[Federal Register Volume 69, Number 152 (Monday, August 9, 2004)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 48188-48192]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 04-17075]



[[Page 48188]]

=======================================================================
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 1, 63, and 64

[IB Docket No. 04-226; FCC 04-133]


Mandatory Electronic Filing for International Telecommunications 
Services and Other International Filings

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY: This document is a summary of the Notice of Proposed 
Rulemaking adopted by the Commission in this proceeding. The Commission 
seeks comment on the proposals to eliminate paper filings and require 
applicants to file electronically all applications and other filings 
related to international telecommunications services. The Commission 
initiated this proceeding to further its goals to increase the 
efficiency of application processing and to expedite the availability 
of the application information for public use and inspection.

DATES: Comments are due on or before October 8, 2004, and reply 
comments are due on or before November 8, 2004. Written comments on the 
Paperwork Reduction Act proposed information collection requirements 
must be submitted by the public, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), 
and other interested parties on or before October 8, 2004.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. In addition to filing comments with the 
Secretary, a copy of any comments on the Paperwork Reduction Act 
information collection requirements contained herein should be 
submitted to Judith B. Herman, Federal Communications Commission, Room 
1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554, or via the Internet 
to [email protected], and to Kristy L. LaLonde, OMB Desk Officer, 
Room 10234 NEOB, 725 17th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20503, via the 
Internet to [email protected], or via fax at 202-395-5167.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: JoAnn Ekblad, Peggy Reitzel, or John 
Copes, Policy Division, International Bureau, and (202) 418-1460. For 
information concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act information 
collection requirements contained in this document, contact Judith B. 
Herman at (202) 418-0214, or via the Internet at 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking in IB Docket No.04-226, FCC 04-133, adopted June 
10, 2004 and released June 30, 2004. The full text of this Commission 
decision is available for inspection and copying during normal business 
hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room CY-A257), 445 12th Street, SW., 
Washington, DC 20554. The document is also available for download over 
the Internet at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-04-70.pdf. The complete text may also be purchased from the 
Commission's copy contractor, Best Copy and Printing, Inc., in person 
at 445 12th Street, SW., Room CY-B402, Washington, DC 20554, via 
telephone at (202) 488-5300, via facsimile at (202) 488-5563, or via e-
mail at [email protected]. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) 
contains proposed information collections subject to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), Public Law 104-3. It will be submitted to 
the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review under the PRA. 
OMB, the general public, and other Federal agencies are invited to 
comment on the proposed information collections contained in this 
proceeding.

Background

    In the NPRM, the Commission proposes to eliminate paper filings and 
require applicants to file electronically all applications and other 
filings related to international telecommunications services via the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). Specifically, the Commission 
proposes to accept only electronically filed accounting rate changes, 
requests for assignment of a data network identification code, foreign 
carrier notifications, applications related to International Section 
214 authorizations, applications related to submarine cable landing 
licenses, requests for recognized operating agency status, requests for 
assignment of an international signaling point code, and other 
associated filings.
    The NPRM describes the benefits of electronic filing. The 
Commission concludes that mandatory electronic filing will further the 
Commission's goals to increase the efficiency of application processing 
and to expedite the availability of the application information for 
public use and inspection. Also, the Commission concludes that 
electronic filing would not impose any undue burdens on parties. The 
Commission seeks comment on these tentative conclusions and its 
proposal to mandate electronic filing for all international filings 
described in the NPRM.
    The NPRM describes the variety of applications and reports that 
applicants and authorized carriers must file with the Commission in 
connection with international telecommunications services. The NPRM 
contains a list of those filings for which mandatory electronic 
submission will be required through IBFS. In addition, the NPRM 
contains a list of filings that currently are not available for 
electronic submission. As a practical matter, the Commission cannot 
require mandatory electronic filing for any type of service until an 
IBFS electronic filing for is available, however the Commission is 
developing electronic forms for these submissions. The Commission seeks 
comments on making mandatory the electronic filing of those submissions 
currently processed manually.
    The NPRM proposes to continue the Commission's policies for the 
confidential treatment of certain materials. Currently, IBFS does not 
accommodate confidential filings, but the Commission intends to develop 
the capability of IBFS to accommodate confidentially filed pleadings 
and applications. The NPRM seeks comment on this proposal.
    The NPRM seeks comment on whether it would be necessary to 
implement a transition period to allow applicants and carriers to 
adjust to any changes to the rules. The NPRM proposes a 60-day 
transition period. The NPRM also proposes that, after the 60-day 
transition period, any filings received manually will be returned to 
the applicant or carrier without processing. The NPRM proposes to 
require mandatory electronic filing for those filings for which an IBFS 
form exists and will require additional filings to be made 
electronically as new IBFS forms are introduced. As each new IBFS form 
becomes available for electronic use, we propose to issue a public 
notice announcing the new electronic features.
    Finally, the NPRM seeks comment on whether we should adopt a waiver 
process to allow an applicant to request a waiver of the proposed 
mandatory electronic filing requirements.

