NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th 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).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
November 30, 2007 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253
Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
FCC EXAMINING FORBEARANCE PETITION REVIEW PROCESS
Washington, D.C. – The Federal Communications Commission is examining whether 
there is a need for new procedures governing its review of petitions requesting forbearance from 
regulation.
Under the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Commission is required to forbear from 
any statutory provision or regulation if it determines that the regulation is not needed to protect 
consumers or to ensure just and reasonable rates and practices by carriers.  In addition, the 
Commission must determine whether forbearance will promote competitive markets and is in the 
public interest.  Unless the Commission responds to petitions for forbearance within one year – a 
deadline which can be extended by 90 days – the relief sought is deemed granted by operation of 
law.
The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, or NPRM, adopted by the Commission today,
addresses a petition filed by a group of competitive wireline carriers who argue for adoption of 
certain procedural rules.  The NPRM seeks comment on a number of proposed rules that the 
petitioners claim would help the Commission evaluate forbearance petitions, including:
· Whether new rules should govern the format and content of forbearance petitions 
· Whether new notice and comment rules, such as default comment periods and  
time limits on ex parte filings, should be adopted
· Whether other rules would facilitate the participation of state commissions, as 
well as other parties, in forbearance proceedings
The NPRM also seeks comment on whether forbearance is an effective means for the 
Commission to make changes to its regulations.
Action by the Commission, November 27, 2007, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking
(FCC 07-202). Chairman Martin, Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.  
Separate statements issued by Commissioners Copps, Adelstein, Tate, and McDowell.
Docket No.:  07-267
Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact:  Jonathan Reel at 202-418-0637
-FCC-
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