*Pages 1--2 from Microsoft Word - 5123.doc* NEWS News Media Information 202 / 418- 0500 TTY 202 / 418- 2555 Fax- On- Demand 202 / 418- 2830 Internet: http:// www. fcc. gov ftp. fcc. gov Federal Communications Commission 445 12 th Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D. C. Circ 1974). FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: November 30, 2000 Rosemary Kimball at (202) 418- 0500 Email: Rkimball@ FCC. Gov FURTHER STREAMLINING MEASURES PROPOSED FOR INTERNATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES Washington, D. C. – The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken action to further streamline and simplify its rules for international telecommunications services. As part of its 2000 Biennial Regulatory Review, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that includes specific proposals to further reduce the regulatory burdens on carriers providing international telecommunications services. In the NPRM, the Commission proposes changes to several rules relating to international telecommunications services. Specifically, the Commission proposes amending the procedures for filing pro forma assignments and transfers of control of international Section 214 authorizations. To ease the burden on carriers, the Commission proposes to have the procedures for international Section 214 authorizations more closely correspond to those used for the assignment and transfer of control of Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) licenses. These proposals will provide greater flexibility and clarity regarding pro forma assignments and transfers of control. In the NPRM, the Commission tentatively concludes that it is no longer necessary to condition international Section 214 authorizations for facilities- based international private line services on a carrier’s compliance with the settlement rate benchmarks. This change will eliminate an unnecessary burden on carriers without adversely affecting competitive safeguards. The Commission also proposes to modify its rules to relieve dominant international carriers of the requirement that they seek approval prior to discontinuing service, except where a carrier possesses market power for international service in the United States. The Commission also tentatively concludes that a less burdensome prior notification requirement will benefit the carriers while continuing to protect consumers. The Commission also proposes amendments to clarify several rules and to eliminate other rules that are no longer necessary. The Commission seeks comment on its proposals and tentative conclusions. 1 Copies of the NPRM are available electronically on the Commission’s web site at www. fcc. gov. In addition, this proceeding shall be treated as a “permit- but- disclose” proceeding in accordance with the Commission’s ex parte rules. Other rules pertaining to oral and written presentations are set forth in 47 C. F. R. §1.1206( b) of the Commission’s rules as well. Comments are due January 24, 2001. Reply comments are due February 27, 2001. Comments and reply comments will be available for public inspection during regular business hours in the FCC Office of Public Affairs Reference and Information Center, Room CY- A257, 445 Twelfth Street, S. W. Washington, D. C. 20554. Copies also can be obtained from International Transcription Services, Inc. at 1231 20 th Street, S. W., Washington, D. C. 20036, or by calling ITS at (202) 857- 3800 or by faxing ITS at (202) 857- 3805. Action by the Commission , November 13, 2000, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 00- 407). Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott- Roth, Powell and Tristani. -FCC-IB Docket No. 00- 231 International Bureau Contact: David Krech, (202) 418- 1460 or dkrech@ fcc. gov 2