*Pages 1--1 from Microsoft Word - 10726.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0 Fax- On- Demand 202 / 418- 2 TTY 202 / 418- 2 Internet: http:// www. fcc ftp fcc July 18, 2001 DA 01- 1723 NEW FEATURES FOR IBFS FILING SYSTEM Tuesday, July 17, 2001, the International Bureau unveiled enhanced functionality within its consolidated licensing and electronic filing system, IBFS. The enhancements, which are the result of many months of collaborative efforts among filers, the public, and Commission representatives, were made in response to suggestions received from customers of the electronic system via e- mail, telephone, and an Industry Round Table. The new features are designed to provide unprecedented online access to applications, attachments, and public notices related to International and Satellite filings. The IBFS system, which received an E- Gov 2001 Pioneer Award on July 13, 2001, offers this improved functionality to those filing applications through the system as well as researchers and the public alike. The new functionality includes: 1. Enhanced document portability for filers. Filers using IBFS will now have the ability to view their draft applications in either PDF or HTML format. Attachments also will be available for viewing in PDF. This feature enables filers to send draft applications to their customers for pre- filing review (in keeping with their own internal business processes), while maintaining the integrity of their private accounts. NOTE: To ensure the privacy of applicants, drafts filings are viewable only by the account holders and those who have been given access to a specific account by an account holder. 2. Access to expanded information by the public. The public will now have the ability to view electronically filed applications and attachments via the Internet. This functionality is estimated to save thousands of hours of research time and effort as well as to ensure permanent, on line availability of this information to the public. These improvements come on the heels of the introduction of a web- based PN search tool unveiled on April 18, 2001, that enables users to search for all Public Notices processed through IBFS and offers links to PDF versions of them. The Commission anticipates that these enhancements will improve service to customers and the general public and feels their design and implementation are excellent examples of improving products and gaining efficiencies through collaborative effort. Further enhancements, based on customer suggestions, are planned for the system in the next six months. More information about these new features can be found at http:// www. fcc. gov/ ibfs. Questions can be directed to the IBFS Help Line, 202- 418- 2222, or e- mail us at IBFSINFO@ fcc. gov. - FCC - 1