[The Regulatory Plan and Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions] [Federal Communications Commission Semiannual Regulatory Agenda] [From the U.S. Government Printing Office, www.gpo.gov] [[Page 74851]] Part LII Federal Communications Commission _______________________________________________________________________ Semiannual Regulatory Agenda [[Page 74852]]FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION (FCC) _______________________________________________________________________ FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Ch. I Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions -- October 2000 AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Semiannual regulatory agenda. _______________________________________________________________________ SUMMARY: Twice a year, in April and October, the Commission publishes in the Federal Register a list in the Unified Agenda of those major items and other significant proceedings under development or review that pertain to the Regulatory Flexibility Act. See 5 U.S.C. 602. The Unified Agenda also provides the Code of Federal Regulations citations and legal authorities that govern these proceedings. ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Helen G. Hillegass, Attorney Advisor, Office of Communications Business Opportunities, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554, (202) 418-0990. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: Unified Agenda of Major and Other Significant Proceedings The Commission encourages public participation in its rulemaking process. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings, the Commission has prepared a list of important proceedings now in progress. The General Services Administration publishes the Unified Agenda in the Federal Register in April and October of each year. The following terms may be helpful in understanding the status of the proceedings included in this report: Docket Number -- assigned to a proceeding if the Commission has issued either a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking or a Notice of Inquiry concerning the matter under consideration. The Commission has used docket numbers since January 1, 1978. Docket numbers consist of the last two digits of the calendar year in which the docket was established plus a sequential number that begins at 1 with the first docket initiated during a calendar year (e.g., Docket No. 96-1 or Docket No. 99-1). The abbreviation for the responsible bureau usually precedes the docket number, as in ``MM Docket No. 96-222,'' which indicates that the responsible bureau is the Mass Media Bureau. A docket number consisting of only five digits (e.g., Docket No. 29622) indicates that the docket was established before January 1, 1978. Notice of Inquiry (NOI) -- issued by the Commission when it is seeking information on a broad subject or trying to generate ideas on a given topic. A comment period is specified during which all interested parties may submit comments. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) -- issued by the Commission when it is proposing a specific change to Commission rules and regulations. Before any changes are actually made, interested parties may submit written comments on the proposed revisions. Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) -- issued by the Commission when additional comment in the proceeding is sought. Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O) -- issued by the Commission to deny a petition for rulemaking, conclude an inquiry, modify a decision, or address a petition for reconsideration of a decision. Rulemaking (RM) Number -- assigned to a proceeding after the appropriate bureau or office has reviewed a petition for rulemaking, but before the Commission has taken action on the petition. Report and Order (R&O) -- issued by the Commission to state a new or amended rule or state that the Commission rules and regulations will not be revised. Magalie Roman Salas, Secretary, Federal Communications Commission. CABLE SERVICES BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4459 Cable Television Rate Regulation................................................... 3060-AF41 4460 Cable Television Rate Regulation: Cost of Service.................................. 3060-AF48 4461 Customer Service Standards......................................................... 3060-AF69 4462 Cable Home Wiring.................................................................. 3060-AG02 4463 Closed Captioning.................................................................. 3060-AG26 4464 Cable Act Reform................................................................... 3060-AG27 4465 Competitive Availability of Navigation Devices..................................... 3060-AG28 4466 Pole Attachment Provisions......................................................... 3060-AG71 4467 Digital Must Carry................................................................. 3060-AG91 4468 Horizontal Ownership Limits........................................................ 3060-AH09 4469 Application of Network Nonduplication, Syndicated Exclusivity, and Sports Blackout 3060-AH35 Rules to Satellite Retransmission - SHVIA........................................... 4470 Retransmission Consent Issues - SHVIA.............................................. 3060-AH36 4471 Satellite Broadcasting Signal Carriage Requirements................................ 3060-AH45 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 74853]] CABLE SERVICES BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4472 Over-the-Air Reception Devices..................................................... 3060-AG24 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMON CARRIER BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4473 Administration of the North American Numbering Plan................................ 3060-AF50 4474 Use of N11 Codes and Other Abbreviated Dialing Arrangements........................ 3060-AF51 4475 Implementation of the Universal Service Portions of the 1996 Telecommunications Act 3060-AF85 4476 Toll-Free Service Access Codes..................................................... 3060-AG11 4477 Implementation of Section 273 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996................ 3060-AG36 4478 Implementation of Non-Accounting Safeguards, Sec. 271 & 272 of Communications Act 3060-AG37 of 1996 & Regulatory Treatment of LEC Provisions of Interexchange Svcs. Orig. in LEC Local Exch. Area.................................................................... 4479 Policies and Rules Governing Interstate Pay-Per-Call and Other Information Services 3060-AG42 Pursuant to the Telecommunications Act of 1996...................................... 4480 Telecommunications Carriers' Use of Customer Proprietary Network Information and 3060-AG43 Other Customer Information.......................................................... 4481 Telemessaging, Electronic Publishing, and Alarm Monitoring Services................ 3060-AG44 4482 Policy and Rules Concerning the Interstate, Interexchange Marketplace; 3060-AG45 Implementation of Section 254(g) of the Communications Act of 1934, As Amended...... 4483 Implementation of the Subscriber Selection Changes Provision of the 3060-AG46 Telecommunications Act of 1996...................................................... 4484 Implementation of Section 402(b)(1)(a) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; LEC 3060-AG47 Tariff Streamlining Provisions...................................................... 4485 Regulatory Treatment of LEC Provision of Interexchange Service Originating in the 3060-AG48 LEC's Local Exchange Area........................................................... 4486 Access Charge Reform............................................................... 3060-AG49 4487 Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 3060-AG50 1996................................................................................ 4488 Implementation of Section 255 and Section 251(a)(2) of the Telecommunications Act 3060-AG58 of 1996; Access to Telecommunications Services Equipment and Customer Premise Equipment for Persons With Disabilities............................................. 4489 Enhanced 911 Services for Wireline................................................. 3060-AG60 4490 Administration of the North American Numbering Plan, Carrier Identification Codes.. 3060-AG61 4491 In the Matter of Inside Wire....................................................... 3060-AG63 4492 Computer III Further Remand Proceedings: Bell Operating Company Provision of 3060-AG72 Enhanced Services................................................................... 4493 Detariffing of Interstate Exchange Access Services for Non-Incumbent Local Exchange 3060-AG73 Carriers............................................................................ 4494 In the Matter of the Telecommunications Relay Services, the Americans With 3060-AG75 Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Telecommunications Act of 1996.................... 4495 In the Matter of Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services 3060-AG76 for Individuals With Hearing and Speech Disabilities................................ 4496 Toll Fraud......................................................................... 3060-AG77 4497 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of Accounting and Cost Allocation 3060-AG98 Requirements........................................................................ 4498 Biennial Regulatory Review of ARMIS Reporting Requirements......................... 3060-AG99 4499 Performance Measurements and Reporting Requirements for Operations Support Systems, 3060-AH00 Interconnection, Operator Services, and Directory Assistance........................ 4500 Access Charge Reform for Rate-of-Return Local Exchange Carriers.................... 3060-AH01 4501 Deployment of Wireline Services Offering Advanced Telecommunications Capability.... 3060-AH03 4502 Prescribing the Authorized Rate of Return for Interstate Services of Local Exchange 3060-AH18 Carriers............................................................................ 