Federal Communications Commission DA 12-1516 Before the Federal Communications Commission Washington, D.C. 20554 In the Matter of Universal Service Contribution Methodology BelWave Communications Request for Waiver ) ) ) ) WC Docket No. 06-122 ORDER Adopted: September 21, 2012 Released: September 21, 2012 By the Deputy Chief, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau: 1. In this order, we deny a request for waiver filed by BelWave Communications (BelWave).1 BelWave acknowledges that it missed the filing deadlines for its 2008 – 2011 FCC Forms 499-A, but requests a waiver of any late filing fees because BelWave claims that it was not aware of its obligation to file FCC Form 499-A to report revenues until 2011. 2. We conclude that BelWave has failed to demonstrate that there is good cause to waive the applicable sections of the Commission’s rules.2 Generally, the Commission’s rules may be waived if good cause is shown.3 The Commission may exercise its discretion to waive a rule where the particular facts make strict compliance inconsistent with the public interest.4 In addition, the Commission may take into account considerations of hardship, equity, or more effective implementation of overall policy on an individual basis.5 Waiver of the Commission’s rules is appropriate only if both (i) special circumstances warrant a deviation from the general rule, and (ii) such deviation will serve the public interest.6 We find that there is no evidence to substantiate BelWave’s claims. Businesses have a responsibility to familiarize themselves with applicable rules and regulations.7 BelWave’s statements are merely cursory, and it has not presented specific information as to the rule(s) for which it seeks waiver, the reason that such waiver would be appropriate, the special circumstances that warrant a deviation from the general rule, nor why such deviation would serve the public interest. Accordingly, we deny BelWave’s request for waiver. 3. IT IS ORDERED that, pursuant to the authority contained in sections 4(i) and 254(d) of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. §§ 4(i), 254(d), and the authority delegated by sections 0.91, 0.291, and 1.3 of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. §§ 0.91, 0.291, 1.3, the request for waiver filed by BelWave Communications on March 8, 2012, IS DENIED. 1 Letter from Bill Belton, Vice President, BelWave Communications, to Office of the Secretary, FCC, WC Docket No. 06-122 (filed March 8, 2012). 2 See generally 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.706, 54.711 (universal service contribution and reporting requirements). 3 47 C.F.R. § 1.3. 4 Northeast Cellular Telephone Co. v. FCC, 897 F.2d 1164, 1166 (D.C. Cir. 1990) (Northeast Cellular). 5 WAIT Radio v. FCC, 418 F.2d 1153, 1159 (D.C. Cir. 1969); Northeast Cellular, 897 F.2d at 1166. 6 NetworkIP, LLC v. FCC, 548 F.3d 116, 125-128 (D.C. Cir. 2008); Northeast Cellular, 897 F.2d at 1166. 7 See 47 C.F.R. §0.406. Federal Communications Commission DA 12-1516 2 4. IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that, pursuant to section 1.102(b)(1) of the Commission’s rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.102(b)(1), this order SHALL BE effective upon release. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Vickie S. Robinson Deputy Chief Telecommunications Access Policy Division Wireline Competition Bureau