*Pages 1--11 from Microsoft Word - 13514.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). December 17, 2001 OPEN PROCEEDINGS The following is a listing of current FCC Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRMs) and Notices of Inquiry (NOIs) open for public comment; however, routine petitions to amend the Table of Allotments are not included. This listing also includes pertinent Public Notices (PNs) announcing comment subjects and dates. For additional information, contact Marilyn Abraham (202) 418- 2374 in the Consumer Information Bureau. Please note: as comment and reply comment periods expire, they are deleted from this listing. An asterisk (*) indicates that the comment period deadline has past, but the reply comment period is still open. CABLE SERVICES BUREAU CS 98- 82, 96- 85; MM 92- 264, 94- 150, 92- 51, 87- 154; PN 10/ 12/ 01; DA 01- 2374 Commission Seeks Comment on the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Regarding the Cable Horizontal and Vertical Ownership Limits and Aspects of the Cable, Broadcast and MDS Attribution Rules. The Commission seeks comment on the above- captioned proceeding. Comments due December 26, 2001; replies due January 25, 2002. Contact: Daniel Hodes, Kiran Duwadi, Ava Holly Berland or Andrew Wise at (202) 418- 7200, (202) 418- 7365 TTY. CS 96- 85, 98- 82; ORDER 10/ 15/ 01 (adopted 10/ 12/ 01); DA 01- 2390 Implementation of Section 11 of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992. The Commission extended the time period for filing comments in the above- captioned proceeding until January 4, 2002; replies due February 4, 2002. CS 01- 290; NPRM 10/ 18/ 01( adopted 10/ 11/ 01); FCC 01- 307 Implementation of the Cable Television Consumer Protection and Competition Act of 1992. The Commission initiated proceedings to examine whether or not to extend the prohibition on exclusive contracts for satellite- delivered cable or satellite- delivered broadcast programming 1 2 between vertically integrated programming vendors and cable operators. Comments due December 3, 2001*; replies due January 7, 2002. COMMON CARRIER BUREAU CC 96- 45; PN 08/ 21/ 01; FCC 01J- 1 Federal- State Joint Board on Universal Service (Joint Board) Seeks Comment on Review of the Definition of Universal Service. The Joint Board invites comment on what services should be added to or removed from the list of core services eligible for federal universal service support and how those core service should be defined. Comments due 60 days from publication in the Federal Register; replies due 120 days from publication in the Federal Register. Contact: Greg Guice at (202) 418- 7400 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. CC 96- 262, 94- 1; PN 10/ 05/ 01; DA 01- 2327 Limited Extension of Time to File Cost Submissions, Comments, and Reply Comments in the Cost Review Proceeding for Residential and Single- Line Business Subscriber Line Charge (SLC) Caps. On September 17, 2001, the Commission initiated a cost review proceeding to determine the appropriate residential and single- line business subscriber line charge caps for price cap local exchange carriers. Cost submissions due: November 16*; comments due December 17; replies due January 9, 2002. Contact: Jennifer McKee, at (202) 418- 1530. CC 96- 45; PN 10/ 12/ 01; FCC 01J- 2 Federal- State Joint Board on Universal Service Seeks Comment on Review of Lifeline and Link- Up Service for All Low- Income Consumers. The Joint Board seeks comment regarding its review of Lifeline/ Link- Up, two federal support programs that are used to preserve and advance universal service and to ensure that quality telecommunications and information services are available to low- income consumers at just, reasonable and affordable rates, as required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due 60 days from publication in the Federal Register; replies due 120 days from publication in the Federal Register. Contact: Anita Cheng or Dana Bradford at (202) 418- 7400 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. CC 96- 262, 94- 1; PN 11/ 01/ 01; DA 01- 2547 Limited Extension of Time to File Comments and Reply Comments in the Cost Review Proceeding for Residential and Single- Line Business Subscriber Line Charge (SLC) Caps. 2 3 The Commission granted The National Association of State Utility Consumer Advocates an extension of time for filing comments in response to their cost submissions. Cost Submissions due November 16, 2001*; comments due January 24, 2002; replies due February 14, 2002. Contact: Jennifer McKee at (202) 418- 1530 (voice). CC 01- 312; PN 11/ 08/ 01; DA 01- 2571 Commission Seeks Comment on Domestic 214 Application Filed by Southwestern Bell Telephone Company (" SBTC" or Applicant") to Transfer Control to Southwestern Bell Telephone, L. P., as part of Pro Forma Transfer Corporate Control, Pleading Cycle Established. The Commission seeks comment on the above- captioned proceeding. Comments due 31 days after the date of the Public Notice. Contact: Tracey Wilson at (202) 418- 1394 (voice) or Bill Dever at (202) 418- 1578 (voice). CC 96- 150; ORDER 11/ 15/ 01 (adopted 11/ 15/ 01); DA 01- 2670 Accounting Safeguards Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Commission granted a limited extension of time until January 24, 2002 for submitting comments on Verizon's section 272( d) biennial audit report. CC 96- 149, 96- 98, 98- 141, 98- 147, 00- 51, 00- 229, 01- 3, NPRM 11/ 19/ 01 (adopted 11/ 16/ 01); FCC 01- 339 Performance Measurements and Standards for Interstate Special Access Services; 00- 51 Petition of U. S. West, 98- 147, 96- 98,98- 141 Petition of Association For Local Telecommunications Serves 96- 149 Sec. 271& 272, 00- 229 2000 Biennial Review; RM 10329 AT& T Corp. Petition. The Commission seeks comment on performance measurements and standards for evaluating incumbent local exchange carrier (incumbent LEC) performance in the provisioning of special access services. Comments due 30 days after the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is published in the Federal Register; replies due 21 days after the comment date. CC 96- 141, 96- 98, 98- 56, 98- 147, 01- 318; NPRM 11/ 19/ 01 (adopted 11/ 08/ 01); FCC 01- 331 Performance Measurements & Standards CC Dkt. Nos. 01- 318, 98- 56, Deployment of Wireline Srvs. Offeromg Advanced Telecommunications Capability 98- 147, and Petition of Assoc. for Local Telecommunications Srvs. CC 98- 147, 96- 96, 98- 141. The Commission seeks comment on performance measurements and standards for evaluating incumbent local exchange carrier performance in the provisioning of facilities used by their 3 4 carrier- customers to compete for end- user customers. Comments due 30 days after the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is published the Federal Register; replies due 21 days after the comment date. PN 11/ 21/ 2001; DA 01- 2724 Comments Sought on Verizon’s Revised Cost Allocation Manual. The Commission seeks comment on the above- captioned proceeding. Comments due December 21; reply due January 7, 2002. Contact: Ed Dashkin at (202) 418- 0806 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. CC 01- 324; PN 11/ 26/ 01; DA 01- 2746 Comments Requested on the Application by Verizon for Authorization Under Section 271 of the Communications Act to Provide In- Region, InterLATA Service in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations. On November 26, 2001, Verizon New England Inc., Bell Atlantic Communications, Inc. (d/ b/ a Verizon Long Distance), NYNEX Long Distance Company (d/ b/ a Verizon Enterprise Solutions), Verizon Global Networks Inc., and Verizon Select Services Inc. (collectively, Verizon) filed an application for authorization to provide in- region, interLATA service in the State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations, pursuant to section 271 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (the Act), 47 U. S. C. § 271. Comments due December 17, 2001; replies due January 10, 2002. Contact: Julie Veach at (202) 418- 1558 (voice). PN 11/ 29/ 01; DA 01- 2756 Comments Sought on SBC Advanced Solutions, Inc. Petition for Interim Waiver of Sections 61.58, 61. 38 and 61.59 of the Commission’s Rules. On October 3, 2001, SBC Advanced Solutions, Inc. petitioned the Commission for an expedited ruling that it is non- dominant in its provision of advanced services, and for forbearance from dominant carrier regulation of those services. Comments due December 28, 2001; replies due January 14, 2002. Contact: Paul Moon at (202) 418- 1530 (voice). PN 11/ 29/ 01; DA 01- 2757 Comments Sought on SBC Advanced Solutions, Inc. Petition for Waiver of the Commission’s Rules for Interim Authorization of Contract Tariffs. On October 3, 2001, SBC Advanced Solutions, Inc. petitioned the Commission for an expedited ruling that it is non- dominant in its provision of advanced services, and for forbearance from dominant carrier regulation of those services. Comments due December 28, 2001; replies due January 14, 2002. Contact: Paul Moon at (202) 418- 1530 (voice). 