservations and Seeks Comment from the General Public on All Testimony and Other Evidence Presented Therein: Reply Comment Date to Be Designated, if Necessary, at the Conclusion of the Hearing Cycle (BO Docket No. 99-11)
The FCC plans to hold several public hearings entitled: "Overcoming Obstacles to Telephone Service for Indians on Reservations". The first hearing will be held Friday, January 29, 1999, at the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center at 2401 12th Street, N.W., Albuquerque, N.M. from 8:00 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. The FCC is responding to concerns that Indians on reservations, in comparison to other Americans, receive fewer telephone services. At these hearings, the FCC seeks to learn the reasons for this lack of telephone service and to determine what specific actions the FCC might take to improve access to telephone service on Indian reservations. Comments due March 31, 1999. Contact: Eric Jensen, OCBO at (202) 418-0990; Bill Kehoe, CCB at (202) 418-7122.
PN 1/22/99; DA 99-228
ALLTEL Corporation Petitions for Waiver of Section 61.41 of the Commission's Rules - Pleading Cycle Established
On January 15, 1999, ALLTEL Corporation filed a petition requesting that the Commission waive sections 61.41(c)(1), (2), and (d) of the Commission's rules and any other necessary provisions of its rules, to permit the continued regulation of the ALLTEL incumbent local exchange companies as rate-of-return companies following its merger transactions with Aliant Communications, Inc., and to permit the Aliant subsidiary, Aliant Communications Co., to convert to rate-of-return regulation following the merger. Comments due February 21; replies March 8. Contact: Renee Terry, Competitive Pricing Division at (202) 418-1520.
PN 1/29/99; DA 99-251
Comments Sought on Update of Cost Allocation Manual
On January 21, the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) filed an annual update to its Cost Allocation Manual (CAM) for the year ended December 31, 1998. Among other things, the updated CAM reflects additional activity centers created for services provided to the Universal Service Administration Company and Independent NECA Services, Inc. Comments due March 1; replies March 15. Contact: Mark Stephens at (202) 418-0810; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 98-119; R&O 2/3/99 (adopted 12/22/98); FCC 98-344
1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Elimination of part 41 Telegraph and Telephone Franks
Eliminate in toto, Part 41 of the Commission's rules governing the issuance of franks and certain reports by communications common carriers. Comments due February 16; replies due February 22.
PN 2/4/99; DA 99-297
FCC Requests Proposals for Telecommunications Relay Services (TRS) Fund Administrator and Comments on the Authorization of an Additional TRS Advisory Committee Member to Represent the Speech-Disabled Community
The Commission requests proposals from parties interested in being appointed TRS Fund administrator at the end of the current administrator's term, and comments on whether the Commission should authorize reimbursement of an additional TRS advisory committee member in the category for the hearing and speech disability community. Comments and proposals due February 26; replies due March 12. Contact: Debra Sabourin at (202) 418-0976 or Marilyn Jones at (202) 418-2357; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 2/5/99; DA 99-296
Commission Seeks Comment on Bell Atlantic's Progress Report on Compliance with Bell Atlantic/NYNEX Merger Order Conditions
On August 14, 1997, the Commission granted, subject to conditions,t eh applications filed by NYNEX Corporation and bell Atlantic Corporation pursuant to sections 214(a) and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, for the transfer of control of certain licenses and authorizations from NYNEX to Bell Atlantic in connection with the merger of the two companies. The Commission's conditions included a number of requirements . On February 1, 1999, at the request of the Common Carrier Bureau, Bell Atlantic filed a report indicating its progress in implementing these conditions. The Commission is seeking comment regarding Bell Atlantic's compliance with the conditions. Comments due March 8; replies March 23. Contact: Anthony Dale, Accounting Safeguards Division at (202) 418-2260.
