NEWS
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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).
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
September 19, 2011 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253
Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
FCC Issues Comprehensive Data Request in Special Access Proceeding
Collecting Critical Information—Including on Packet-Based Services—To Ensure Policies Are 
Promoting Effective Competition in Business Broadband Market; Key to Jobs, Economic Growth
Washington, D.C. – Taking another important step in its business broadband agenda, the FCC today 
asked for key information regarding the special access market—services that link cell phone towers, carry 
data to the Internet, and serve high-volume business customers.  These dedicated, high-capacity links are 
offered by local telephone companies and purchased by businesses and competitive communications 
providers. The National Broadband Plan recognized that special access services play a significant role in 
the availability and pricing of broadband services and recommended that the FCC take steps to ensure 
that special access rates, terms, and conditions are just and reasonable.  
In the Public Notice (PN) released today, the FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau requested detailed data 
on special access prices, revenues, and expenditures. The request includes information on services such as 
DS1 and DS3 services, as well as packet-based services such as Ethernet.  The PN also seeks data about 
the nature of terms and conditions for special access services.  
Gathering this data is the next critical step in the FCC’s review of whether special access rates, terms, and 
conditions are just and reasonable.  
Docket No:  05-25
Staff contact: Andrew Mulitz at 202-418-0827
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