DAILY DIGEST

Vol. 17, No. 138                                              July 20,1998

**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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NEWS RELEASES

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COMMISSION PROPOSES STREAMLINED CABLE PUBLIC FILE AND NOTICE REQUIREMENTS. The Commission has adopted a NPRM to simplify Part 76 Cable Television Service public file and notice requirement rules. The Commission believes that the creation of simpler, more uniform public file and notice requirements will lessen any confusion and reduce the regulatory burden on franchising authorities, cable operators and other parties. Initiated in conjunction with the 1998 biennial regulatory review process. Report No: CS-98-13. Adopted: July 20, 1998. Dkt No.: CS-98-132. News Media Contact: Morgan Broman (202) 418-2358. CSB Contact: Cable Services Bureau: Donald Bowler, Jr. at (202) 418-2486. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/News_Releases/1998/nrcb8018.wp

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU'S AUCTIONS AND INDUSTRY ANALYSIS DIVISION ANNOUNCES NEW MANAGEMENT TEAM. WTB. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/News_Releases/1998/nrwl8030.wp

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Released: July 20, 1998. TARIFF TRANSMITTAL PUBLIC REFERENCE LOG.Public Reference Log: 07/17/98. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Public_Notices/Tariffs/combined/tt071798.pdf

Report No: NCD-171. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-174. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-172. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-173. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-176. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-177. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-178. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-179. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-180. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-181. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: NCD-175. Released: July 20, 1998. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU NETWORK CHANGE NOTIFICATION. Contact: Common Carrier Bureau, Network Services Division: Ginny Kennedy at (202) 418-2328.

Report No: SPB-133. Released: July 20, 1998. SATELLITE POLICY BRANCH INFORMATION: APPLICATIONS ACCEPTED FOR FILING AND CONSOLIDATION OF COMMENT DATES.Comments Due: August 19, 1998; Reply Comments Due: August 31, 1998; Responses to Replies Due: September 9, 1998. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Public_Notices/1998/pnin8183.wp

Report No: 44286. Released: July 20, 1998. BROADCAST ACTIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Actions/ac980720.txt

Report No: 24286. Released: July 20, 1998. BROADCAST APPLICATIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Applications/ap980720.txt

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TEXTS

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TREATMENT OF THE GUAM TELEPHONE AUTHORITY AND SIMILARLY SITUATED CARRIES AS INCUMBENT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS UNDER SECTION 251(H)(2) OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT. Adopted Report and order the rule proposed by the Commission in Guam Public Utilites Commission Petition for Declaratory Ruling concerning Sections 3(37) and 251(h) of the Communications Act, Treatment of the Guam Telephone authority and Similarly situated Carriers as Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers under Section 251(h)(2) of the Communications Act. Adopted a rule treating Guam Telephone Authority as an incumbent local exchange carrier for purposes of Section 251. Adoption of this rule will ensure that the Territory of Guam has the same opportunity as the rest of our Nation to benefit from the pro-competitive, market-opening effects of Telecommunications Act of 1996. Decline at this time, however, to adopt the same rule with respect to a class or category of LECs situated similarly to GTA, because the record does not idenity any members of such class or category. Dkt No.: CC-97-134. Action by the Commission. Adopted: July 15, 1998. by R&O. (FCC No. 98-163). CCB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Orders/1998/fcc98163.wp

HOPE TELEVISION, INC. Granted must carry complaint filed against Friendship Cable of Arkansas, Inc., operator of a cable television system serving Nashville, Arkansas, seeking carriage. Action by Chief, Consumer Protection and Competition Division, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 15, 1998. by MO&O. (DA No. 98-1415). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981415.wp

HOPE TELEVISION, INC. Granted must carry complaint filed against Friendship Cable of Arkansas, Inc., operator of a cable television system serving Lewisville, Buckner and Stamps, Arkansas, seeking carriage. Action by Chief, Consumer Protection and Competition Division, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 15, 1998. by MO&O. (DA No. 98-1416). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981416.wp