PN 2/9/99
Comment Sought on the Bell Atlantic Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service
On November 23, 1998, Bell Atlantic-Virginia filed a petition requesting modification of local access transport area boundaries to provide expanded local calling service between two exchanges in Virginia - Honaker and South Grundy. Comments due February 23; replies March 2. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 2/9/99
Comment sought on the Joint Petition of the State of Nebraska and U S West Communications, Inc. for Targeted InterLATA Relief
On January 15, 1999, the State of Nebraska and U S West Communications, Inc. filed a joint petition requesting a LATA modification of the LATA boundary between the Omaha, Nebraska, and Sioux City, Iowa, LATAs. Comments due March 8; replies March 22. Contact: Gregory Cook at (202) 418-2351 or Alan Thomas at (202) 418-2338; TTY: (202)
418-0484.
PN 2/9/99
Comment Sought on the Ameritech Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between the Trenton and Hamilton Exchanges in Ohio
On January 26, 1999, Ameritech, on behalf of The Ohio Bell Telephone Company, filed a petition requesting modification of local access transport area boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, flat-rated expanded local calling service between two exchanges in Ohio - Trenton and Hamilton. Comments due February 24; replies March 3. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202) 418-2338; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
PN 2/9/99
Comment Sought on the Southwestern Bell Telephone Requests for Limited Modification of LATA Boundaries to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between Various Exchanges in Texas
On December 31, 1998, Southwestern Bell Telephone Company filed six petitions requesting modification of local access transport area boundaries to provide two-way, non-optional, flat-rated expanded local calling service between various exchanges in Texas. Comments due February 24; replies March 3. Contact: Alan Thomas, Network Services Division at (202)
418-2338; TTY: (202) 418-0484.
CC 96-45, 97-21; PN 2/9/99; DA 99-309
Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Nominations for Interexchange Carrier Board Member Position on Universal Service Administrative Company Board of Directors
On January 22, 1999, the Universal Service Administrative Company notified the Chief of the Common Carrier Bureau of the recent resignation of Mr. Donald Lynch from the USAC board of Directors. The letter asked the Common Carrier Bureau Chief to begin the process for selecting a successor to serve on the USAC Board of Directors for the remainder of Mr. Lynch's term. Nominations due February 19. Contact: Frances Downey, Accounting Policy Division at (202) 418-7400.
PN 2/10/99; DA 99-303
Aliant Communications Inc. Seeks FCC Consent for Transfer of Control to ALLTEL Corporation
Aliant Communications Inc. and ALLTEL Corporation filed applications pursuant to Sections 214 and 310 of the Communications Act, as amended, seeking Commission consent to transfer control to ALLTEL of licenses and authorizations held directly or indirectly by Aliant. Comment s due March 12; oppositions due March 23; replies to oppositions due March 30.
INTERNATIONAL BUREAU
IB 98-212; PN 11/27/98; DA 98-2412
AT&T Corp., VLT Co. L.L.C., Violet License Co. LLC and TNV [Bahamas] Seek FCC Consent for Grant of Section 214 Authority, Modification of Authorizations and Assignment of Licenses in Connection with Proposed Joint Venture Between AT&T and British Telecom
On November 10, 1998, AT&T Corp., VLT Co. L.L.C., Violet License Co. LLC and TNV [Bahamas] Limited filed applications under the Cable Landing License Act and SectionS 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended seeking various authorizations, modifications, and assignments in connection with the proposed creation of a global joint venture between AT&T and British Telecommunications PLC, to provide international voice, data and video communications services to customers throughout the world. Comments due January 11, 1999*; replies due February 10, 1999*. Contact: Sherille Ismail, Telecommunication Division at (202) 418-1470.
IB 98-212; Order 1/8/99 (adopted 1/7/99); DA 99-124
AT&T/BT Merger
Extended comment dates. Comments or petitions to deny due January 19*; replies February 17.
IB ITC-97-127; PN 1/8/99; DA 99-123
International Bureau Seeks Comment on Telmex/Sprint Corporation's Response to the Commission's Order to Show Cause - IB Docket No. ITC-97-127
Pursuant to the Commission's Order to Show Cause (DA 98-2400, November 24, 1998), Telmex/Sprint Communications, L.L.C., filed a Response on December 23, 1998. Comments due February 8, 1999*; replies March 1. Contact: Sherille Ismail, Telecommunications Division at (202) 418-1470.