4503 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of Depreciation Requirements for Incumbent 3060-AH20 Local Exchange Carriers............................................................. 4504 Comprehensive Review of Accounting Requirements and ARMIS Reporting Requirements, 3060-AH43 Phase 1............................................................................. 4505 Local Telephone Networks That LECs Must Make Available to Competitors.............. 3060-AH44 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- COMMON CARRIER BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4506 Rules and Policies Regarding Calling Number Identification Services................ 3060-AF07 4507 SBC Communications, Inc. Petition for Biennial Review.............................. 3060-AH19 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 74854]] CONSUMER INFORMATION BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4508 Internet Telephony Report.......................................................... 3060-AH56 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ENFORCEMENT BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4509 In the Matter of Amendment of Part 73, Subpart G, of the Commission's Rules 3060-AF21 Regarding the Emergency Alert System................................................ 4510 Amendment of Rules Governing Procedures To Be Followed When Formal Complaints Are 3060-AG65 Filed Against Common Carriers....................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Proposed Rule Stage ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4511 Revision of the Rules Regarding Ultra-Wideband Transmission........................ 3060-AH47 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4512 Wind Profiler Radar Systems........................................................ 3060-AF45 4513 Millimeter Wave Spectrum Allocation................................................ 3060-AF61 4514 MSS Spectrum Allocation............................................................ 3060-AF75 4515 Unlicensed National Information Infrastructure at 5 GHz............................ 3060-AG19 4516 Allocation of 455-456 MHz and 459-460 MHz.......................................... 3060-AG89 4517 Dedicated Short Range Communications of Intelligent Transportation Services........ 3060-AG94 4518 Regulations for RF Lighting Devices................................................ 3060-AG95 4519 Equipment Authorization Streamline II/Mutual Recognition Agreements and the GMPCS 3060-AG96 MOU................................................................................. 4520 Uniden Scanners/Cellular Radio Signals............................................. 3060-AG97 4521 Industry Coordination Committee System for Broadcast Digital Television Service.... 3060-AH13 4522 3650-3700 Government Transfer Band................................................. 3060-AH14 4523 Radionavigation Service at 31.8-32.2 GHz........................................... 3060-AH15 4524 Certification of Equipment in the 24.05-24.25 GHz Band at Field Strengths Up to 3060-AH16 2500 mV/m........................................................................... 4525 Fixed Satellite Service and Terrestrial System in the KU-Band...................... 3060-AH17 4526 Closed Captioning for DTV Receivers................................................ 3060-AH24 4527 Spread Spectrum Devices............................................................ 3060-AH25 4528 50-71 GHz Realignment.............................................................. 3060-AH26 4529 Wireless Medical Telemetry Service................................................. 3060-AH27 4530 Establishment of an Improved Model for Predicting the Broadcast Television Field 3060-AH37 Strength Received at Individual Locations........................................... 4531 Conducted Emission Limits.......................................................... 3060-AH46 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4532 Digital Equipment Deregulation..................................................... 3060-AF73 4533 Medical Care Telemetry Devices..................................................... 3060-AG18 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 74855]] OFFICE OF GENERAL COUNSEL--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4534 Amendment of the Ex Parte Rules in Joint Board Proceedings......................... 3060-AH02 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- INTERNATIONAL BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4535 Streamlining the Commission's Rules and Regulations for Satellite Application and 3060-AD70 Licensing Procedures; IB Docket No. 95-117.......................................... 4536 Satellite Communications -- NGO Mobile Satellite Service; CC Docket No. 92-166..... 3060-AF42 4537 Establishing Rules and Policies for the Use of Spectrum for Mobile Satellite 3060-AF89 Service in the L-Band; IB Docket No. 96-132......................................... 4538 Preemption of Local Zoning Regulation of Satellite Earth Stations; IB Docket No. 95- 3060-AF92 59.................................................................................. 4539 Establishment of Rules and Policies for the Digital Audio Radio Satellite Service 3060-AF93 in the 2310-2360 MHz Frequency Band; IB Docket No. 95-91; GEN Docket No. 90-357..... 4540 Redesignation of the 27.5-29.5 GHz Frequency Band; CC Docket No. 92-297............ 3060-AF94 4541 Amendment of Policy To Allow Non-U.S. Licensed Space Stations To Provide Service in 3060-AG31 the United States; IB Docket No. 96-111; CC Docket No. 93-23........................ 4542 Streamlining Regulations Related to International Common Carriers; IB Docket No. 98- 3060-AG84 118................................................................................. 4543 Redesignation of the 17.7-19.7 GHz Band, Blanket Licensing of Sat Earth Stations 3060-AH21 (17.7-20.2 GHz & 27.5-30 GHz) & Allocation in the 17.3-17.8 & 24.75-25.25 GHz Bands for Broadcast Satellite-Service Use................................................. 4544 Allocate & Designate: Spec for Fixed-Sat Srv (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5 & 48.2-50.2 GHz 3060-AH23 Bands). Allocate: Fixed & Mobile 40.5-42.5 GHz; Wireless 46.9-47 GHz; Gov Oper 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHz; IB Doc No. 97-95..................................................... 4545 The Establishment of Policies and Service Rules for the Mobile Satellite Service in 3060-AH28 the 2 GHz Band; IB Docket No. 99-81................................................. 4546 In the Matter of Policies for the Direct Broadcast Satellite Service; IB Docket No. 3060-AH29 98-21............................................................................... 4547 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review - Review of Accounts Settlement in Maritime Mobile 3060-AH30 Maritime Mobile-Satellite Radio Services and Withdrawal of the Commission as Accounting Authority; IB Docket No. 98-96........................................... 4548 Amendment to Regulatory Policies Governing Domestic Fixed Satellites and Separate 3060-AH48 International Satellite Systems; IB Docket No. 95-41................................ 4549 Global Mobile Personal Communications by Satellite; IB Docket No. 99-67............ 3060-AH49 4550 Consideration of Applications Under the Cable Landing License Act; IB Docket No. 00- 3060-AH50 106................................................................................. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- MASS MEDIA BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4551 Transfer of Control of Non-Stock Entities (MM Docket No. 89-77).................... 3060-AE31 4552 Local Television Ownership Rule (MM Docket No. 91-221)............................. 3060-AF79 4553 Filing of Television Network Affiliation Contracts (MM Docket No. 95-40)........... 3060-AF80 4554 Rules Governing Broadcast Television Advertising (MM Docket No. 95-90)............. 3060-AF81 4555 Attribution of Broadcast Interests (MM Docket Nos. 94-150, 92-51, 87-154).......... 3060-AF82 4556 Minor Modifications of Broadcast Licenses Without Prior Construction Permit........ 3060-AG30 4557 Newspaper/Broadcast Cross-Ownership................................................ 3060-AG53 4558 National Television Ownership Rules (MM Docket Nos. 96-222, 91-221, 87-8).......... 3060-AG54 4559 1998 Biennial Review of Broadcast Ownership (MM Docket No. 98-35).................. 3060-AG79 4560 Review of Technical Rules in Parts 73 and 74....................................... 3060-AG81 4561 Review of Broadcast and Cable EEO Rules and Policies............................... 3060-AH10 4562 Low Power FM Radio................................................................. 3060-AH11 4563 Establishment of a Class A Television Service (MM Docket Nos. 00-10, 99-292)....... 3060-AH39 4564 Digital Audio Broadcasting Systems (MM Docket No. 99-325).......................... 3060-AH40 4565 Dual Network Rule (MM Docket No. 00-108)........................................... 3060-AH51 4566 Experimental Broadcast Station Multiple Ownership Rule (MM Docket No. 00-105)...... 3060-AH52 4567 Ancillary or Supplemental Use of DTV Capacity by Non-Commercial Licensees (MM 3060-AH53 Docket No. 98-203).................................................................. 4568 Periodic Review of Rules and Policies Affecting the Conversion to DTV (MM Docket 3060-AH54 No. 00-39).......................................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 74856]] MASS MEDIA BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4569 Competitive Bidding for Broadcast Services......................................... 3060-AG78 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- OFFICE OF MANAGING DIRECTOR--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4570 Assessment and Collection of Regulatory Fees for FY 2000........................... 3060-AH38 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU--Long-Term Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4571 Amendment of the Commission's Rules Concerning Maritime Communications............. 