[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 128 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 36377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17747]


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 Proposed Rules
                                                 Federal Register
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 This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of 
 the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these 
 notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in 
 the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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  Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 128 / Monday, July 6, 1998 / Proposed 
Rules  

[[Page 36377]]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Rural Utilities Service

7 CFR Part 1755

RIN 0572-AB41


Special Equipment Specifications

AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.

ACTION: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.

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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing to amend its 
regulation on RUS Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for 
Materials, Equipment and Construction to add to RUS Form 397, Special 
Equipment Contract (including installation). This action will amend the 
Special Equipment Specifications which include RUS Form 397b, Trunk 
Carrier System Specifications; RUS Form 397c, Subscriber Carrier 
Specifications; RUS Form 397d, Design Specifications for Point-to-Point 
Microwave Radio Systems; RUS Form 397e, Design Specifications for 
Mobile and Fixed Dial Radio Telephone Equipment; RUS Form 397g, 
Performance Specifications for Line Concentrators; and RUS Form 397h, 
Design Specifications for Digital Lightwave Transmission Systems. 
Changes to the Special Equipment Specifications will incorporate the 
latest technology, remove redundant or outdated requirements, and 
simplify specification format.

DATES: Written comments must be received by RUS, or bear a postmark or 
equivalent, no later than September 4, 1998.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Gary B. Allan, Chief, 
Transmission Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural 
Utilities Service, STOP 1598, United States Department of Agriculture, 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-1598. RUS requests 
an original and three copies of all comments (7 CFR part 1700.4). All 
comments received will be available for public inspection at room 2838 
South Building (above address) during regular business hours (7 CFR 
1.27 (b)).

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melanie L. Umstead, Transmission 
Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service, 
STOP 1598, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence 
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-1598, telephone number (202) 720-
0665, fax (202) 720-4099, e-mail [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Background

    RUS is considering replacing RUS Form 397b, Trunk Carrier System 
Specifications; RUS Form 397c, Subscriber Carrier Specifications; RUS 
Form 397d, Design Specifications for Point-to-Point Microwave Radio 
Systems; RUS Form 397e, Design Specifications for Mobile and Fixed Dial 
Radio Telephone Equipment; RUS Form 397g, Performance Specifications 
for Line Concentrators; and RUS Form 397h, Design Specifications for 
Digital Lightwave Transmission Systems with two (2) specifications.
    One specification will address wireline systems and the other will 
address wireless systems. The wireline systems specification will 
address lightwave systems, digital and analog carrier systems, 
concentrators and related wireline technologies. The wireless systems 
specifications will address microwave radio systems, wireless local 
loop systems and other wireless technologies. These specifications will 
address the latest advances in telecommunications systems and recognize 
new technologies. The specifications will also recognize established 
industry standards by removing outdated requirements and incorporating 
new relevant requirements. RUS is requesting comments from RUS 
borrowers, consulting engineers, manufacturers and any other interested 
bodies on recommended changes for special equipment specifications to 
ensure rural telecommunications networks continue to provide reliable 
and progressive telecommunications services without an undue burden to 
the parties involved.

    Dated: June 24, 1998.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 98-17747 Filed 7-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P