PN 2/8/99; DA 99-304
AirTouch Communications, Inc. Applies for Authority to Transfer Control of Its Licenses and Authorizations to Vodafone Group P.L.C.
AirTouch Communications, Inc. and Vodafone Group P.L.C. have filed applications pursuant to Sections 214 and 310(d) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended seeking Commission approval of the transfer of control to Vodafone of licenses and authorizations currently held directly and indirectly by AirTouch. Comments due March 10; oppositions due March 22; replies March 29. (DA No. 99-304). Contact: Jonathan Radin or Elizabeth Williams, Commercial Wireless Division at (202) 418-7240; JoAnna Lowry, International Bureau at (202) 418-1465.
MASS MEDIA BUREAU
MM 98-204, MM 96-16; NPRM 11/20/98 (adopted 11/19/1998); FCC 98-305
Broadcast and Cable Equal Employment Opportunity Rules and Policies and Termination of the EEO Streamlining Proceeding
Requested comment concerning a new broadcast equal employment opportunity rule and policies consistent with the D.C. Circuit's decision in the Lutheran Church - Missouri Snyod v. FCC. Comments due January 19, 1999*; replies February 18, 1999.
MM 98-204, MM 96-16; Order 1/5/99 (adopted 1/5/99); DA 99-105
Review of FCC's Broadcast and Cable EEO Rules
Extended reply comment date to February 18 and replies to March 23.
MM 98-203; NPRM 11/23/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-304
Ancillary or Supplementary Use of Digital Television Capacity by Noncommercial Licensees
Sought Comment on whether to impose limits on remunerative activities undertaken by noncommercial educational television licensees on their DTV capacity. Comments Due: January 28, 1999*; Reply Comments Due: March 1, 1999.
MM 98-203; Order 1/28/99 (adopted 1/28/99); DA 99-255
Ancillary or Supplementary Use of Digital Television Capacity by Noncommercial Licensees
Granted Motion for Extension of Time filed by Association of America's Public Television Stations; extended time for filing comments to February 16 and replies to March 16.
MM 95-31; Order 12/3/98 (adopted 12/3/98); DA 98-2489
Reexamination of the Comparative Standards for Noncommercial Educational Applicants
Extended to January 28, 1999*, and March 15, 1999, the time for filing comments and replies, respectively re: the proceeding soliciting comment on proposed changes to the process used to select among competing applicants for noncommercial educational broadcast stations, on reserved and non-reserved channels.
MM 99-25; NPRM 2/3/99 (adopted 1/28/99); FCC 99-6
Creation of a Low Power Radio Service
Proposed to establish rules authorizing the operations of new, low power FM (LPFM) radio stations. Comments due April 12; replies May 12.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU
CC 95-116; MO&O 9/1/98 (adopted 9/1/98); DA 98-1763
Telephone Number Portability
Granted a petition filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) requesting a nine-month stay of the requirement that all cellular, broadband personal communications service (PCS), and covered specialized mobile radio (SMR) carriers provide service provider number portability by June 30, 1999, while supporting nationwide roaming. The Bureau finds that extending the deadline from June 30, 1999 to March 31, 2000, is necessary to ensure the efficient development of wireless number portability.
WT 96-86; 1st R&O and 3rd NPRM 9/29/98 (adopted 8/6/98); FCC 98-191
The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency Communication Requirements Through the Year 2010 - Establishment of Rules and Requirements for Priority Access Service
The Commission is seeking comment on how to license the 8.8 MHz of spectrum designated as "reserve" in the First Report and Order. Specifically, the Commission is seeking comment on whether some or all of this spectrum should be licensed by means of the Regional Committee process, licensed directly to each state, or licensed pursuant to any alternative licensing process not expressly described herein. The Commission proposes technical criteria to protect satellite-based global navigation systems from harmful interference. The Commission also seeks comment on proposals to promote interoperability on public safety channels below 512 MHz and seeks comment concerning how the public safety community is addressing computer hardware and software adjustments needed to remedy the Year 2000 problem. Comments due 60 days after Federal Register publication; replies due 90 days after Federal Register Publication.
