*Pages 1--3 from Microsoft Word - 54442.doc* PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov TTY: 1- 888- 835- 5322 Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th St., S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 DA- 06- 125 Released: January 20, 2006 WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU ENHANCES THE COMMISSION’S UNIVERSAL LICENSING SYSTEM TO IMPLEMENT ELECTRONIC FILING FOR PLEADINGS By this Public Notice, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) announces it has enhanced the Universal Licensing System (ULS) to provide the public with an electronic method to submit pleadings regarding ULS applications and/ or licenses pursuant to the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC or Commission) rules and policies. The Bureau will deploy these enhancements on January 31, 2006. It is intended that these enhancements will provide interested persons an additional mechanism for submitting pleadings. In this connection, it should be noted that the FCC will also continue to accept manual pleadings regarding ULS applications and/ or licenses that are submitted to the FCC’s Office of the Secretary. Background and Overview The FCC began deploying electronic capabilities for its Wireless Radio Services in 1998. 1 Gradually, the Commission provided Wireless Radio Services applicants, licensees, and frequency coordinators with the ability to file applications electronically. 2 Although the Commission authorized electronic filing of pleadings in ULS, 3 this capability was not previously available. 4 Currently, interested parties file petitions and informal objections (pleadings) regarding ULS applications or licenses by submitting paper copies with the FCC Secretary’s office. With this enhancement, the Bureau furthers the Commission’s Spectrum Management and Modernizing the FCC goals by expediting the existing process, 1 Biennial Regulatory Review -- Amendment of Parts 0, 1, 13, 22, 24, 26, 27, 80, 87, 90, 95, 97, and 101 of the Commission's Rules to Facilitate the Development and Use of the Universal Licensing System in the Wireless Telecommunications Services, Report and Order, WT Docket No. 98- 20, 13 FCC Rcd 21, 027 (1998) (ULS R& O). 2 See e. g. Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Implements Deployment of the Universal Licensing System for Maritime Coast and Aviation Ground Services on April 30, 2001, Public Notice, 16 FCC Rcd 8541 (2001); Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) Implements Phase III of Three- Phased Deployment of the Universal Licensing System (ULS) For Land Mobile Radio Services on December 4, 2000, Public Notice, 15 FCC Rcd 22, 013 (2000). 3 See ULS R& O, 13 FCC Rcd at 21, 049 ¶ 41. 4 Certain Actions Provided for in the Commission's Rules are not yet Available for Electronic Filing via the Universal Licensing System (ULS) and must be Filed Manually, Public Notice, 16 FCC Rcd 12, 886 (2001). 1 3 Confirmation Number as well as your entered pleadings information. You may print this page for your records by selecting the Print Page link at the top of the page and have the option of submitting another pleading or returning to the ULS website by selecting a link at the bottom of the page. Application and License Search The ULS Application and License Search results will display pleadings under the ADMIN tab when there is a pleading against the application or license. The Bureau has enhanced the search results by allowing users to view the pleading by providing a link in the Description field. The general public will not be able to view confidential pleadings. Additional Information For additional information or assistance on how to file a Pleading, you may visit the Web at http:// esupport. fcc. gov. You may also call the FCC Support Center at (877) 480- 3201 (TTY 202- 414- 1255) and select Option #9. Assistance from the FCC Support Center is available between the hours of 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. 3