Procedural Matters

Initial Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis

    This document contains proposed information collection 
requirements. The Commission, as part of its continuing effort to 
reduce paperwork burdens, invites the general public and the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) to comment on the information

[[Page 48189]]

collection requirements contained in this document, as required by the 
Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Public Law 104-13. Public and 
agency comments are due on or before October 8, 2004. Comments should 
address: (a) Whether the proposed collection of information is 
necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the 
Commission, including whether the information shall have practical 
utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimates; (c) 
ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information 
collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of 
information on the respondents, including the use of automated 
collection techniques or other forms of information technology. In 
addition, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, 
Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), we seek specific comment 
on how we might ``further reduce the information collection burden for 
small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.''
    OMB Control Number: 3060-0454.
    Title: Regulation of International Accounting Rates.
    Form No.: Not applicable.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 760.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 1 hour.
    Frequency of Response: Quarterly, annual, on occasion.
    Total Annual Burden: 760 hours.
    Total Annual Costs: n/a.
    Needs and Uses: The information will be used by the Commission 
staff to monitor the international accounting rates to insure that the 
public interest is being served and also to enforce Commission 
policies. New Internet filing forms will allow all interested persons 
to file electronically via the International Bureau Filing System 
(IBFS).

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0357.
    Title: Request for Designation as a Recognized Private Operating 
Agency--Section 63.701.
    Form No.: Not applicable.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 30.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 150 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Total Annual Burden: 4,500 hours.
    Total Annual Costs: N/A.
    Needs and Uses: The information is needed by the Commission in 
making a determination to submit to the U.S. Department of State 
whether or not to designate persons requesting recognized private 
operating agency (RPOA) status. New Internet filing forms will allow 
all interested persons to file electronically via the International 
Bureau Filing System (IBFS).

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0686.
    Title: Streamlining the International Section 214 Authorization 
Process and Tariff Requirements.
    Form No.: Not applicable.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 760.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 6,307 hours.
    Frequency of Response: Quarterly, annual, on occasion.
    Total Annual Burden: 142,169 hours.
    Total Annual Costs: N/A.
    Needs and Uses: The information will be used by the Commission 
staff in carrying out its duties under the Communications Act and the 
Submarine Cable Landing License Act. New Internet filing forms will 
allow all interested persons to file electronically via the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0944.
    Title: Review of Commission Consideration of Applications under the 
Cable Landing License Act.
    Form No.: Not applicable.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 271.
    Estimated Time Per Response: 95 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion.
    Total Annual Burden: 25,745 hours.
    Total Annual Costs: N/A.
    Needs and Uses: The information will be used by the Commission 
staff in carrying out its duties under the Communications Act and the 
Submarine Cable Landing License Act. New Internet filing forms will 
allow all interested persons to file electronically via the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).

    OMB Control Number: 3060-1029.
    Title: Data Network Identification Code.
    Form No.: Not applicable.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 5.
    Estimated Time Per Response: .25 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.
    Total Annual Burden: 1 hour.
    Total Annual Costs: N/A.
    Needs and Uses: A Data Network Identification Code (DNIC) is a 
unique, four-digit code designed to provide discreet identification of 
individual public data networks. The DNIC is intended to identify and 
permit automated switching of data traffic to particular networks. The 
Commission grants the DNIC's to operators of public data networks on an 
international protocol. The operators of public data networks file an 
application for a DNIC on the electronic, Internet-based International 
Bureau Filing System (IBFS). The DNIC is obtained free of charge on a 
one-time only basis unless there is a change in ownership or the owner 
chooses to relinquish the code to the Commission. New Internet filing 
forms will allow all interested persons to file electronically via the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).