4 5 PN 12/ 03/ 01; DA 01- 2788 Pleading Cycle Established for Verizon Petition for Pricing Flexibility for Special Access and Dedicated Transport Services. On November 29, 2001, Verizon telephone companies filed a petition for pricing flexibility for special access and dedicated transport services in designated geographic areas pursuant to section 1.774 and 69.701 et seq. of the Commission’s rules, 47 C. F. R. §§ 1. 774 and 69.701 et seq. Comments due December 14*; replies due December 24. Contact: Shannon Lipp at (202) 418- 1520 (voice). CC 01- 314; PN 12/ 03/ 01; DA No. 01- 2814 Commission Seeks Comment on Application Filed by NEVD Holdings, LLC (“ NEVD”) for Transfer of Control to Conversent Holdings, Inc. On October 18, 2001, NEVD Holdings LLC and M/ C Venture Partners V, L. P. (“ M/ C V”) filed an application requesting authority pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended (“ the Act”), 47 U. S. C. § 214, and section 63.01 of the Commission’s Rules to complete a transfer of corporate control. Petitions to deny due 30 days after the release of the Public Notice; final action will be taken 31 days following the date of the Public Notice. Contact: Tracey Wilson at (202) 418- 1394 (voice) or Bill Dever at (202) 418- 1578 (voice). CC 01- 329; PN 12/ 03/ 2001; DA 01- 2815 Commission Seeks Comment on a Joint Application Filed by DSLnet Communications, LLC and Vantagepoint Venture Partners for Indirect Transfer of Control. On November 9, 2001, DSLnet Communications, LLC and VantagePoint Venture Partners (“ VPVP”) filed an application requesting authority pursuant to section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U. S. C. § 214 and section 63.01 of the Commission’s Rules, 47 C. F. R. § 63. 01 request authority for the indirect transfer control of DSLnet’s blanket domestic section 214 authority to VPVP. Petitions to deny due 14 days after the release of the Public Notice; final action will be taken 15 days following the date of the Public Notice. Contact: Tracey Wilson at (202) 418- 1394 (voice) or Bill Dever at (202) 418-1578 (voice). PN 12/ 03/ 01; DA 01- 2819 PPL Telcom, LLC Seeks Commission Determination of "Exempt Telecommunications Company" Status Under the Public Utility Holding Company Act. On October 31, 2001, PPL Telcom, LLC filed an application requesting a determination by the Commission that it is an “exempt telecommunications company pursuant to section 34( a)( 1) of the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935 (PUHCA), as amended by section 103 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Comments due December 17; replies due December 24. 5 6 Contact: Jon Minkoff at (202) 418- 2353 (voice) or Carmell Weathers at (202) 418- 2325 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. ORDER 12/ 04/ 01 (adopted 12/ 03/ 01); DA 01- 2811 Unicom, Inc., Anchorage, Alaska. The Commission granted the Joint Motion for Extension of Time filed by Yukon Kuskokwim Health Corporation and General Communications, Inc., until for 30 days from the Order’s release date. CC 96- 262, 94- 1, 99- 249, 96- 45; PN 12/ 04/ 01; DA 01- 2817 Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Remand of $650 Million Support Amount Under Interstate Access Support Mechanism for Price Cap Carriers. The Commission seeks comment on the $650 million support amount available under the interstate access support mechanism. Comment due 30 days from publication in the Federal Register; replies due 45 days from publication in the Federal Register. Contact: Ted Burmeister at (202) 418- 7400 (voice). CC 01- 331; PN 12/ 06/ 01; DA 01- 2832 Pleading Cycle Established for Petition of Iowa Telecommunications Services for Forbearance from the Deadline for Price Cap Carriers to Elect Interstate Access Rates Based on the CALLS Order or a Forward Looking Cost Study. On November 26, 2001, Iowa Telecommunications Services, Inc. filed a petition requesting that the Commission forbear from enforcing its deadline for price cap local exchange carriers to elect whether to set their interstate access rates according to the rate levels prescribed in the CALLS Order or by submitting cost studies based on forward looking economic cost. Comments due January 4, 2002; replies due January 18, 2002. Contact: Julie Saulnier at (202) 418- 1530 (voice). CC 96- 45; PN 12/ 06/ 01; DA 01- 2838 Palau National Communications Corporation Seeks a Declaratory Ruling and Waiver of Certain Provisions of Parts 36, 54 and 69 of the Commission’s Rules. On November 16, 2001, Palau National Communications Corporation (PNCC) petitioned the Commission for a declaratory ruling that PNCC is subject to FCC jurisdiction and therefore is eligible to participate in the federal universal service support programs and the National Exchange Carrier Association. Comments due January 7, 2002; replies due January 22, 2002. Contact: The Accounting Policy Division, Common Carrier Bureau at (202) 418- 7400 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. 