TCI CABLEVISION OF WOODHAVEN, INC.: MEDIAONE OF METRO-DETROIT. Denied petition for relief of Frank J. Vitale d/b/a Fal-Comm Communications under Section 76.975 of the rules for commercial leased access service. Action by Acting Chief, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: June 22, 1998. by MO&O. (DA No. 98-1412). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981412.wp

HOPE TELEVISION, INC. Granted must carry complaint filed against Friendship Cable of Arkansas, Inc., operator of a cable television system serving Delight and Antoine, Arkansas, seeking carriage. Action by Chief, Consumer Protection and and Competition Division, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 15, 1998. by MO&O. (DA No. 98-1417). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981417.wp

WGBO LICENSE PARTNERSHIP, G.P. Dismissed must carry complaint and petition for order to show cause filed against TCI Chicago Cable and TCI Cable, operators of cable television systems serving Chicago and Harvey, Illinois, for TCI's intention to reposition WGBO. Action by Chief, Consumer Protection and Competition Division, Cable Services Buerau. Adopted: July 13, 1998. by MO&O. (DA No. 98-1411). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981411.wp

COMCAST CABLEVISION OF DELMARVA, INC. Denied complaint filed against the cable programming service tier rates charged by Comcast Cablevision of Delmarva, Inc., in Wicomico County, MD. Found cable programming service tier rates reasonable beginning September 1, 1998. Action by Chief, Financial Analysis and Compliance Division, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 14, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1402). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981402.wp

MARCUS CABLE ASSOCIATES, L.P. Dismissed complaint filed against Marcus Cable Associates, L.P., concerning its charges for cable programming service tier in Canton, NC. Action by Chief, Financial Analysis and Compliance Division Division., Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 14, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1405). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981405.wp

COMCAST CABLEVISION OF WILLOW GROVE, INC. Dismissed complaint filed April 24, 1995 and denied compliant filed against the November 1, 1997 cable programming service tier rate increase in Abington Township, PA. Action by Chief, Financial Analysis and Compliance Division, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 14, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1403). CSB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Orders/1998/da981403.wp

"NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING, 1998 BIENNIAL REGUATORY 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. Dkt No.: CS-98-132. Action by the Commission. Adopted: July 13, 1998. by NPRM. (FCC No. 98-159). CSB Internet URL: " https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Cable/Notices/1998/fcc98159.wp

REQUEST FOR CHANGE IN EX PARTE STATUS. Letter Requesting Change in Ex Parte Status: Final Analysis Communication Services, Inc., Order and Authorization to Construct, Launch, and Operate Non-Voice, Non-Geostationary Mobile Satellite System, DA-98-616, Application for Clarification and Review, filed by May 1, 1998. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by Letter. (DA No. 98-1440). IB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/1998/da981440.wp

JILL SCHAFFER. Granted the petition for reconsideration filed by Jane Draper of Pagers Plus Cellular, on behalf of Jill Schaffer, licensee for 220 MHz SMR Station WPCK423 in Driver, Virginia, and the above-referenced modification application reinstated. Action by Chief, Commercial Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Adopted: July 20, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1429). WTB

MID-AMERICA COORDINATION COUNCIL, INC. REQUEST FOR SPECIAL TEMPORARY AUTHORITY. Denied Mid-America Coordination Council request for waiver of certain amateur service rules and an STA. Action by Chief, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1432). WTB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/Orders/1998/da981432.wp

ADDENDA: The following items, released July 17, 1998, did not appear in Digest No. 137:

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NEWS RELEASES

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FCC ASKS FEDERAL-STATE JOINT BOARD FOR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT FOR NON-RURAL CARRIERS THAT SERVE HIGH COST AREAS. The FCC asked Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service for recommendations related to the amount of universal service support that non-rural telephone companies should receive for serving high cost areas. This Commission noted that further coordination with state regulators should provide valuable input that will enhance the development of universal service and competition policies. Report No: 98-21. by Order. Action by: the Commission. Adopted: July 17, 1998. Dkt No.: CC-96-45. (FCC No. 98-160) News Media Contact: Rochelle Cohen (202) 418-0253. CCB Contact: Common Carrier Bureau: Chuck Keller at (202) 418-7380. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/News_Releases/1998/nrcc8048.html