    OMB Control Number: 3060-1028.
    Title: International Signaling Point Code.
    Form No.: Not applicable.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 40.
    Estimated Time Per Response: .166 hours (10 minutes).
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; third-
party disclosure requirement.
    Total Annual Burden: 7 hours.
    Total Annual Costs: N/A.
    Needs and Uses: The International Signaling Point Code (ISPC) is a 
signaling point code with a unique format used at the international 
level for signaling message routing and identification of signaling 
points involved. The ISPC consists of a unique, seven-digit code, 
synonymous with a telephone area code that identifies each 
international carrier. The Commission assigns ISPC's to international 
carriers in response to their filing of an ISPC application on the 
electronic, Internet-based International Bureau Filing System. The 
Commission issues the code to international carriers free of charge on 
a first-come, first-served basis and informs the International 
Telecommunications Union (ITU) of its actions. New Internet filing 
forms will allow all interested persons to file electronically via the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).

[[Page 48190]]

Initial Regulatory Flexibility Certification

    The Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as amended (RFA) requires 
that a Regulatory Flexibility Act analysis be prepared for notice-and-
comment rule making proceedings, unless the agency certifies that ``the 
rule will not, if promulgated, have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities.'' See 5 U.S.C. 601-602, has been 
amended by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 
1996 (SBREFA), Public Law No. 104-121, Title II, 110 Stat. 857 (1996). 
The RFA generally defines the term ``small entity'' as having the same 
meaning as the terms ``small business,'' ``small organization,'' and 
``small governmental jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small 
business'' has the same meaning as the term ``small business concern'' 
under the Small Business Act. A ``small business concern'' is one 
which: (1) Is independently owned and operated; (2) is not dominant in 
its field of operation; and (3) satisfies any additional criteria 
established by the Small Business Administration (SBA). See 5 U.S.C. 
601(3) (incorporating by reference the definition of ``small-business 
concern'' in the Small Business Act, 15 U.S.C. 632). Pursuant to 5 
U.S.C. 601(3), the statutory definition of a small business applies 
``unless an agency, after consultation with the Office of Advocacy of 
the Small Business Administration and after opportunity for public 
comment, establishes one or more definitions of such terms which are 
appropriate to the activities of the agency and publishes such 
definition(s) in the Federal Register.''
    In this International E-Filing NPRM, the Commission seeks comment 
on possible changes to its rules to require mandatory electronic filing 
for international telecommunications services. As discussed above, the 
Commission has continued to make technological advancements in the area 
of electronic filing. In this proceeding we have sought to further 
streamline the filing processes.
    The rule changes discussed in the International E-Filing NPRM, if 
adopted, would require the mandatory electronic filing for applications 
and reports associated with international telecommunications services. 
The proposal in the International E-Filing NPRM seeks comment on these 
proposed changes. We believe that the proposals are in the public 
interest and would not impose undue burdens on all carriers required to 
file for international telecommunications services pursuant to our 
rules, including those carriers that are small entities. Further, any 
burdens caused by implementation of these proposals might be offset by 
the fact that services to the public would likely be expedited. 
Therefore, we certify that the proposals in this International E-Filing 
NPRM, if adopted, would not have a significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of entities. The Commission will send a copy of the 
International E-Filing NPRM, including this initial certification, to 
the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration. In 
addition, the International E-Filing NPRM (or summary) and initial 
certification will be published in the Federal Register.

Ordering Clauses

    Accordingly, pursuant to the authority contained in sections 1, 
4(i), 4(j), 11, 201-205, 211, 214, 219, 220, 303(r), 309, and 403 of 
the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 
154(j), 161, 201-205, 211, 214, 219, 220, 303(r), 309 and 403, this 
notice of proposed rulemaking is hereby adopted and comments are 
requested as described above.
    The Commission's Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, 
Reference Information Center, shall send a copy of this notice of 
proposed rulemaking, including the Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Certification, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business 
Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Parts 1, 63, and 64

    Communications common carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping 
requirements, Telecommunications.

Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Deputy Secretary.

Rule Changes

    For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal 
Communications Commission proposes to amend 47 CFR parts 1, 63, and 64 
as follows:

PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

    1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155, 225, 303(r), 309 
and 325(e)

    .2. Section 1.767 is amended by revising paragraph (a) introductory 
text to read as follows:


Sec.  1.767  Cable landing licenses.

    (a) Applications for cable landing licenses under 47 U.S.C. 34-39 
and Executive Order No. 10530, dated May 10, 1954, should be filed in 
accordance with the provisions of that Executive Order. Applications 
must be filed electronically through the International Bureau Filing 
System (IBFS). For information on IBFS filing procedures, see generally 
subpart Y of this part, particularly Sec.  1.10009, and the IBFS 
homepage at www.fcc.gov/ibfs. These applications should contain the 
following information:
* * * * *
    3. Section 1.10000 is amended by redesignating paragraphs (f) and 
(g) as (g) and (h) respectively, and by adding a new paragraph (f) to 
read as follows:


Sec.  1.10000  What is the purpose of these rules?

* * * * *
    (f) These rules require electronic filing for all international 
section 214 authority, submarine cable landing licenses, other 
applications for international telecommunications services, and 
associated filings for which electronic forms are available through 
IBFS.
* * * * *
    4. Section 1.10006 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  1.10006  Is electronic filing mandatory?

    Electronic filing through the International Bureau Filing System 
(IBFS) is mandatory for: satellite license applications other than DBS 
and DARS applications; applications for earth stations to access a non-
U.S. satellite not currently authorized to provide the proposed service 
in the proposed frequencies in the United States; routine earth station 
applications; international accounting rate change filings; 
applications related to submarine cable landing license applications; 
requests for assignment of data network identification codes; foreign 
carrier affiliation notification filings; applications related to 
international section 214 applications; international signaling point 
code filings; and recognized operating agency filings. Except for these 
applications, electronic filing is voluntary at this time. However, we 
encourage you to use IBFS to increase time-savings and efficiencies.

[[Page 48191]]

PART 63--EXTENSION OF LINES, NEW LINES AND DISCONTINUANCE, 
REDUCTION, OUTAGE AND IMPAIRMENT OF SERVICE BY COMMON CARRIERS: AND 
GRANTS OF RECOGNIZED PRIVATE OPERATING AGENCY STATUS

    5. The authority citation for part 63 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: Sections 1, 4(i), 4(j), 10, 11, 201, 205, 214, 218, 
403 and 651 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 
151, 154(i), 154(j), 160, 201, 205, 214, 218, 403, and 571, unless 
otherwise noted.

    6. Section 63.11 is amended by revising paragraph (g) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  63.11  Notification by and prior approval for U.S. international 
carriers that are or propose to become affiliated with a foreign 
carrier.

* * * * *
    (g) You must submit your notification electronically through the 
International Bureau Filing System (IFBS). For additional information 
on IBFS filing procedures, refer to the rules in part 1, subpart Y, of 
this chapter and the IBFS homepage at www.fcc.gov/ibfs.
* * * * *
    7. Section 63.18 is amended by revising the introductory paragraph 
to read as follows:


Sec.  63.18  Contents of applications for international common 
carriers.

    Except as otherwise provided in this part, any party seeking 
authority pursuant to Section 214 of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, to construct a new line, or acquire or operate any line, or 
engage in transmission over or by means of such additional line for the 
provision of common carrier communications services between the United 
States, its territories or possessions, and a foreign point shall 
request such authority by formal application. The application shall be 
filed electronically through the International Bureau Filing System 
(IBFS). For information on IBFS filing procedures, see generally part 
1, subpart Y, of this chapter, particularly Sec.  1.10009, and the IBFS 
homepage at www.fcc.gov/ibfs. The application shall be accompanied by a 
statement showing how the grant of the application will serve the 
public interest, convenience, and necessity. Such statement shall 
consist of the following information, as applicable:
* * * * *
    8. Section 63.20 is amended by revising the section heading and 
paragraph (a) to read as follows:


Sec.  63.20  Fees and filing periods for international service 
providers.

