[Federal Register Volume 68, Number 44 (Thursday, March 6, 2003)]
[Notices]
[Pages 10724-10725]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 03-5240]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 98-171, 90-571, 92-237, 99-200, 95-116, 98-170, 
NSD File No. L-00-72; FCC 03-31]


Commission Seeks Comment on Staff Study Regarding Alternative 
Contribution Methodologies

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice; solicitation of comments.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission seeks comment on a staff 
study relating to alternative methodologies for calculating 
contributions to the federal universal service support mechanisms. We 
urge commenters to comment on the staff analysis of assessment levels 
under each approach and on the assumptions underlying these 
projections. Commenters are encouraged to provide their own estimates, 
projections, and data supporting or refuting the projections.

DATES: Comments are due on or before March 31, 2003. Reply comments are 
due on or before April 18, 2003.

ADDRESSES: All filings must be sent to the Commission's Secretary: 
Marlene H. Dortch, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications 
Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Suite TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554. 
See SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION for filing instructions.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Diane Law Hsu, Deputy Division Chief, 
or Paul Garnett, Attorney, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, 
Wireline Competition Bureau, (202) 418-7400, TTY: (202) 418-0484.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Public 
Notice in CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 98-171, 90-571, 92-237, 99-200, 95-116, 
98-170, and NSD File No. L-00-72 released February 26, 2003. In this 
Public Notice, the Commission seeks comment on a staff study relating 
to alternative methodologies for calculating contributions to the 
federal universal service support mechanisms. We urge commenters to 
comment on the staff analysis of assessment levels under each approach 
and on the assumptions underlying these projections. Commenters are 
encouraged to provide their own estimates, projections, and data 
supporting or refuting the projections.
    In the Report and Order and Second Further Notice, 67 FR 79525, 
December 30, 2002, the Commission adopted interim measures to maintain 
the viability of universal service in the near term. In addition to 
seeking comment on whether to retain a revenue-based system, the 
Commission invited comment on specific aspects of three connection-
based proposals. The Commission first asked for comment on a proposed 
contribution methodology that would impose a minimum contribution 
obligation on all interstate telecommunications carriers and a flat 
charge for each end-user connection depending on the nature or capacity 
of the connection. Next, the Commission sought comment on a proposal to 
assess all connections based purely on capacity. Under this proposal, 
contribution obligations for each switched end-user connection would be 
shared between access and transport providers. Finally, the Commission 
sought comment on a proposal to assess providers of switched 
connections based on their working telephone numbers.
    To facilitate discussion and analysis of the various alternatives 
discussed in the Second Further Notice, Commission staff has developed 
a working paper that estimates potential assessment levels under the 
newly modified revenue-based system and three connection-based 
proposals. The assumptions underlying the study are described in the 
staff paper. The study, and its underlying assumptions were created for 
the sole purpose of developing a more detailed record addressing these 
issues in the docket, and do not represent the policies or preferences 
of the Commission, Commissioners, or the staff.
    We seek comment on the study, as well as its underlying 
assumptions. We specifically ask commenters to analyze the modeled 
assessment levels, burdens on residential and business customers, and 
projected industry shares under each approach. To further assist 
commenters in analyzing the study, the staff spreadsheet that generated 
the study is available on the Commission's Web site for downloading at 
http://www.fcc.gov/wcb/universal_service/welcome.html. This 
spreadsheet will provide access to the formulas utilized in the study 
and allow commenters to observe how changes to assumptions impact 
assessment levels and burdens. We recognize that estimates could differ 
significantly if different assumptions are utilized. We invite 
commenters to submit their own data and reasoning supporting or 
disagreeing with the various projections and assumptions. Comments 
submitted in response to this Public Notice shall be incorporated into 
the record for the Second Further Notice.
    Pursuant to Sec. Sec.  1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission's rules, 
interested parties may file comments on or before March 31, 2003, and 
reply comments on or before April 18, 2003. Comments may be filed using 
the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing 
paper copies.
    Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file 
via the Internet to <http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html. 
Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. If 
multiple docket or rulemaking numbers appear in the caption of this 
proceeding, however, commenters must transmit one electronic copy of 
the comments to each docket or rulemaking number referenced in the 
caption. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should 
include their full name, U.S. Postal Service mailing address, and the 
applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit an 
electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions for 
e-mail comments, commenters should send an e-mail to [email protected], and 
should include the following words in the body of the message, ``get 
form .'' A sample form and directions 
will be sent in reply.
    Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four 
copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number 
appears in the caption of this proceeding, commenters must submit two 
additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. 
Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by commercial 
overnight courier, or by first-class or overnight U.S. Postal Service 
mail (although we continue to experience delays in receiving U.S. 
Postal Service mail). The Commission's contractor, Vistronix, Inc., 
will receive hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for 
the Commission's Secretary at 236 Massachusetts Avenue, NE., Suite 110, 
Washington, DC 20002. The filing

[[Page 10725]]

hours at this location are 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. All hand deliveries must be 
held together with rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes must be 
disposed of before entering the building. Commercial overnight mail 
(other than U.S. Postal Service Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be 
sent to 9300 East Hampton Drive, Capitol Heights, MD 20743. U.S. Postal 
Service first-class mail, Express Mail, and Priority Mail should be 
addressed to 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. All filings 
must be addressed to the Commission's Secretary, Marlene H. Dortch, 
Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
    Parties also must send three paper copies of their filing to Sheryl 
Todd, Telecommunications Access Policy Division, Wireline Competition 
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Room 5-
B540, Washington, DC 20554. In addition, commenters must send diskette 
copies to the Commission's copy contractor, Qualex International, 
Portals II, 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554. 
This is a permit but disclose rulemaking proceeding. Ex parte 
presentations are permitted, except during the Sunshine Agenda period, 
provided that they are disclosed as provided in the Commission's rules.

    Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Deputy Secretary.
[FR Doc. 03-5240 Filed 3-5-03; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P