*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 53796.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 DA 05- 3224 Released: December 19, 2005 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU REMINDS WIRELESS LICENSEES IN AREAS IMPACTED BY HURRICANES KATRINA, RITA, AND WILMA OF PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING FURTHER EXTENSIONS OF REGULATORY DEADLINES By this public notice, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (Bureau) reminds licensees and applicants of procedures for seeking further extensions of regulatory deadlines related to the recent hurricanes. In addition, the Bureau announces that certain licensing functions will resume on January 4, 2006. Background Due to the devastation caused by Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, President Bush issued major disaster declarations for parts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, and Florida (“ affected states”). 1 Pursuant to our authority to waive rules for good cause 2 and to alleviate any additional burden that may have been caused by our filing requirements and regulatory deadlines, the Bureau extended certain deadlines for affected licensees and applicants in these states. 3 In this context, “affected” licensees and applicants included those licensees and applicants that operate facilities, or, in a significant manner essential to the business operation, rely on personnel, records, or financial institutions located in these states to provide services or to conduct substantial business activities with the Commission. 1 See< http:// www. fema. gov/ news/ disasters. fema>. 2 47 C. F. R. § 1.3. 3 See “Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Extension of Filing and Regulatory Deadlines for Wireless Licensees in Areas Impacted by Hurricane Katrina,” Public Notice, DA 05- 2406 (WTB rel. Sept. 1, 2005) (Hurricane Katrina Extension PN); “Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Further Extension of Filing and Regulatory Deadlines for Wireless Licensees in Areas Impacted by Hurricane Katrina,” Public Notice, DA 05- 2865 (WTB rel. Oct. 31, 2005) (Hurricane Katrina Further Extension PN); “Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Extension of Filing and Regulatory Deadlines for Wireless Licensees in Areas Impacted by Hurricane Rita,” Public Notice, DA 05- 2521 (WTB rel. Sept. 24, 2005) (Hurricane Rita Extension PN); “Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Extension of Filing and Regulatory Deadlines for Wireless Licensees in Areas Impacted by Hurricane Wilma,” Public Notice, DA 05- 2778 (WTB rel. Oct. 25, 2005) (Hurricane Wilma Extension PN); “Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Announces Extension of Installment Payment Deadline for Broadband Personal Communications Services and Broadband Radio Service Licensees in Areas Impacted by Hurricane Wilma,” Public Notice, DA 05- 2824 (WTB rel. Oct. 28, 2005). 1 2 Extensions Have Ended or Will End Soon – Procedures for Seeking Additional Relief The Bureau reminds affected licensees and applicants that the extension periods related to Hurricanes Katrina and Rita recently ended on November 30, 2005 and November 21, 2005, respectively, and that the extension related to Hurricane Wilma will end on December 22, 2005. Licensees or applicants that need additional relief after these extension periods end may seek such relief by following the process for submitting waiver requests provided in section 1.925 of the Commission’s rules. 4 The Bureau will consider additional relief related to the hurricanes on a case- by- case basis. Certain Licensing Functions Will Resume on January 4, 2006 During the extension periods associated with Hurricanes Katrina, Rita, and Wilma, the Bureau has temporarily suspended certain automated licensing functions including dismissing applications that are returned and not amended timely, changing the status of a call sign from active to expired if the call sign is not renewed timely, and issuing vanity call signs in the amateur radio service. These licensing functions will resume on January 4, 2006. For additional information regarding submitting filings via the Universal Licensing System (ULS), please contact the ULS Customer Support Hotline via eSupport at eSupport. fcc. gov or by telephone at (877) 480- 3201 or (717) 338- 2888 and select option 2, (( TTY) (717) 338- 2824). Hours are from 8 a. m. to 7: 00 p. m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except Federal holidays). To provide quality service and ensure security, all telephone calls are recorded. By the Acting Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau -- FCC-- 4 47 C. F. R. § 1.925. 2