FCC FILINGS. OPA. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/filings.html

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

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Report No: LB-98-54. Released: July 17, 1998. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS COMMERICIAL WIRELESS SERVICE INFORMATION. Contact: Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Commercial Wireless Division: Jonathan Rudin, James Loughry or Elizabeth Williams at (202) 418-7240 and Common Carrier Point-to-Point Microwave Service, Gettysburg, PA : Tracy Simmons at (717) 338-2657. News Media Contact: Meribeth McCarrick (202) 418-0654. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/Public_Notices/1998/pnwl8079.wp

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SPEECHES

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STATEMENT OF CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD ON CALEA MEETING WITH ATTORNEY GENERAL. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Kennard/Statements/stwek858.wp

"STATEMENT BY CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD ON REFERRAL OF ISSUES TO THE FEDERAL-STATE JOINT BOARD ON UNIVERSAL SERVICE . Internet URL: " https://www.fcc.gov/Speeches/Kennard/Statements/stwek856.html

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TEXTS

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TELEPHONE NUMBER PORTABILITY. Granted NEXTLINK's Petition to Waive the 60-day advance filing requirement, extending the dates for NEXTLINK's implementation of LNP as described in this Order. Action by Deputy Chief, Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1433). CCB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Orders/1998/da981433.wp

1998 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW -- REVIEW ARMIS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS. Propose as part of the biennial review to reduce the reporting requirements of our Automated Reporting Management Information System. These modifications are designed to minimize the reporting and burden on carrirers, to improve the quality and use of the reported information, and reduce the cost to the Commission of collection, verification, and distribution of the data. Comments Due: August 20, 1998; Reply Comments Due: September 4, 1998. Dkt No.: CC-98-117. Action by the Commission. Adopted: July 6, 1998. by NPRM. (FCC No. 98-147). CCB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Notices/1998/fcc98147.wp

FCC ASKS FEDERAL-STATE JOINT BOARD FOR RECOMMENDATIONS REGARDING UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT FOR NON-RURAL CARRIERS THAT SERVE HICH COST AREAS. The FCC asked Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service for recommendations related to the amount of universal service support that non-rural telephone companies should receive for serving high cost areas. This Commission noted that further coordination with state regulators should provide valuable input that will enhance the development of universal service and competition policies. Dkt No.: CC-96-45. Action by the Commission. Adopted: July 13, 1998. by Order. (FCC No. 98-160). CCB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Orders/1998/fcc98160.pdf

BEAVER CREEK COOPERATIVE TELEPHONE COMPANY, FARMERS TELEPHONE COMPANY, INC., TCT WEST, INC., TRI-COUNTY TELEPHONE ASSOCIATION, INC., SUMMIT TELEPHONE COMPANY, AND WILTON TELEPHONE COMPANY. Clarified that the FCC has not required NECA to require intrapool adjustments for periods prior to March 22, 1996. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by MO&O. (DA No. 98-1431). CCB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Common_Carrier/Orders/1998/da981431.wp

ORBITAL COMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION. Authorize Orbital Communications Corporation to modify its non-voice, non-geostationary mobile-satellite service system by changing the inclination of satellites in one of its orbital planes and by increasing the spacing beween three other orbital planes, enabling ORBCOMM to enhance the global availability of its Little LEO services, particularly in the equatorial regions. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1435). IB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/1998/da981435.wp