3060-AF14 4572 Rulemaking To Amend Part 1 and Part 21 To Redesignate the 27.5-29.5 GHz Band and To 3060-AF26 Establish Rules and Policies for Local Multi-Point Distribution Service............. 4573 Refarming.......................................................................... 3060-AF35 4574 Future Development of 800 MHz SMR; Competitive Bidding Wide Area................... 3060-AF47 4575 Resale and Roaming Obligations Pertaining to Commercial Mobile Radio Services...... 3060-AF58 4576 Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act, Competitive Bidding; 3060-AF99 Narrowband PCS Competitive Bidding Rules............................................ 4577 Implementation of Section 309(j) of the Communications Act, Competitive Bidding; 3060-AG00 218-219 MHz Competitive Bidding Rules............................................... 4578 39 GHz Channel Plan................................................................ 3060-AG16 4579 Implementation of 309(j) of the Communications Act, Amendment of Parts 20 and 24 of 3060-AG21 the Commission's Rules - Broadband PCS Competitive Bidding and the Commercial Mobile Radio Service Spectrum Cap.......................................................... 4580 Revision of the Rules To Ensure Compatibility With Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling 3060-AG34 Systems............................................................................. 4581 In the Matter of the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act............. 3060-AG74 4582 Development of Operational, Technical, and Spectrum Requirements for Public Safety 3060-AG85 Communications Requirements......................................................... 4583 Multiple Access Systems............................................................ 3060-AG86 4584 Amendment of Part I of the Commission's Rules -- Competitive Bidding Procedures.... 3060-AG87 4585 Amendment to Part 27 of the Rules To Revise Rules for Services in the 2.3 GHz Band 3060-AG93 and To Include Licensing of Services in the 47 GHz Band............................. 4586 Amendment of Part 90 of the Rules To Adopt Regulations for Automatic Vehicle 3060-AH12 Monitoring Systems.................................................................. 4587 Calling Party Pays Service Offering in the Commercial Mobile Radio Services........ 3060-AH31 4588 Service Rules for the 746-764 and 776-794 MHz Bands, and Revisions to Part 27 of 3060-AH32 the Commission's Rules.............................................................. 4589 Implementation of Sections 309(j) and 337 of the Communications Act of 1934 as 3060-AH33 Amended............................................................................. 4590 1998 Biennial Regulatory Review Spectrum Aggregation Limits for Wireless 3060-AH34 Telecommunications Carriers......................................................... 4591 Amendment to Parts 1, 2, 87 and 101 of the Rules to License Fixed Services at 24 3060-AH41 GHz................................................................................. 4592 Part 101 -- Terrestrial Microwave Fixed Radio Services............................. 3060-AH42 4593 Amendment of Parts 13 and 80 Governing Maritime Communications..................... 3060-AH55 4594 Amendment of the Rules Regarding Installment Payment Financing for Personal 3060-AH57 Communications Services Licensees................................................... ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU--Completed Actions ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Regulation Sequence Title Identification Number Number ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- 4595 Amendment of Part 90 of the Rules To Provide for the Use of the 220-222 MHz Band... 3060-AG23 ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- [[Page 74857]] _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Cable Services Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4459. CABLE TELEVISION RATE REGULATION Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 543 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission has adopted rate regulations to implement Section 623 of the 1992 Cable Act to ensure that cable subscribers nationwide enjoy the rates that would be charged by cable systems operating in a competitive environment. Reconsideration was requested. The 14th Order on Reconsideration addresses petitions on issues governing regulated services by cable systems. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/04/93 58 FR 48 7th Order on Recon 01/25/95 60 FR 4863 9th Order on Recon 02/27/95 60 FR 10512 8th Order on Recon 03/17/95 60 FR 14373 6th R&O and 11th Order on Recon 07/12/95 60 FR 35854 13th Order on Recon 10/05/95 60 FR 52106 12th Order on Recon 10/26/95 60 FR 54815 10th Order on Recon 04/08/96 61 FR 15388 Order on Recon of the 1st R&O and Further NPRM 04/15/96 61 FR 16447 MO&O 02/12/97 62 FR 6491 Report on Cable Industry Prices 02/24/97 62 FR 8245 R&O and FNPRM 05/21/93 58 FR 29736 R&O 03/31/97 62 FR 15118 14th Order on Recon 10/15/97 62 FR 53572 MO&O and FNPRM 08/18/93 58 FR 43816 3rd R&O 11/30/93 58 FR 63087 Order on Recon, 4th R&O, and 5th NPRM 04/15/94 59 FR 17943 3rd Order on Recon 04/15/94 59 FR 17961 5th Order on Recon and FNPRM 10/13/94 59 FR 51869 4th Order on Recon 10/21/94 59 FR 53113 6th Order on Recon, 5th R&O, and 7th NPRM 12/06/94 59 FR 62614 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7039 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF41 _______________________________________________________________________ 4460. CABLE TELEVISION RATE REGULATION: COST OF SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 543 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission has established rules pursuant to which cable operators may set rates for regulated cable service in accordance with traditional cost-of-service principles, as modified to take account of unique characteristics of the cable industry. These rules are the subject of pending petitions for reconsideration. In addition, the Commission is considering comments received in response to a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking concerning the rate of return that should be applied in cost-of-service cases. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/30/93 58 FR 40762 R&O 04/15/94 59 FR 17975 2nd NPRM 04/15/94 59 FR 18066 MO&O 10/14/94 59 FR 52087 2nd R&O/1st Order on Recon/FNPRM03/08/96 61 FR 9361 Correction in FR 03/22/96 61 FR 11749 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7039 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF48 _______________________________________________________________________ 4461. CUSTOMER SERVICE STANDARDS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i) to 154(j); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 552 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, April 3, 1993. Abstract: The Commission has adopted customer service standards for cable operators nationwide to implement the provisions of the Cable Act of 1992. Such standards shall include, at a minimum, cable systems office hours, telephone availability, installations, outages, service calls, and communication between the cable operator and subscriber, including billing and refunds. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/23/92 57 FR 61038 R&O 04/19/93 58 FR 21107 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7039 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF69 _______________________________________________________________________ 4462. CABLE HOME WIRING Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 544(i) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On October 6, 1997, the FCC adopted a Report and Order and Second Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 97-7360) that amends its cable inside wiring rules to enhance competition in the video distribution marketplace. The Second FNPRM seeks comment on, among other things, [[Page 74858]] whether there are circumstances where the FCC should adopt restrictions on exclusive contracts in order to further promote competition in the MDU marketplace. A Petition for Review was filed in the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit on November 24, 1997. The FCC has received petitions for reconsideration and has requested the 8th Circuit to hold the pending court case in abeyance until the Commission takes action on the pending petitions. The Court granted the Commission's request. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/17/92 57 FR 54209 R&O 03/02/93 58 FR 11970 NPRM 02/01/96 61 FR 3657 1st Order on Recon & FNPRM 02/16/96 61 FR 6210 FNRPM 09/03/97 62 FR 46453 R&O and 2d FNPRM 11/14/97 62 FR 60165 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Carl Kandutsch, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7051 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG02 _______________________________________________________________________ 4463. CLOSED CAPTIONING Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 613 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 79.1; 47 CFR 79.2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC adopted regulations to ensure that video programming is accessible to persons with hearing disabilities through closed captioning. The rules were adopted in August 1997 and modified in response to petitions for reconsideration in September 1998. In April 2000, the FCC adopted rules to ensure the accessibility of televised emergency information to persons with hearing disabilities through closed captioning or another method of visual presentation. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 12/15/95 60 FR 65052 Order 01/29/96 61 FR 2781 Order 03/12/96 61 FR 9963 Report 08/14/96 61 FR 42249 NPRM 02/03/97 62 FR 4959 Order 03/24/97 62 FR 13853 R&O 09/16/97 62 FR 48487 FNRPM 01/21/98 63 FR 3070 Order 10/20/98 63 FR 55959 Order 06/23/99 64 FR 33424 2nd R&O 05/09/00 65 FR 26757 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional Bureau: Consumer Information Agency Contact: Marcia Glauberman, Statistician, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7046 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG26 _______________________________________________________________________ 4464. CABLE ACT REFORM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 522; 47 USC 543; 47 USC 544; 47 USC 548; 47 USC 552 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding implements the cable reform section of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. It addresses several issues, including the cable rate complaint process, effective competition and subscriber notifications. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Order & NPRM 04/30/96 61 FR 19013 Report & Order 07/02/99 64 FR 35948 Correction in FR 08/06/99 64 FR 42855 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Nancy Stevenson, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7039 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1196 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG27 _______________________________________________________________________ 4465. COMPETITIVE AVAILABILITY OF NAVIGATION DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 549 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission has adopted rules to address the mandate expressed in Section 629 of the Communications Act to ensure the commercial availability of ``navigation devices,'' the equipment used to access video programming and other services from multichannel video programming systems. Petitions for reconsideration were resolved in a recent order. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/05/97 62 FR 10011 R&O 07/15/98 63 FR 38089 Order on Reconsideration 06/02/99 64 FR 29599 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Thomas Horan, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W. Phone: 202 418-2486 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG28 _______________________________________________________________________ 4466. POLE ATTACHMENT PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 224; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1.1401 to 1.1418 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 8, 1998. Abstract: In this proceeding, the Commission established rules relating [[Page 74859]] to pole attachments. The Telecommunications Act of 1996 required that within two years the Commission prescribe regulations governing the charges for pole attachments. These regulations were to be used by cable operators and telecommunications carriers to provide telecommunications services when the utility and attaching entity parties fail to resolve a dispute over such charges. The Report and Order released in 1998, prescribed regulations to govern these charges. Petitions for reconsideration of the 1998 Report and Order are pending in which the parties seek to modify the rules for access and charges for pole attachments. The 11th Circuit Court of Appeals released a decision in April of 2000 which challenged the Commission's authority over some aspects of the pole attachment rules. The Commission has filed a Petition for Rehearing. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/18/97 62 FR 43963 R&O 03/12/98 63 FR 12013 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State Agency Contact: Cheryl King, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2284 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-2297 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG71 _______________________________________________________________________ 4467. DIGITAL MUST CARRY Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 534 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 614(b)(4)(B) of the Communications Act requires that, at the time the Commission prescribes standards for advanced television, it should ``initiate a proceeding to establish any changes in the signal carriage requirements of cable television systems necessary to ensure cable carriage of those broadcast signals of local commercial television stations which have been changed to conform with such modified standards.'' In August of 1998, the FCC issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on the requirements of that section. In June 2000, based on responses to the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Commission clarified that DTV-only television stations, in the context of auctioning analog channels 59-69, will ultimately have must carry rights. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/07/98 63 FR 42330 MO&O and FNPRM 07/12/00 65 FR 42879 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Ben Golant, Senior Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7111 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG91 _______________________________________________________________________ 4468. HORIZONTAL OWNERSHIP LIMITS Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 533 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Section 613 of the Communications Act requires the Commission to ``prescribe rules and regulations establishing reasonable limits on the number of cable subscribers a person is authorized to reach through cable systems owned by such person, or in which such person has an attributable interest.'' On October 8, 1999, the Commission issued a Third Report and Order, FCC 99-289, in this matter. The Commission revised the horizontal ownership rules as follows: (1) all multichannel video subscribers will be counted when calculating the 30 percent ownership limit; (2) actual subscriber numbers, rather than potential subscriber numbers will be used for calculating an owner's share; and (3) the minority exception which allowed a 35 percent ownership limit for minority-owned entities under certain circumstances was eliminated. The Order provided that the new rules would go into effect when the horizontal ownership statute was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeal, which occurred on May 19, 2000. Petitions for reconsideration are pending. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Second MO&O on Recon and FNPRM 07/14/98 63 FR 37790 Third R&O 12/01/99 64 FR 67198 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Darryl Cooper, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1039 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH09 _______________________________________________________________________ 4469. APPLICATION OF NETWORK NONDUPLICATION, SYNDICATED EXCLUSIVITY, AND SPORTS BLACKOUT RULES TO SATELLITE RETRANSMISSION - SHVIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 339 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73; 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC proposed rules on its implementation of certain aspects of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 (SHVIA). Specifically, the FCC sought comment on the adoption of implementing regulations that apply network nonduplication, syndicated program exclusivity, and sports blackout requirements to satellite carriers. [[Page 74860]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/02/00 65 FR 4927 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eloise Gore, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1066 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH35 _______________________________________________________________________ 4470. RETRANSMISSION CONSENT ISSUES - SHVIA Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 325 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 76.64(m); 47 CFR 76.65 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission sought public comment on its implementation of certain aspects of the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 (SHVIA). Among other things, the new legislation requires broadcasters, until the year 2006, to negotiate in good faith with satellite carriers and other multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) with respect to their transmission of the broadcasters' signals, and prohibits broadcasters from entering into exclusive retransmission agreements. The First Report and Order (Order) determined that the statute does not intend to subject retransmission consent negotiation to detailed substantive oversight by the Commission. Instead, the Order concludes that Congress intended that the Commission follow established precedent, particularly in the field of labor law, in implementing the good faith retransmission consent negotiation requirement. Consistent with this conclusion, the Order adopts a two-part test for good faith. The first part of the test consists of a brief, objective list of negotiation standards. The second part of the good faith test is based on a totality of the circumstances standard. Under this standard, an MVPD may present facts to the Commission which, even though they do not allege a violation of the specific standards enumerated above, given the totality of the circumstances constitute a failure to negotiate in good faith. The Commission's rules regarding the good faith negotiation requirement sunset on January 1, 2006. An MVPD believing itself to be aggrieved may file a complaint with the Commission. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/29/99 64 FR 72985 1st R&O 03/23/00 65 FR 23805 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Steven Broeckaert, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7200 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH36 _______________________________________________________________________ 4471. SATELLITE BROADCASTING SIGNAL CARRIAGE REQUIREMENTS Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 338; 47 USC 534; 47 USC 535 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, November 29, 2000. Abstract: The Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999 (SHVIA) requires satellite carriers, by January 1, 2002, to carry upon request all local broadcast stations' signals. These signals must be carried in all local markets in which the satellite carriers carry at least one broadcast station signal, assuming this signal is licensed pursuant to Section 122 of the Copyright Act. The SHVIA requires the Commission to issue rules implementing the Act's mandatory carriage requirements within one year of the SHVIA's enactment. A Report and Order is due from the Commission no later than November 29, 2000. Congress has indicated that the rules should be comparable to those applicable to cable systems. The applicable statutory provisions are found in Section 1008 of the SHVIA and codified at Section 338 of the Communications Act. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/30/00 65 FR 40564 NPRM Comment Period End 08/04/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Ben Golant, Senior Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7111 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH45 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Completed Actions Cable Services Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4472. OVER-THE-AIR RECEPTION DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: PL 104-104, sec 207 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1; 47 CFR 251 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 8, 1996. Abstract: The FCC has prescribed regulations that prohibit restrictions impairing a viewer's ability to receive video programming services through antennas designed for over-the-air reception of television broadcast signals, multichannel multipoint distribution service, or direct broadcast satellite service. [[Page 74861]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ R&O and FNPRM 03/15/96 61 FR 10710 NPRM 04/18/96 61 FR 16890 R&O, MO&O, and FNPRM 09/04/96 61 FR 46557 Order on Recon 12/07/98 63 FR 67422 Second Report and Order 12/23/98 63 FR 71027 Order on Recon 12/15/99 64 FR 69926 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Eloise Gore, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Cable Services Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1066 TDD Phone: 202 418-7172 Fax: 202 418-1069 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG24 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Common Carrier Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4473. ADMINISTRATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NUMBERING PLAN Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 3 to 4; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152 to 155; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 207 to 209; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 225 to 227; 47 USC 251 to 252; 47 USC 271; 47 USC 332; 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 52.1 to 52.99; 47 CFR 151; 47 CFR 154; 47 CFR 201 to 205; 47 CFR 403 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Report and Order lays the foundation for the fair and effective administration of numbering in the United States. The Report and Order establishes a model for administration of numbering resources in a competitive environment. In this model, the FCC will set broad policy objectives, be the final arbiter of domestic numbering disputes and work closely with other members of the North American Numbering Plan (NANP), the States, industry and consumers to ensure fair and effective number administration. The Report and Order creates the North American Number Council (NANC) under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. In the Third Report and Order, released on October 9, 1997, the Commission affirmed the NANC's selection of Lockheed Martin IMS as the new NANP administrator. The NANP administrator is a nongovernmental entity that is not aligned with any particular telecommunications industry segment, and upon selection and following a transition period, assumed Bellcore's current NANP administrator functions and the central office code administration functions currently handled by the dominant local exchange carrier in each area code. The rules were expanded to accommodate the requirements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. See FCC 96-337, released August 8, 1996. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 11/10/92 57 FR 53462 NPRM 05/10/94 59 FR 24103 R&O 07/28/95 60 FR 58737 2d R&O 09/06/96 61 FR 47284 3rd R&O 10/09/97 62 FR 55179 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jeannie Grimes, Senior Paralegal, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2313 Fax: 202 418-2345 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF50 _______________________________________________________________________ 4474. USE OF N11 CODES AND OTHER ABBREVIATED DIALING ARRANGEMENTS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 251(e) CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1992, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket 92-105 proposing that local exchange carriers (LECs) be required to make N11 codes available for access to information service providers. In this proposal, LECs could establish any reasonable assignment criteria for such allocation, including ``first come, first served.'' The FCC's General Counsel released a letter indicating it found no regulatory or legal obstacles to assignment of N11 codes for information services. On February 19, 1997, the FCC released a First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in that Docket (FCC 97-51) which allows incumbent LECs, in addition to the states and Bell Communications Research (Bellcore), to continue to perform the N11 code administration functions that they performed at the time of enactment of the 1996 Act amendments to the 1934 Act, until further FCC action. The FCC concluded that: (1) 311 should be assigned as a national number for access to non-emergency police calls; (2) 711 should be assigned as a national number for access to telecommunications relay services (TRS); (3) all providers of telephone exchange service must be able to have their customers call 611 and 811 to reach their repair and business service offices; and (4) a LEC may not itself offer enhanced services using a 411 code or any other N11 code, unless that LEC offers access to the code on a reasonable nondiscriminatory basis to competing enhanced service providers in the local service area for which it is using the code to facilitate distribution of their enhanced services. In the FNPRM, the FCC asked for comment on: (1) the technical feasibility of implementing 711 for TRS access; (2) the possibility of developing an N11 gateway offering access to multiple TRS providers; (3) whether with such access, TRS calls would still be answered within mandatory minimum answer times; (4) whether such a gateway would be consistent with section 255; and (5) whether other important disability services could be accessed thereby; (6) the possibility of [[Page 74862]] providing both voice and text TRS services through the same abbreviated TRS code; (7) the proprietary nature of N11 codes; and (8) an FCC proposal to transfer administration of N11 codes at the local level from incumbent LECs to the North American Numbering Plan (NANP) administrator. Petitions for reconsideration or clarification on the order have been filed. Comments and replies were filed on March 31 and April 30, 1997, respectively. On June 16, 1999, the Commission released a Public Notice announcing that it will hold a public forum on September 8, 1999, on 711 access to TRS. The goal of the forum was to identify steps that must be taken to implement 711 access to TRS as well as obstacles to implementation and how those obstacles can be resolved. On August 9, 2000, the Commission released a Second Report and Order (FCC 00-257) that addresses issues related to the deployment of 711 for access to TRS. The Commission required a nationwide rollout of 711 access to TRS and established an implementation framework. On July 31, 2000, the Commission released a Third Report and Order (FCC 00-256) that granted the petition of the United Way of America, and others, for nationwide assignment of the 211 abbreviated dialing code for access to community information and referral services. The Commission also granted the petition of the U.S. Department of Transportation for nationwide assignment of the 511 abbreviated dialing code for access to travel and traffic information. The Commission further addressed issues raised in petitions for reconsideration of the N11 First Report and Order and resolved outstanding issues from the N11 Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/29/92 57 FR 22681 First R&O 02/26/97 62 FR 8633 FNPRM 02/26/97 62 FR 8671 Third R&O 07/31/00 Second R&O 08/09/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional Bureau: Consumer Information Agency Contact: Cheryl L. Callahan, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1466 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF51 _______________________________________________________________________ 4475. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE UNIVERSAL SERVICE PORTIONS OF THE 1996 TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 et seq. CFR Citation: 47 CFR 54 Legal Deadline: NPRM, Statutory, March 8, 1996. Other, Statutory, November 8, 1996, Recommended decision. Final, Statutory, May 8, 1997, Federal-State Joint Board R&O released May 8, 1997. Abstract: As required by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the Commission sought comment on proposals for reforming universal service. On November 8, 1996, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issued a recommended decision on changes to the universal service support mechanisms. In addition, on January 10, 1997, the Commission issued an NPRM and NOI on changes to the Board of Directors of the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA), regarding the administration of universal service. On May 8, 1997, the Commission, at the direction of Congress, released its order implementing the universal service portions of the 1996 Act. On December 30, 1997, the Commission issued the 4th Order on Reconsideration which made changes and clarifications to the May 8 Order. On June 22, 1998, the Commission issued the 5th Order on Reconsideration which revised the collection levels for the schools and libraries support mechanism through June 30, 1999, and revised the collection levels for the rural health care support mechanism through December 31, 1998. The 5th Order on Reconsideration also revised the priority with which schools and libraries and rural health care providers will receive support. On October 28, 1998, the Commission issued the 5th Report and Order, in which it adopted the model platform for its forward-looking economic cost methodology, which will be used to determine support for non-rural carriers beginning July 1, 1999. On November 21, 1998, the Commission