[Federal Register Volume 78, Number 125 (Friday, June 28, 2013)]
[Notices]
[Pages 39020-39021]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2013-15449]


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POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION

[Docket No. MT2011-2; Order No. 1755]


Market Test on Gift Cards

AGENCY: Postal Regulatory Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Commission is noticing a recent Postal Service filing 
requesting a temporary extension of a market test on gift cards. This 
notice informs the public of the filing, invites public comment, and 
takes other administrative steps.

DATES: Comments are due: July 8, 2013.

ADDRESSES: Submit comments electronically via the Commission's Filing 
Online system at http://www.prc.gov. Those who cannot submit comments 
electronically should contact the person identified in the FOR FURTHER 
INFORMATION CONTACT section by telephone for advice on filing 
alternatives.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Stephen L. Sharfman, General Counsel, 
at 202-789-6820.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: On June 18, 2013, the United States Postal 
Service moved to temporarily extend its Gift Card market test under 39 
U.S.C. 3641(d).\1\ The market test is set to expire June 27, 2013. 
Motion at 1. The impending expiration date prompts the Postal Service 
to request an extension of the market test until January 31, 2014. Id. 
at 2. In addition, the Postal Service requests a waiver of 39 U.S.C. 
3641(d)(2), which requires that requests to extend market tests be 
submitted not later than 60 days before the date on which the market 
test would otherwise expire. Id.
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    \1\ Motion of the United States Postal Service for Temporary 
Extension of Gift Cards Market Test, June 18, 2013 (Motion). See 
also Order No. 721, Order Authorizing Gift Card Market Test, April 
28, 2011.
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    In support of its Motion, the Postal Service states it ``needs more 
time to determine the impact of its efforts to improve sales, as well 
as the demand for closed loop cards.'' Id. It contends an extension 
would not prejudice any party. Id. at 3.
    The Commission will grant a 1-month extension of the Gift Card 
market test, through July 27, 2013. Given the short deadline before the 
market test would otherwise terminate, the extension will afford 
interested persons an opportunity to comment on the Motion. Such 
comments are due no later than July 8, 2013.
    Robert N. Sidman, previously designated to serve as Public 
Representative in this proceeding, will continue to serve in that 
capacity.

Dissenting Opinion of Commissioner Langley

    I support the Postal Service seeking new revenue streams. However, 
as I indicated initially, in Order No. 721, section 404(e)(2) prohibits 
the Postal Service from offering any new nonpostal services and this 
prohibition applies to experimental offerings. See Order No. 721, Order 
Authorizing Gift Card Market Test, Dissenting Opinion of Commissioner 
Blair and Commissioner Langley, April 28, 2011.

[Signed] Commissioner Nanci E. Langley

    It is ordered:
    1. The Commission grants an extension until July 27, 2013 to the 
expiration date of the market test of Gift Cards.
    2. Comments by interested persons are due no later than July 8, 
2013.

[[Page 39021]]

    3. Robert N. Sidman, previously designated pursuant to 39 U.S.C. 
505 as an officer of the Commission (Public Representative), will 
continue to serve in that capacity.
    4. The Secretary shall arrange for publication of this notice and 
order in the Federal Register.

    By the Commission.
Ruth Ann Abrams,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2013-15449 Filed 6-27-13; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 7710-FW-P