WT 96-86; Order 12/24/98 (adopted 12/23/98); DA 98-2588
The Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Agency Communication Requirements Through the year 2010
Granted in part, and denied in part, Motion for Extension of Time for Filing Comments in Response to Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking filed by the National Public Safety Telecommunications Council. Comments due by January 9, 1999*. Reply comments due February 18, 1999.
WT 98-229; MO&O 12/15/98 (adopted 12/15/98); FCC 98-330
Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association's Petition for Forbearance From Commercial Mobile Radio Services Number Portability Obligations
The Commission extended until March 16, 1999, the date on which the petition for forbearance filed by the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association shall be granted in the absence of a Commission decision that the petition fails to meet the standards for forbearance under Section 10(a) of the Act.
WT 98-228; PN 12/17/98; DA 98-2537
Commission Opens Filing Window for Commercial Operator License Examination Managers - WT Docket No. 98-228
On January 14, 1993, the Commission privatized the administration of license examinations for Commercial Radio Operators and delegated authority to the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau to certify private entities to be Commercial Operator License Examination (COLE) managers. In its initial solicitation for COLE managers, the Commission stated that another filing window may be opened in the future if the Commission determined that additional COLE managers would be beneficial. The Commission announces a filing window for requests from additional entities interested in being certified as a COLE manager. Requests should be received between January 25* and February 22, 1999. Contact: Joy Afford, Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0694.
PN 12/24/98; DA 98-2578; Report WT 98-45
Wireless Telecom Action - Public Safety National Plan Region 54 (Chicago) Announces an Application Filing window for the 821-824/866-869 MHz Bands
Region 54 announces a filing Window for submittal of radio channel allotment requests and license applications for radio frequencies in the 821-824/866-869 MHz band. Applications accepted through 2:00 p.m. C.S.T. on March 15, 1999. Contact: Mike Donatelli, Region 54 Secretary at (312) 746-9249.
CC 94-102; PN 12/24/98; DA 98-2631
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Outlines Guidelines for Wireless E911 Rule Waivers for Handset-Based Approaches to Phase II Automatic Location Identification Requirements - CC Docket No. 94-102
Waiver requests should be filed by February 4, 1999* replies February 22. Contact: Won Kim or Dan Grosh, Policy Division, at (202) 418-1310.
GEN 90-119; PN 12/28/98; DA 98-2616; Report WT 98-46
Wireless Telecom Action - Comments Invited On Florida (Region 9) Public Safety Plan Amendment (GEN Docket No. 90-119)
The Commission is seeking comments on the Florida Region 9 Committee's December 9 letter proposing to amend the Region 9 Plan. Comments due January 28, 1999*; replies February 15. Contact: Ghassan Khalek at (202) 418-2771.
PN 1/5/99; DA 99-106
FCC Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and GPU Energy to Permit Sharing of A Statewide 800 MHz System by Public Safety and Industrial/Land Transportation Eligibles
On August 17, 1998, Metropolitan Edison Company, Pennsylvania Electric Company and Jersey Central Power & Light Company, collectively trading as GPU Energy, and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania filed a Request for Waiver of Section 90.179(a) of the Commission's Rules. The waiver request seeks permission for eligibles in the Public Safety Radio Pool and in the Industrial Land Transportation Category to operate and utilize a statewide, 800 MHz conventional and trunked Public Safety/Power Radio Service system on a non-profit, cost shared basis. Comments due February 4*; replies February 19. Contact: Freda Lippert Thyden, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0627.
PN 2/3/99; DA 99-218
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by Hennepin County, Minnesota, to Obtain a Location and Monitoring Service License Outside the Competitive Bidding Process
On January 8, 1999, Hennepin County, Minnesota, filed a Petition for Waiver asking the Commission to waive certain provisions of Parts 1 and 90 of the Commission's Rules in order to permit it to obtain a multilateration Location and Monitoring Service (MS) license for public safety purposes without participating in the competitive bidding process. Comments due February 16, 1999; replies February 22. Contact: Ronald E. Quirk, Jr., Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-1793.
