*Pages 1--3 from Microsoft Word - 53719.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, 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 05- 3182 December 14, 2005 PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED FOR PETITION FOR RULEMAKING OF FIBERTECH NETWORKS, LLC RM- 11303 Comments Due: January 13, 2006 Reply Comments Due: January 31, 2006 On December 7, 2005, Fibertech Networks, LCC (Fibertech) filed a petition for rulemaking requesting the Commission to foster continued construction of competitive last- mile facilities by adopting a set of “best practices” addressing competitor access to poles and conduct. Specifically, Fibertech asks the Commission to adopt the following standard practices for pole and conduit access: 1. Allow use of boxing and extension arms where: a. such techniques would render unnecessary a pole replacement or rearrangement of electric facilities; b. facilities on the pole are accessible by ladder or bucket truck; and c. the pole owner has previously allowed such techniques. 2. Establish shorter survey and make- ready time periods. 3. Allow competitors to hire utility- approved contractors to perform field surveys and make- ready work. 4. Permit installation of drop lines to satisfy customer service orders without prior licensing. 5. Allow competitors to search utility records and survey manholes to determine availability of conduit, and limit charges if the utility performs these functions. 6. Allow utility- approved contractors to work in manholes without utility supervision. 1