    (a) Each application shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed in 
subpart G of part 1 of this chapter.
* * * * *
    9. Section 63.21 is amended by revising paragraphs (a), (h) and (i) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  63.21  Conditions applicable to all international Section 214 
authorizations.

* * * * *
    (a) Each carrier is responsible for the continuing accuracy of the 
certifications made in its application. Whenever the substance of any 
such certification is no longer accurate, the carrier shall as promptly 
as possible and, in any event, within thirty days, electronically file 
with the Commission through the International Bureau Filing System 
(IBFS) a corrected certification referencing the FCC file number under 
which the original certification was provided. The information may be 
used by the Commission to determine whether a change in regulatory 
status may be warranted under Sec.  63.10. See also Sec.  63.11.
* * * * *
    (h) Subject to the requirement of Sec.  63.10 that a carrier 
regulated as dominant along a route must provide service as an entity 
that is separate from its foreign carrier affiliate, and subject to any 
other structural-separation requirement in Commission regulations, an 
authorized carrier may provide service through any wholly owned direct 
or indirect subsidiaries. The carrier shall, within 30 days after the 
subsidiary begins providing service, electronically file a notification 
with the Commission through IBFS referencing the authorized carrier's 
name and the FCC file numbers under which the carrier's authorizations 
were granted and identifying the subsidiary's name and place of legal 
organization. This provision shall not be construed to authorize the 
provision of service by any entity barred by statute or regulation from 
itself holding an authorization or providing service.
    (i) An authorized carrier, or a subsidiary operating pursuant to 
paragraph (h) of this section, that changes its name (including the 
name under which it is doing business) shall electronically notify the 
Commission within 30 days of the name change. Such notification shall 
reference the FCC file numbers under which the carrier's authorizations 
were granted.
    10. Section 63.24 is amended by revising paragraphs (e)(4) and 
(f)(2) introductory text to read as follows:


Sec.  63.24  Assignments and transfers of control.

* * * * *
    (e) * * *
    (4) An assignee or transferee shall electronically notify the 
Commission through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) no 
later than 30 days after either consummation of the proposed assignment 
or transfer of control, or a decision not to consummate the proposed 
assignment or transfer of control. The notification shall identify the 
file numbers under which the initial authorization and the 
authorization of the assignment or transfer of control were granted.
    (f) * * *
    (2) A pro forma assignee or a carrier that is subject to a pro 
forma transfer of control shall electronically notify the Commission of 
such pro forma transfer through the International Filing System (IBFS) 
no later than 30 days after the assignment or transfer is completed. 
The notification must contain the following:
* * * * *
    11. Section 63.25 is amended by revising paragraphs (b) and (d)(2) 
to read as follows:


Sec.  63.25  Special provisions relating to temporary or emergency 
service by international carriers.

* * * * *
    (b) Requests for immediate authority for temporary service or for 
emergency service are required to be filed electronically through the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) setting forth why such 
immediate authority is required, the nature of the emergency, the type 
of facilities proposed to be used, the route kilometers thereof, the 
terminal communities to be served, and airline kilometers between such 
communities; how these points are currently being served by the 
applicant or other carriers, the need for the proposed service, the 
cost involved including any rentals, the date on which the service is 
to begin, and where known, the date or approximate date on which the 
service is to terminate. For information on IBFS filing procedures, see 
generally part 1, subpart Y, of this chapter, particularly Sec.  
1.10009, and the IBFS homepage at www.fcc.gov/ibfs.
* * * * *
    (d) * * *
    (2) Such request is required to be filed electronically through the 
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) making reference to this 
paragraph and setting forth the points between which the applicant 
desires to operate facilities of other carriers and the nature of the 
traffic to be handled. For information on IBFS filing procedures, see 
generally

[[Page 48192]]

part 1, subpart Y, particularly Sec.  1.10009, and the IBFS homepage at 
www.fcc.gov/ibfs.
* * * * *
    12. Section 63.50 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  63.50  Amendment of applications.

    Any application may be amended as a matter of right prior to the 
date of any final action taken by the Commission or designation for 
hearing. Amendments to applications shall be filed electronically 
through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). For information 
on IBFS filing procedures, see generally part 1, subpart Y, of this 
chapter, particularly Sec.  1.10009, and the IBFS homepage at 
www.fcc.gov/ibfs. If a petition to deny or other formal objections have 
been filed to the application, the amendment shall be served on the 
parties.
    13. Section 63.51 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  63.51  Additional Information.