6 7 PN 12/ 06/ 01 Comment Sought on Qwest Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundary to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between the Newport and Lincoln City Exchanges in Oregon. On August 31, 2001, Qwest Corporation filed a petition requesting modification of a local access and transport area boundary to provide two- way, non- optional expanded local calling service between the Newport and Lincoln City exchanges in Oregon. Comments due December 20; replies due December 28. Contact: Alan Thomas at (202) 418- 2320 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. CC 96- 45; PN 12/ 07/ 01; DA 01- 2841 Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on Pine Belt Cellular and Pine Belt Cellular and Pine Belt PCS Petition for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in Alabama. On November 26, 2001, Pine Belt Cellular and Pine Belt PCS filed a petition under section 214( e)( 6) seeking designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier to receive federal universal service support for service offered in Alabama. Contact: Richard Smith or Anita Cheng at (202) 418- 7400 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. CC 01- 318, CC 98- 56, CC 98- 147, CC 98- 147, CC 96- 98, 98- 141; ORDER 12/ 07/ 01 (adopted 12/ 07/ 01); DA 01- 2859 Performance Measurements and Standards for Unbundled Network Elements and Interconnection. The Commission granted USTA's Motion for Extension of Time to establish a new comments deadline until January 22, 2002; replies until February 12, 2002. CC 96- 45; PN 12/ 11/ 01; DA 01- 2869 Common Carrier Bureau Seeks Comment on IT& E Overseas, Inc. Petition for Designation as an Eligible Telecommunications Carrier in the Territory of Guam. On December 6, 2001, IT& E Overseas, Inc. filed a petition under section 214( e)( 6) seeking designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier to receive federal universal service support for service offered in Guam. Comments due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 45 days after publication in the Federal Register. Contact: Richard D. Smith or Anita Cheng at (202) 418- 7400 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. 7 8 PN 12/ 12/ 01 Comment Sought on BellSouth Request for Limited Modification of LATA Boundary to Provide Expanded Local Calling Service Between Certain Exchanges in Louisiana. On September 10, 2001, BellSouth Telecommunications, Inc. and BellSouth Corporation filed a petition requesting modification of a local access and transport area boundary to provide two-way, flat- rated, non- optional expanded local calling service between the Bunkie and Opelousas exchanges in Louisiana. Comments due December 26, 2001; replies due January 2, 2002. Contact: Alan Thomas at (202) 418- 2320 (voice), (202) 418- 0484 TTY. ENFORCEMENT BUREAU EB 01- 66; PN 11/ 30/ 01; DA 01- 2775 Supplemental Comment Sougtht on National Cable Television Association and the Media Access Project Ex Parte Presentations Regarding EAS Decoders. The Commission seeks to supplement the record regarding MAP’s request for alternative arrangements for EAS alerting and NCTA/ NAD’s request that small cable systems be permitted to install an EAS decoder as an alternative to the requirements of section 11.11 for small cable systems. In addition, the Commission also seeks comment from EAS manufacturers about whether they will manufacture and certify an EAS decoder and the date that it would be available for purchase. Comments due 15 days after publication in the Federal Register. Contact: George Dillon at (202) 418- 1215 (voice). INTERNATIONAL BUREAU IB 95- 91; PN 11/ 01/ 01; DA 01- 2570 Request for Further Comment on Selected Issues Regarding the Authorization of Satellite Digital Audio Radio Service Terrestrial Repeater Networks. The Commission seeks comment on the proposals described for the resolution of issues identified in the record that have not been addressed by commenters. Comments due 21 days after the Public Notice appears in the Federal Register; replies due 28 days after the Public Notice appears in the Federal Register. MASS MEDIA BUREAU PN 11/ 05/ 01; DA 01- 2565 Mass Media Bureau Action Comment Sought on Motion for Declaratory Ruling. 