[Federal Register Volume 60, Number 32 (Thursday, February 16, 1995)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 8994-8995]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 95-3830]



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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Chapter I

[IC Docket No. 94-31; FCC No. 95-36]


Preparation for International ITU World Radiocommunication 
Conferences

agency: Federal Communications Commission.

action: Second notice of inquiry.

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summary: The International Telecommunication Union (ITU) will convene 
the 1995 World Radiocommunication Conference (WRC-95) from October 23 
to November 17, 1995, in Geneva, Switzerland. The agenda for WRC-95 
includes issues relating to the introduction of global mobile-satellite 
services (MSS); simplification of the international Radio Regulations; 
and agendas for future conferences. This proceeding addresses 
technical, regulatory, and procedural matters related to the WRC-95 
agenda and solicits information to assist the Federal Communications 
Commission (FCC) in preparing U.S. proposals for that conference, 
including proposals for future conference agendas.

dates: Comments must be filed on or before March 6, 1995, and reply 
comments must be filed on or before March 21, 1995.

addresses: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street NW., 
Washington, DC 20554.

for further information contact: Damon C. Ladson, International Bureau, 
(202) 739-0510, or Audrey L. Allison, International Bureau, (202) 739-
0557.

supplementary information: This is a summary of the FCC's Second Notice 
of Inquiry, IC Docket No. 94-31, FCC No. 95-36, adopted January 30, 
1995, and released January 31, 1995. The full text of this Second 
Notice of Inquiry is available for inspection during normal business 
hours in the Records Room of the Federal Communications Commission, 
Room 239, 1919 M St. NW., Washington, DC. The complete text may be 
purchased from the Commission's copy contractor, ITS, Inc., 2100 M St. 
NW., Suite 140, Washington, DC 20037, telephone (202) 857-3800.

Summary of Second Notice of Inquiry

    1. The purpose of this proceeding is to solicit comments addressing 
technical, operational, regulatory and procedural matters relating to 
the WRC-95 agenda issues in order to assist the FCC in its preparation 
of draft recommended U.S. proposals for WRC-95. In the Second Notice of 
Inquiry, the FCC reviews comments and replies submitted in response to 
the initial Notice of Inquiry in this proceeding 59 FR 25873, May 18, 
1994 and the interim report of the FCC's WRC-95 Industry Advisory 
Committee. The FCC seeks further comment on these matters and on the 
FCC draft recommended U.S. proposals for WRC-95 attached to the Second 
Notice of Inquiry. Presentation of the FCC's preliminary views on these 
topics is intended to stimulate discussions and is part of an overall 
effort to achieve early consensus on U.S. proposals to WRC-95.
    2. WRC-95 will be the first conference under the ITU's new 
accelerated conference cycle to discuss substantive spectrum allocation 
and regulatory matters. This conference represents a significant 
opportunity to build a foundation for advancing near and long-term 
United States telecommunications goals. In particular, WRC-95 is 
critical to a new commercial telecommunications industry--the mobile-
satellite services (MSS) industry, that includes low-Earth orbit (LEO) 
MSS systems. LEO systems can provide voice, data and other services at 
relatively low cost and will be a critical component in achieving the 
FCC's goals of universal service, open access and competition in the 
provision of services. The systems will be an important part of a new 
seamless, nationwide (and [[Page 8995]] eventually global) 
communication network. The new MSS industry also promises to stimulate 
significant economic growth both domestically and abroad. The FCC's 
proposals are intended to facilitate the implementation of competitive 
MSS operations by easing international technical and regulatory 
constraints and providing additional spectrum allocations.
    3. In addition to seeking comment on specific MSS proposals, the 
FCC seeks input on other subjects raised in the first Notice of Inquiry 
and relating to the WRC-95 agenda including: space service allocation 
issues; review of Appendices 30 and 30A; availability of high frequency 
broadcasting bands; the Final Report of the Voluntary Group of Experts 
on simplifying the international Radio Regulations; and agendas for 
future WRCs. The FCC also asks parties to consider the long-range 
planning aspects of the ITU's new conference cycle including the FCC's 
conference preparatory methods.
    4. Upon review of the comments received in response to the Second 
Notice of Inquiry and a final report from the WRC-95 Industry Advisory 
Committee, the FCC will issue a Final Report in this proceeding 
containing recommended U.S. proposals for the conference. The FCC will 
consult with the Department of Commerce's National Telecommunications 
and Information Administration and the Department of State to develop 
final U.S. proposals for WRC-95.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 95-3830 Filed 2-15-95; 8:45 am]
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