"DIGITAL ELECTRONIC MESSAGE SERVICE. Deny Petitions for Reconsideration filed by WebCel Communications, Inc., DirectTV Enterprises, Inc., and Bellsouth Corporation as well as a Petition for Partial Reconsideration filed by Millimeter Wave Carrier Association, Inc. Affirm the Commission's decision relocating DEMS from 18 GHz band to the 24 GHz band based upon the requests made by NTIA on behalf of the Departmetn of Defense and the Commission's objective of maintaining DEMS on a uniform nationwide frequency band . Dkt No.: ET-97-99. Action by the Commission. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by MO&O. (FCC No. 98-155). IB Internet URL: " https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Orders/1998/fcc98155.wp

1998 BIENNIAL REVIEW -REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS SETTLEMENT IN THE MARITIME MOBILE AND MARITIME MOBILE-SATELLITE RADIO SERVICES AND WITHDRAWAL OF THE COMMISISON AS AN ACCOUNTING AUTHORITY IN THE MARITIME MOBILE AND THE MARTIME MOBILE-SATELLITE RADIO SERVICES. EXCEPT FOR DISTRESS AND SAFETY COMMUNICATIONS. Propose to withdraw as a nationwide clearinghouse for settling accounts for maritime mobile, maritime satellite, aircraft, and hand-held terminal radio services. Propose to relay upon private accounting authorities, certified under Part 3 of the Commission's Rules and operating under the regulatory oversight of Commission staff, to perform these functions. Initiate a review of our current rules for certifying accounting authorities to ensure that the public interest will continue to be served and request comment on any changes to those rules that would be necessary or desirable. Propose to modify Section 3.10(e) to make clear that private entities certified under our rules. Propose to withhold action on all applications now pending before the Commission for certification as an accounting authority until the outcome of this rulemaking, and to require applications to amend their applications to reflect changes to our rules adopted as a result of this proceeding. Comments Due: August 24, 1998; Reply Comments Due: September 9, 1998. Dkt No.: IB-98-96. Action by the Commission. Adopted: June 18, 1998. by NPRM. (FCC No. 98-123). IB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/International/Notices/1998/fcc98123.wp

MARYSVILLE AND HILLIARD, OHIO. Filed a Petition for Rulemaking filed by Citicasters Company, licensee of Station WKFX, Channel 289A, Marysville, Ohio, requesting the reallotment of Channel 289A from Marysville to Hilliard, Ohio, as the community's first local aural sevice, and the modification of Station WKFX's license accordingly. Dkt No.: MM-98-123. Action by Chief, Allocations Branch, Policy and Rules Division, Mass Media Bureau. Adopted: July 8, 1998. by NPRM. (DA No. 98-1373). MMB Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Notices/1998/da981373.wp

AT&T WIRELESS PCS, INC. Granted settlement agreement of AT&T Wireless PCS, Inc. and Wireless Telecommunications Bureau regarding License of Certain Authorizations in the Personal Communications Service. Action by Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau. Adopted: July 17, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1186). WTB

ADDENDA: The following items, released July 16, 1998, did not appear in Digest No. 136:

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Report No: 44284. Released: July 16, 1998. BROADCAST ACTIONS. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Mass_Media/Public_Notices/Brdcst_Actions/ac980716.txt

Report No: CWS-98-41. Released: July 16, 1998. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU COMMERICAL WIRELESS INFORMATION. Internet URL: https://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/Wireless/Public_Notices/1998/pnwl8078.wp

ADDENDA: The following items, released July 15, 1998, did not appear in Digest No. 135:

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PUBLIC NOTICES

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Report No: CCB/CPD-98-46. Released: July 15, 1998. PROTESTED TARIFF TRANSMITTALS ACTIONS TAKEN. (DA No. 98-1414). Contact: Judy Nitsche: (202) 418-1540.

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TEXTS

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ST. LOUIS TELE-COMMUNICATIONS, INC. Granted the Motion to Withdraw Appeal of Local Rate Order and Related Request for Emergency Stay filed by St. Louis-Telecommunictions, Inc. and the City of St. Louis, Missouri on June 16, 1998, and dismissed the appeal and emergency stay filed by TCI-SL. Action by Chief, Consumer Protection and Competition Division, Cable Services Bureau. Adopted: July 10, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1385). CSB