*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 10282.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Fax- On- Demand 202 / 418- 2830 TTY 202 / 418- 2555 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov ftp fcc gov DA 01- 1714 Released: July 17, 2001 PETITION FOR WAIVER OF THE BENCHMARK SETTLEMENT RATE FOR GUYANA IB DOCKET NO. 96- 261 Atlantic Tele- Network, Inc. (“ ATN”), the majority owner of Guyana Telephone & Telegraph Ltd. (“ GT& T”), which is the incumbent telecommunication service provider in Guyana, has filed a petition for waiver of the Commission’s benchmark settlement rate of 23¢ for service on the U. S.- Guyana route. The Commission has repeatedly expressed concern about above- cost accounting rates because such rates harm U. S. consumers and may produce market distortions. The Commission adopted the Benchmarks Order to ensure that U. S. consumers pay reasonable rates for international telephone service and to reduce the distortions that may result from above- cost accounting rates. The Order establishes a set of benchmark settlement rates and requires U. S. facilities- based carriers to negotiate settlement rates that comply with the benchmark rates according to a transition schedule. The benchmark settlement rates and the transition schedule vary primarily according to countries’ income per capita levels. For carriers in countries classified as low income countries, which includes Guyana, the Order requires U. S. carriers to use a settlement rate that does not exceed 23¢ per minute to conduct settlements on service provided on and after January 1, 2002. ATN requests a waiver of the benchmark settlement rate for a period of five years or until Guyana’s teledensity reaches 23 telephones, whichever occurs first. ATN states that GT& T has relied heavily on the revenue it derives from settlement payments to expand Guyana’s telecommunications network, upgrade the infrastructure, and promote universal service in the country during the past decade. ATN claims that a reduction in the settlement rate to 23¢ will endanger continued progress because network investment depends on international settlement revenues. ATN argues that improvements to the Guyana network will open new markets for American goods and services and benefit U. S. citizens. Interested parties are requested to file comments no later than August 14, 2001, and replies no later than August 28, 2001. Any filings should reference the file number of this proceeding. An original and four copies of all pleadings must be filed in accordance with Section 1.51( c) of the Commission’s rules, 47 C. F. R. § 1.51( c). The pleadings should be filed with Magalie Roman Salas, Secretary, FCC, 445 12 th Street, S. W., TW- A235, Washington, D. C. 20554. In addition, one copy of each pleading must be filed with (1) International Transcription Service, Inc., 1231 20 th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20037; (2) FCC Office of Public Affairs Reference and Information Center, located in room CY- A257 at the Portals 2 building, 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20554; and (3) the petitioner. 1 Copies of the petition and any subsequently filed documents in this matter may be obtained from International Transcription Services, Inc. (ITS), 1231 20 th Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. 20036, (202) 857- 3800. The petition and any subsequently filed documents are also available for public inspection and copying during normal business hours at the FCC Office of Public Affairs Reference and Information Center, located in room CY- A257 at the Portals 2 building, 445 12 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20554. The center’s phone number is (202) 418- 0270. For further information, please contact Ken Stanley or Kathy O’Brien, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418- 1460. 2