* * * * *
    (c) You must submit electronically through the International Bureau 
Filing System (IBFS) any additional information which the Commission 
may require.
    14. Section 63.53 is revised to read as follows:


Sec.  63.53  Form.

    Applications for international service under Section 214 of the 
Communications Act must be filed electronically on the Internet through 
the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). You are not required to 
send the original or any copies with your fee payment. For information 
on filing your application through IBFS, see part 1, subpart Y, of this 
chapter, and the IBFS homepage at www.fcc.gov/ibfs.
    15. Section 63.701 is amended by revising the introductory 
paragraph to read as follows:


Sec.  63.701  Contents of application.

    Except as otherwise provided in this part, any party requesting 
designation as a recognized operating agency within the meaning of the 
International Telecommunication Convention shall request such 
designation. Such designation is required to be filed electronically 
through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). For information 
on IBFS filing procedures, see generally part 1, subpart Y, of this 
chapter, particularly Sec.  1.10009, and the IBFS homepage at 
www.fcc.gov/ibfs. A request for designation as a recognized operating 
agency within the meaning of the International Telecommunication 
Convention shall include a statement of the nature of the services to 
be provided and a statement that the applicant is aware that it is 
obligated under Article 6 of the ITU Constitution to obey the mandatory 
provisions thereof, and all regulations promulgated thereunder, and a 
pledge that it will engage in no conduct or operations that contravene 
such mandatory provisions and that it will otherwise obey the 
Convention and regulations in all respects. The applicant must also 
include a statement that it is aware that failure to comply will result 
in an order from the Federal Communications Commission to cease and 
desist from future violations of an ITU regulation and may result in 
revocation of its recognized private operating agency status by the 
United States Department of State. Such statement must include the 
following information where applicable:
* * * * *

PART 64--MISCELLANEOUS RULES RELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS

    16. The authority citation for part 64 continues to read as 
follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 254(k); secs. 403(b)(2)(B), (c), 
Public Law 104-104, 110 Stat. 56. Interpret or apply 47 U.S.C. 201, 
218, 225, 226, 228, and 254(k) unless otherwise noted.

    17. Section 64.1001 is amended by revising paragraph (a) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  64.1001  Requests to modify international settlement 
arrangements.

    (a) The procedures set forth in this rule apply to carriers that 
are required to file with the International Bureau, pursuant to Sec.  
43.51(e) of this chapter, requests to modify international settlement 
arrangements. Any operating agreement or amendment for which a 
modification request is required to be filed cannot become effective 
until the modification request has been granted under paragraph (e) of 
this section. You are required to file a modification electronically 
through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). For information 
on filing your modification through IBFS, see part 1, subpart Y, of 
this chapter, and the IBFS homepage at www.fcc.gov/ibfs.
* * * * *
    18. Section 64.1002 is amended by revising paragraph (c) to read as 
follows:


Sec.  64.1002  International settlements policy.

* * * * *
    (c) A carrier that seeks to add a U.S. international route to the 
list of routes that are exempt from the international settlements 
policy shall make its request in writing to the International Bureau, 
accompanied by a showing that a U.S. carrier has entered into a 
benchmark-compliant settlement rate agreement with a foreign carrier 
that possesses market power in the country at the foreign end of the 
U.S. international route that is the subject of the request. The 
required showing shall consist of an effective accounting rate 
modification, filed pursuant to Sec.  64.1001 of this part, that 
includes a settlement rate that is at or below the Commission's 
benchmark settlement rate adopted for that country in IB Docket No. 96-
261, Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 19,806, 62 FR 45758, Aug. 29, 1997, 
available on the International Bureau's World Wide Web site at http://www.fcc.gov/ib. The request is required to be filed electronically 
through the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS). For information 
on IBFS filing procedures, see generally part 1, subpart Y, of this 
chapter, particularly Sec.  1.10009, and the IBFS homepage at 
www.fcc.gov/ibfs.
* * * * *
[FR Doc. 04-17075 Filed 8-6-04; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P