8 9 On October 1, 2001, Lorillard Tobacco Company filed a Motion for Declaratory Ruling with the Commission pursuant to Section 1. 2 of the Commission’s Rules. Comments due December 5*; replies due December 20. Contact: Roger Holberg at (202) 418- 2130 (voice). OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY ET 01- 278; NPRM 10/ 15/ 01 (adopted 10/ 02/ 01); FCC 01- 290 Review of Part 15 and other Parts of the Commission’s Rules. The Commission seeks comment on the above- captioned proceeding. Comments due 75 days from date of publication in the Federal Register; replies due 105 days from date of publication in the Federal Register. WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU WT 01- 289; NPRM 10/ 16/ 01 (adopted 10/ 10/ 01) FCC 01- 303 Review of Part 87 of the Commission’s Rules Concerning the Aviation Radio Service. The Commission proposed consolidating, revising and streamlining the rules in the above captioned- proceeding. Comments due 90 days after publication in the Federal Register; replies due 120 days after publication in the Federal Register. WT 01- 135; PN 11/ 08/ 01; DA 01- 2608 TeleCorp PCS, Inc. and AT& T Wireless, Inc. Seek FCC Consent to Transfer Control of Licenses. The Commission seeks comments on the above- captioned proceeding. Petitions/ Comments due December 10*; Oppositions due December 20, 2001; Replies due December 28. Contact: Lauren Kravetz, Patrick Lauren or Erin McGrath at (202) 418- 7240 (voice) (Part 24 only); Jeff Tobias at (202) 418- 1617 (voice) (Part 10l only) or Imani Ellis- Cheek at (202) 418- 1028 (voice) (International Section 214 authorization only). WT 01- 309; NPRM 11/ 14/ 01 (adopted 10/ 29/ 01); FCC 01- 320 In the Matter of Section 68.4( a) of the Commission’s Rules Governing Hearing Aid-Compatible Telephones. The Commission seeks comment on whether public mobile service telephones should be required to be hearing aid compatible. Comments due January 11, 2002; replies due February 11, 2002. 9 10 CC 94- 102; PN 11/ 20/ 01; DA 01- 2722 Cingular, Nextel, and Verizon File Petitions for Reconsideration of Commission Orders on Wireless E911 Phase II Waiver Requests. On November 13, 2001, Cingular Wireless LLC, Nextel Communications, Inc., Nextel Partners, Inc., and Verizon Wireless filed separate petitions seeking reconsideration of certain provisions of the orders addressing their Phase II waiver requests. Oppositions and Comments due December 19, 2001; replies due January 4, 2002. Contact: Dan Grosh, Andra Cunningham or Steve Rangel at (202) 418- 1310 (voice). WT 01- 319; NPRM 11/ 21/ 01 (adopted 11/ 09/ 01); FCC 01- 333 Review of Quiet Zones Application Procedures. The Commission seeks comment on its proposal to revise and streamline the current requirements for applications affecting areas know as “Quiet Zones”. Comment due January 22, 2002; replies due February 6, 2002. WT 99- 217; PN 11/ 30/ 01; DA 01- 2751 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Requests Comment on Current State of the Market. For Local and Advanced Telecommunications Services in Multitenant Environments. The Commission seeks updated data on the current state of the market for advanced telecommunications services in multi- tenant environments. Comments due February 1, 2002. Contact: Leon Jackler at (202) 418- 0946 (voice). WT 01- 333; PN 12/ 11/ 01; DA 01- 2883 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on a Petition for Waiver of the Commission’s Part 64 Priority Access Service Rules. On November 28, 2001, VoiceStream Wireless Corporation filed a petition for waiver to provide “priority access service” to the National Communications System. Comments due December 18. Contact: Karen Franklin at (202) 418- 0680 (voice), (202) 418- 7233 TTY. CC 94- 102; PN 12/ 12/ 01; DA 01- 2885 Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Petitions for Reconsideration Regarding Public Safety Answering Point Requests for Phase II Enhanced 911. On November 30, 2001, Sprint PCS filed a Petition for Reconsideration seeking modifications to the documentation requirements for PSAPs established by the Commission. In addition, on December 3, 2001, Cingular Wireless LLC also filed a Petition for Reconsideration challenging 10 11 the Commission’s decision concerning PSAP procedural and substantive grounds. Comments due January 1; replies due January 28. Contact: Jane Phillips at (202) 418- 1310 (voice). 11