PN 2/3/99; DA 99-282
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks comment on Request for Waiver by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation to Permit the Use of Certain Public Land Mobile Radio Service Channels
On June 22, 1998, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation filed a petition for Waiver of any and all applicable provisions of Parts 22 and 90 of the Commission's rules in order to permit it to use certain UHF frequencies in the Public Land Mobile Radio Service. Comments due February 16; replies February 22. Contact: Susan Magnotti, Policy an Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-0871.
PN 2/8/99; DA 99-305
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Establishes Pleading Cycle for Pleadings Filed in Response to AirCell Order
On December 24, 1998, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau issued an order granting , in part, AirCell, Inc.'s Petition for Waiver. On January 25, 1999, various pleadings were filed in response to the AirCell Order. The deadline for filing Oppositions to these pleadings in February 19, 1999; replies deadline is March 5, 1999. (DA No. 99-305). Contact: Steve Weingarten or Linda Chang at (202) 418-0620.
PN 2/8/99; DA 99-217
Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Request for Waiver by the Consortium Digital Microwave System, Regarding The Use of Private Operational-Fixed Microwave Facilities
On November 4, 1998, the Consortium Digital Microwave System, licensee of several private operational-fixed point-to-point microwave (POFM) stations in the 6 GHz band, filed a Request for Waiver of Section 101.603(b)(1) of the Commission's rules, which prohibits the use of POFM stations for provision of any kind of common carrier service. Comments due February 23; replies March 5. (DA No. 99-217). Contact: Ronald E. Quirk, Jr., Policy and Rules Branch, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division at (202) 418-1793.
OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY
ET 98-206
Parts 2 and 25 of the Commission's Rules
Proposed to permit non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO )fixed-satellite service (FSS) operations in certain segments of the Ku-band and proposed policies to govern such operations. Also proposed or sought comment on, technical criteria to ensure that such NGSO FSS operations do not cause unacceptable interference to existing users or do not unduly constrain future growth of incumbent services. Comments Due: February 16, 1999; Reply Comments Due: March 15, 1999.
ET 98-206; Order 2/5/99 (adopted 2/4/99); DA 99-284
Rules to Permit Operation of NGSO and FSS Systems Co-Frequency with GSO and Terrestrial Systems in the KU-Band Frequency Range
Extended comment date to March 2 and reply comment date to March 29.
ET 95-18; MO&O/3rd NPRM/Order 11/25/98 (adopted 11/19/98); FCC 98-309
Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2GHz for Use by the Mobile-Satellite Service
Disposed of two petitions for reconsideration and one petition for clarification of the First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, affirming the FCC's allocation of the 1990-2025 MHz and 2165-2200 MHz bands to the Mobile-Satellite Service. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 60 days after publication in the Federal Register.
Order 1/19/99 (adopted 1/15/99); DA 99-179
Amendment of Section 2.106 of the Commission's Rules to Allocate Spectrum at 2 GHz for Use by the Mobile-Satellite Service
Extended comments in this proceeding to February 3*; reply comments to March 15.
ET 99-34; NPRM 2/3/99 (adopted 1/28/99); FCC 99-8
In the Matter of an Industry Coordination Committee System for Broadcast Digital Television Service
The Commission seeks comment on the establishment of an industry coordination committee to assist the Commission in the implementation of digital television (DTV) service, and specifically requests comment on proposals addressing certain issues. Comments due March 29; replies April 28.
OFFICE OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR
MD 98-200; NOI 12/4/98 (adopted 11/10/98); FCC 98-298
Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for Fiscal Year 1999
The Commission began a rulemaking proceeding seeking comments and suggestions for revising its Schedule of Regulatory Fees in order to recover the amount of regulatory fees that Congress requires it to collect for Fiscal Year 1999. OMD Contact: Fee Hotline at (202) 418-0192.