DA 20-341
Released:  March 26, 2020

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU EXTENDS COMMENT DEADLINES FOR ALASKA PLAN POPULATION DISTRIBUTION METHODOLOGY 
WC Docket No. 16-271

Revised Comment Date: April 7, 2020
Revised Reply Comment Date: April 17, 2020


The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) extends the comment and reply deadlines for its Public Notice, released on February 25, 2020, regarding a population-distribution model to be used for the Alaska Plan (Public Notice). Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Population Distribution Model and Eligible Census Block List to Be Applied in the Alaska Plan, WC Docket No. 16-271, Public Notice, DA 20-188 (rel. Feb. 25, 2020).
  The Public Notice established a comment due date of March 26, 2020, and a reply comment due date of April 10, 2020. Id.
  On March 25, 2020, the Alaska Telecom Association (ATA) sought a 60-day extension of both filing dates. ATA, Motion for Extension of Time to File Comments and Replies, WC Docket No. 16-271 (filed March 25, 2020).
  ATA asks for the extension so that its employees currently working on network operations during the COVID-19 pandemic can contribute to the responses to the Public Notice.

While it is the general policy of the Commission that extensions of time shall not be routinely granted, 47 CFR § 1.46(a).
 under the circumstances presented, we conclude that a limited extension of the comment and reply comment deadlines is warranted in order to develop the record to the fullest extent possible in this proceeding.  Interested parties can use this time to develop complete, fully supported comments and reply comments.  Accordingly, pursuant to Section 4(i) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. § 154(i).
 and Section 1.46 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR § 1.46.
 we extend the deadline for filing comments until April 7, 2020, and for reply comments until April 17, 2020.
For further information, contact Matthew Warner, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, at (202) 418-2419.
	Action by the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.

                                                        
                                                                                    -FCC-
2