[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 213 (Thursday, November 4, 1999)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 60151]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-28796]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 73 and 90

[RM-9719, DA 99-2351]


Transmission of Emergency Signals on Channel 200; Extension of 
Time for Reply Comments

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission extended the period for 
filing replies to comments filed in response to a petition for 
rulemaking requesting the Commission to amend its rules to allocate 
Channel 200 (87.9 MHz) for the use and operation of an Emergency Radio 
Data System.

DATES: Reply comments are due on or before November 8, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Fox of the Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, 
Policy and Rules Branch, (202) 418-0680. TTY: (202) 418-7233.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. On August 2, 1999, the Commission received a petition for 
rulemaking (Petition) filed by Federal Signal Corporation (Federal 
Signal) requesting that the Commission amend its rules to allocate 
Channel 200 (87.9 MHz) for the use and operation of an Emergency Radio 
Data System (ERDS) by public safety licensees. On September 14, 1999, 
the Commission issued a Public Notice instructing parties interested in 
commenting on Federal Signal's Petition to do so within thirty days 
(i.e., by October 14, 1999). Consequently, Federal Signal had until 
October 29, 1999, to file reply comments. On October 25, 1999, the 
Commission received a Motion for Extension of Time filed by Federal 
Signal.
    2. Federal Signal requests that the Commission grant a ten day 
extension of time until November 8, 1999, for filing a reply to those 
comments filed in opposition to its Petition. Federal Signal maintains 
that several of the comments raise technical and engineering concerns 
that will require considerable preparation by its consulting engineers, 
and that an additional ten-days would afford it more adequate time to 
prepare a full and complete reply in order that the Commission may 
develop as complete a record as possible. In addition, Federal Signal 
only recently became apprised of comments which were filed with the 
Commission, but not served on Federal Signal's counsel as required by 
Sec. 1.405(a) of the Commission's rules. Finally, Federal Signal 
indicates that no party will be prejudiced by grant of a ten-day 
extension.
    3. It is the policy of the Commission that extensions of time are 
not routinely granted. Upon review, however, we agree that a ten-day 
extension, until November 8, 1999, would afford Federal Signal the 
necessary time to prepare and file a responsive and complete reply in 
this proceeding.
    4. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that, pursuant to Sec. 1.46 of 
the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.46, the Motion for Extension of Time 
filed by Federal Signal on October 25, 1999, is granted. Parties shall 
file reply comments no later than November 8, 1999.
    5. This action is taken under delegated authority pursuant to 
Secs. 0.131 and 0.331 of the Commission's rules.

    Federal Communications Commission.
Herb Zeiler,
Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless 
Telecommunications Bureau.
[FR Doc. 99-28796 Filed 11-3-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P