issued the 8th Order on Reconsideration in which it consolidated the administration of universal service into a single entity known as the Universal Service Administrative Company or USAC. On November 25, 1998, the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service issued its Second Recommended Decision in which the Joint Board made certain recommendations to the Commission regarding the high cost support mechanism. On May 28th, 1999, the Commission issued the 13th Order on Reconsideration in which it adopted the principles of a Federal high- cost support mechanism that conformed to the Second Recommended decision and in which it sought further comment on specific elements of the support methodology. In the 13th Order on Reconsideration, the Commission also decided to implement the new high-cost support mechanism on January 1, 2000 instead of July 1, 1999, as previously planned. On May 28, 1999, the Commission also issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in which it sought comment on proposed input values to be used in the forward-looking model to determine non-rural LECs' cost of providing supported services in high cost areas. On August 5, 1999, the Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in which it sought comment to ascertain the availability of, and to understand the possible impediments to, deployment and subscribership in unserved and underserved areas of the Nation, including tribal lands and other insular areas. On November 1, 1999, the Commission issued the Fourteenth Order on Reconsideration, in which it eliminated the requirement that only carriers that have been certified as eligible telecommunications carriers may receive credit against their universal service contributions for providing telecommunications services to rural health care providers at the lower urban rates. On November 1, 1999, the Commission also issued the Fifteenth Order on Reconsideration, in which it authorized support for any commercially available telecommunications service regardless of the bandwidth, and simplified the method for determining how much [[Page 74863]] support a rural health care provider can receive. On November 2, 1999, the Commission issued the Ninth Report and Order and Eighteenth Order on Reconsideration in which it adopted a new forward-looking high-cost support mechanism that will enable states to ensure the reasonable comparability of non-rural carriers' intrastate rates. On November 2, 1999, the Commission also issued the Tenth Report and Order in which it completed the selection of a cost model to estimate forward-looking cost by adopting input values for the previously adopted cost model. On June 30, 2000, the Commission issued the Twelfth Report and Order, Memorandum Opinion and Order, and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making, in response to the Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making it adopted on August 5, 1999. In the Twelfth Report and Order, the Commission adopted measures to promote telecommunications subscribership and infrastructure deployment within American Indian and Alaska Native tribal communities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM Comment Period End 03/08/96 61 FR 10499 Recommended Decision Federal- State Joint Board, Universal Service 11/08/96 61 FR 63778 1st R&O 05/08/97 62 FR 32862 2nd R&O 05/08/97 62 FR 32862 Order on Recon 07/10/97 62 FR 40742 R&O and 2nd Order on Recon 07/18/97 62 FR 41294 nd R&O, and FNPRM 08/15/97 62 FR 47404 3rd R&O 10/14/97 62 FR 56118 2nd Order on Recon 11/26/97 62 FR 65036 4th Order on Recon 12/30/97 62 FR 2093 5th Order on Recon 06/22/98 63 FR 43088 5th R&O 10/28/98 63 FR 63993 8th Order on Recon 11/21/98 2nd Recommended Decision 11/25/98 63 FR 67837 14th Order on Recon 11/16/99 64 FR 62120 15th Order on Recon 11/30/99 64 FR 66778 10th R&O 12/01/99 64 FR 67372 9th R&O and 18th Order on Recon 12/01/99 64 FR 67416 19th Order on Recon 12/30/99 64 FR 73427 20th Order on Recon 05/08/00 65 FR 26513 Public Notice 07/18/00 65 FR 44507 12th R&O, MO&O and FNPRM 08/04/00 65 FR 47883 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Katherine Schroder, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7400 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF85 _______________________________________________________________________ 4476. TOLL-FREE SERVICE ACCESS CODES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201 et seq; 47 USC 251(e) CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding assures that toll-free numbers are allocated on an efficient, fair, and orderly basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/05/95 60 FR 57157 Second R&O 04/25/97 62 FR 20126 Third R&O 10/09/97 62 FR 55179 Fourth R&O and MO&O 03/30/98 63 FR 16440 Fifth R&O 07/05/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Martin Schwimmer, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2334 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG11 _______________________________________________________________________ 4477. IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 273 OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 153; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 201 to 209; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 251; 47 USC 273; 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This rulemaking implements provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 relating to the manufacturing of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment by the Bell Operating Companies and their affiliates. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/24/97 62 FR 3638 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Gregory Cooke, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2351 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG36 _______________________________________________________________________ 4478. IMPLEMENTATION OF NON-ACCOUNTING SAFEGUARDS, SEC. 271 & 272 OF COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 & REGULATORY TREATMENT OF LEC PROVISIONS OF INTEREXCHANGE SVCS. ORIG. IN LEC LOCAL EXCH. AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 215; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 220; 47 USC 271; 47 USC 272; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1.720; 47 CFR 1.721; 47 CFR 1.735; 47 CFR 61.41; 47 CFR 61.58; 47 CFR 63.71; 47 CFR 64.702 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 24, 1996, the Commission adopted the Non- Accounting Safeguards Order in its proceeding implementing the non- accounting safeguards provision of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. These provisions prescribe the manner in which the Bell Operating Companies (BOCs) may enter certain markets, including the provisions of in-region interLATA services. On October 1, 1999, the Commission denied several petitions for reconsideration of its initial Order and, on its own motion, clarified certain language in the Order relating to so-called ``teaming arrangements.'' [[Page 74864]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/96 61 FR 39392 First R&O 01/21/97 62 FR 2927 FNPRM 01/21/97 62 FR 2991 Second Order on Recon 07/07/97 62 FR 36216 Order 04/06/98 63 FR 16696 Second R&O 04/24/98 63 FR 20326 Erratum 06/25/98 63 FR 34603 Third O on Recon 10/01/99 64 FR 61527 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Margaret Egler, Assistant Chief, Policy and Program Planning Division, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 RIN: 3060-AG37 _______________________________________________________________________ 4479. POLICIES AND RULES GOVERNING INTERSTATE PAY-PER-CALL AND OTHER INFORMATION SERVICES PURSUANT TO THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 228 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.1501; 47 CFR 64.1504; 47 CFR 64.1510 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission has received comments on proposed rules designed to implement the 1996 Telecommunications Act with respect to information services to prevent abusive and deceptive practices by entities that might try to circumvent the statutory requirements. The proposed rules address generally the use of dialing sequences other than the 900 service access code to provide information services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/20/96 61 FR 31481 NPRM Comment Period End 09/16/96 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheryl Todd, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, Accounting Policy Division, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7400 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG42 _______________________________________________________________________ 4480. TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIERS' USE OF CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK INFORMATION AND OTHER CUSTOMER INFORMATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 222; 47 USC 275; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.2001; 47 CFR 64.2003; 47 CFR 64.2005; 47 CFR 64.2007; 47 CFR 64.2009 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted rules implementing the new statutory framework governing carrier use and disclosure of customer proprietary network information (CPNI) created by Section 222 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. CPNI includes, among other things, to whom, where, and when a customer places a call, as well as the types of service offerings to which the customer subscribes and the extent to which the service is used. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/28/96 61 FR 26483 Public Notice 02/25/97 62 FR 8414 2d R&O and FNPRM 04/24/98 63 FR 20364 Order on Reconsideration 10/01/99 64 FR 53242 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Margaret Egler, Assistant Chief, Policy and Program Planning Division, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 RIN: 3060-AG43 _______________________________________________________________________ 4481. TELEMESSAGING, ELECTRONIC PUBLISHING, AND ALARM MONITORING SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 260; 47 USC 274; 47 USC 275; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1; 47 CFR 64 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On February 7, 1997, the Commission released an Order that implements the telemessaging and electronic publishing provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996 Act), sections 260 and 274, respectively. Section 260 delineates the conditions under which incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) may offer telemessaging services. Section 274 permits Bell Operating Companies (BOCs) to provide electronic publishing services only through a ``separated affiliate'' or an ``electronic publishing joint venture'' that meets certain separation, nondiscrimination, and joint marketing requirements. On March 25, 1997, the Commission released a Second Report and Order implementing the alarm monitoring service provisions set forth in section 275 of the 1996 Act. Among other things, the Order concludes that Ameritech is the only BOC that qualifies for grandfathering treatment under section 275(a)(2) of the 1996 Act, and also finds that incumbent LECs, including BOCs, that provide basic telecommunications services or information services that are used by third parties to provide alarm monitoring services are not engaged in the provision of alarm monitoring service. The Order also finds that the Computer III/ONA requirements continue to govern the provision of alarm monitoring services and telemessaging. The Order also concludes that section 260(a) of the 1996 Act imposes nondiscrimination requirements on incumbent LEC provision of telemessaging services that are in addition to those found in sections 201 and 202. In 1999, the Commission adopted an Order on Reconsideration, which addressed a petition for reconsideration/clarification of the March 1997 Second Report and Order. In the Order on Reconsideration, the Commission affirmed its previous finding that the availability of sales agency or other marketing arrangements [[Page 74865]] on a nondiscriminatory basis is relevant to whether a BOC is engaged in the provision of alarm monitoring services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/96 61 FR 39385 1st R&O 02/20/97 62 FR 7690 FNPRM 02/20/97 62 FR 7744 2nd R&O 04/04/97 62 FR 16093 Order on Reconsideration 02/03/00 65 FR 5267 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Ann Stevens, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1543 RIN: 3060-AG44 _______________________________________________________________________ 4482. POLICY AND RULES CONCERNING THE INTERSTATE, INTEREXCHANGE MARKETPLACE; IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 254(G) OF THE COMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1934, AS AMENDED Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 214(e); 47 USC 215; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 220 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 61; 47 CFR 64.702(e) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On March 25, 1996, the Commission released an NPRM seeking comment on its proposal that nondominant interexchange carriers should no longer file tariffs. On October 29, 1996, the Commission adopted the Second Report and Order in which it determined that the statutory forbearance criteria in section 10 of the Communications Act were met for complete detariffing of the interstate, domestic, interexchange services offered by nondominant interexchange carriers. The Commission determined that such carriers would no longer be allowed to file tariffs pursuant to section 203 of the Communications Act for such services, with limited exceptions. The Commission maintained the tariffing requirement for the international portion of bundled domestic and international service offerings. It further required nondominant interexchange carriers to: (1) file an annual certification stating that they are in compliance with the requirements of section 254(g); (2) maintain supporting documentation on the rates, terms, and conditions of their interstate, domestic, interexchange services that they could submit to the Commission within ten business days upon request; and (3) make publicly available information concerning current rates, terms, and conditions for all of their interstate, domestic interexchange services. Several parties appealed, requesting a stay of the Second Report and Order pending review by the D.C. Circuit. On February 13, 1997, the D.C. Circuit granted certain motions, including a motion for a stay of the Commission's detariffing order. The result was that nondominant interexchange carriers were required to file tariffs for their interstate, domestic, interexchange service. On August 20, 1997, the Commission released an Order on Reconsideration in which it modified the Second Report and Order by: (1) adopting permissive detariffing for interstate, domestic, interexchange direct- dial services to which end users obtain access by dialing an access code; (2) adopting permissive detariffing for the first 45 days of service to new customers that contact the local exchange carrier to choose their primary interexchange carrier; and (3) eliminating the requirement that nondominant interexchange carriers make publicly available information concerning current rates and terms for most interstate, domestic interexchange services. In the Second Order on Reconsideration, the Commission considered again whether nondominant interexchange carriers (IXCs) should be required to make available to the public information concerning the rates, terms and conditions for all their interstate, domestic, interexchange services. Like other common carriers, IXCs historically have been required to file tariffs with the appropriate regulatory body (this Commission, in the case of interstate services) establishing the rates, terms, and conditions of service. The tariff does not simply serve as a public source of such information; under the judicially created ``filed-rate'' doctrine, the tariffed rate for a service is the only lawful rate that the carrier may charge for that service. Even if a carrier intentionally misrepresents its rate and a customer relies on the misrepresentation, the carrier cannot be held to the promised rate if it conflicts with the tariffed rate. When a single carrier dominated the interstate interexchange market, tariffing was an effective tool for ensuring compliance with various common carrier requirements, including rules that require nondiscrimination among customers. On April 28, 2000, the Court of Appeals upheld the Commission's orders requiring detariffing of domestic, interexchange services and lifted the stay on May 1, 2000. The Common Carrier Bureau issued a Public Notice on May 9, 2000 requesting comment on the nine-month transition plan set out in the Second Report and Order. The Bureau requested comment on (1) whether permissive detariffing should be permitted during all or part of the nine-month transition period for bundled domestic and international service offerings; (2) how quickly the IXCs can come into full compliance with the Web posting requirement; and (3) whether any other modifications should be made to the transition plan. Comments were filed on May 31, 2000, and reply comments were filed on June 9, 2000. A Memorandum Opinion and Order on the transition period is pending. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/03/96 61 FR 14717 R&O 08/16/96 61 FR 42558 2nd R&O 11/22/96 61 FR 59340 Order on Reconsideration 11/04/97 62 FR 59583 Second Order on Reconsideration 04/22/99 64 FR 19722 Public Notice 05/09/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Renee Terry, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2692 Fax: 202 418-1567 RIN: 3060-AG45 _______________________________________________________________________ [[Page 74866]] 4483. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE SUBSCRIBER SELECTION CHANGES PROVISION OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 258 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.1100; 47 CFR 64.1150; 47 CFR 64.1160; 47 CFR 64.1170; 47 CFR 64.1180; 47 CFR 64.1190 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In December 1998, the Commission established new rules and policies implementing section 258 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which makes it unlawful for any telecommunications carrier to ``submit or execute a change in a subscriber's selection of a provider of telecommunications exchange service or telephone toll service except in accordance with such verification procedures as the Commission shall prescribe.'' The rules provide, among other things, that any telecommunications carrier that violates such verification procedures and that collects charges for telephone exchange service or telephone toll service from a subscriber, shall be liable to the carrier previously selected by the subscriber in an amount equal to all charges paid by the subscriber after such violation. In the FNPRM, we sought comment on several proposals to further strengthen our slamming rules, including a proposal to require unauthorized carriers to remit to authorized carriers certain amounts in addition to the amount paid by slammed subscribers, as well as proposals for preventing the confusion and slamming that results from resellers using the same carrier identification codes as their facilities-based carriers. In April 2000, the Commission modified the slamming liability rules by giving victims of slamming adequate redress, ensuring that carriers that slam do not profit from their fraud, and allowing states to act as the primary administrator of slamming complaints. In July 2000, the Commission took further action to improve the existing carrier change process for both consumers and carriers, protect the right of consumers to exercise choice among carriers, and ensure that consumers' choices are honored. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ MO&O on Recon and FNPRM 08/14/97 62 FR 43493 FNPRM Comment Period End 09/30/97 Second Report & Order and Second FNPRM 02/16/99 64 FR 7745 First O on Recon 04/13/00 65 FR 47678 Third Report & Order 07/21/00 Second O on Recon 07/21/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Sheryl Todd, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, Accounting Policy Division, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7400 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG46 _______________________________________________________________________ 4484. IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 402(B)(1)(A) OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; LEC TARIFF STREAMLINING PROVISIONS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1.773(a); 47 CFR 61.58 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, February 8, 1997, the Act of 1996 provides that streamlining provisions apply to any charge, classification, regulation, or practice filed on or after one year after date of enactment of the Act (i.e., 2/8/97). Abstract: In this Report and Order, the FCC adopted rules to implement the specific streamlining requirements of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. Petitions for reconsideration were filed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/24/96 61 FR 49987 NPRM Comment Period End 10/24/96 R&O 02/07/97 62 FR 5757 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Joi Nolen, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1520 RIN: 3060-AG47 _______________________________________________________________________ 4485. REGULATORY TREATMENT OF LEC PROVISION OF INTEREXCHANGE SERVICE ORIGINATING IN THE LEC'S LOCAL EXCHANGE AREA Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 215; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 220; 47 USC 271; 47 USC 272; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 61.3(o); 47 CFR 61.3(t) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On April 18, 1997, the Commission released a Second Report and Order in CC Docket No. 96-149 and a Third Report and Order in CC Docket No. 96-61 (Classification Order), in which the Commission revised its regulatory treatment of BOCs' and independent LECs' provision of domestic, interstate, long distance services and international services. The Classification Order revises the Commission's approach to defining product and geographic markets so as to be more in accord with the 1992 Department of Justice/Federal Trade Commission Horizontal Merger Guidelines; classifies the BOCs' long distance affiliates as ``non-dominant'' in the provision of long distance services that originate in the areas in which a BOC provides local telephone services; and also classifies independent LECs as non- dominant in the provision of in-region long distance services, but requires independent LECs to provide their in-region long distance services through separate affiliates that satisfy certain separation requirements. Finally, the Classification Order classifies the BOCs and independent LECs as non-dominant in the provision of interstate, domestic, and long distance services that originate outside of the areas in which they provide local telephone services, and it eliminates the requirement that the BOCs and independent LECs provide those out- of-region services through separate affiliates. On June 27, 1997, the Commission released an Order on [[Page 74867]] Reconsideration, which made minor modifications to the Classification Order, including changing the effective date of the Classification Order to 70 days after its publication in the Federal Register. On March 24, 1998, the FCC released an Order staying the provision for the April 18, 1998 deadline by which independent LECs that provide in- region, interstate, interexchange services on an integrated basis must comply with the FCC's requirement that they provide these services through a separate affiliate. To ensure that separate LECs do not incur compliance costs while the possibility of changes to the requirement still exists, the Order stays the portion of the rule that provides the deadline for compliance until 60 days after the release of an FCC reconsideration order addressing this issue. The Second Order on Reconsideration amended the Commission's rules to allow independent LECs that provide in-region, long distance services solely on a resale basis to do so through a separate corporate division rather than a separate legal entity. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/29/96 61 FR 39379 Order on Recon 07/03/97 62 FR 35974 2nd R&O 07/03/97 62 FR 35974 Order 04/06/98 63 FR 16696 2nd Order on Reconsideration & MO&O 08/16/99 64 FR 44423 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Andrea Kearney, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 RIN: 3060-AG48 _______________________________________________________________________ 4486. ACCESS CHARGE REFORM Priority: Economically Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 403; 47 USC 553 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 61.41 to 61.49; 47 CFR 69 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On December 24, 1996, the Commission initiated a rulemaking to revise its access charge rules to make them compatible with a competitive market envisioned by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. On May 7, 1997, the Commission adopted revised access charge rate structure rules and adjusted the price cap productivity factor. The Commission also adopted a market-based approach to reducing overall access charge levels and moving such levels toward forward-looking economic costs. The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to allow presubscribed interexchange carrier charges on special access lines and to adjust the allocation of General Support Facilities costs recovered through interstate access charges. On July 10, 1997, on its own motion, and on October 9, 1997, in response to reconsideration petitions, the Commission revised or clarified certain parts of the rules adopted in the May 1997 Access Charge Reform Order. On November 26, 1997, the Commission adopted rules requiring price cap carriers to adjust the allocation of General Support Facilities costs and to reduce their price cap indices to ensure that regulated access rates do not recover those costs which are related to nonregulated services. Reconsideration petitions filed in response to the Access Charge Reform Order, if not yet addressed, will be addressed in future reconsideration orders. On May 27, 1999, the Commission initiated a further rulemaking, seeking comment on how to adjust interstate access charges in conjunction with the removal from access charges of implicit universal service support for non-rural local exchange carriers. On August 5, 1999, the Commission adopted rules implementing the market-based approach to access charge reform, pursuant to which incumbent price cap local exchange carriers receive progressively greater pricing flexibility as competition develops. The Commission also initiated a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, seeking comment on additional pricing flexibility, proposed changes to the rate structure for local switching and tandem-switched transport, and the need to constrain access charges imposed by competitive local exchange carriers. Reconsideration petitions filed in response to the November 1977 General Support Facilities Order will be addressed in a future reconsideration order. On May 31, 2000, the Commission adopted an industry proposal establishing a 5-year plan for price cap local exchange carriers and resolving many outstanding issues concerning interstate access charges and interstate universal service. On June 16, 2000, the Commission issued a Public Notice inviting parties to update and refresh the record regarding the mandatory detariffing of competitive local exchange carriers' interstate access services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/31/97 62 FR 04670 FNPRM 06/06/97 62 FR 31040 R&O 06/11/97 62 FR 31868 Second Report & Order 06/11/97 62 FR 31939 Order on Reconsideration 07/29/97 62 FR 40460 Second Order on Reconsideration 10/29/97 62 FR 56121 Third Report & Order 12/15/97 62 FR 65619 Public Notice 10/09/98 63 FR 54430 Third Order on Reconsideration 10/15/98 63 FR 55334 Fourth Report & Order and FNPRM 06/09/99 64 FR 30949 Fifth Report & Order and FNPRM 09/22/99 64 FR 51258 NPRM 10/04/99 64 FR 53648 Sixth Report & Order 06/21/00 65 FR 38684 Public Notice 06/26/00 65 FR 39335 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Aaron Goldschmidt, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, Competitive Pricing Division, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7146 RIN: 3060-AG49 _______________________________________________________________________ 4487. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE LOCAL COMPETITION PROVISIONS OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 155; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 207 to 209; 47 USC 218 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 51; 47 CFR 52 [[Page 74868]] Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, August 8, 1996. Abstract: The Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order implemented the dialing parity, nondiscriminatory access, network disclosure, and number administration provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. The Order also denied the Petition for Expedited Declaratory Ruling on the area code relief plan for Dallas and Houston filed with the FCC by the Texas Public Utilities Commission on May 9, 1996. Finally, this Order addressed petitions for clarification or reconsideration in the matters of proposed 708 Relief Plan and 630 Numbering Plan Area Code by Ameritech and the Administration of the North American Numbering Plan. On July 19, 1999, the Commission released an order denying the petition for reconsideration of the Local Competition Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order filed by Beehive Telephone Company, Inc., Local Competition Second Report and Order, First Order on Reconsideration, CC Docket No. 96-98, FCC 99-170, 1999 WL 507245 (1999). On August 17, 1999, Beehive filed a Notice of Appeal of this order with the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit. On May 18, 2000, the Court affirmed the Commission's decision without a published opinion. On June 30, 2000, Beehive filed a Petition for Rehearing with the Court. That petition was denied on July 18, 2000. On September 9, 1999, the Commission released the Second Order on Reconsideration of the Local Competition Second Report and Order, FCC 99-227, resolving petitions for reconsideration of rules adopted in the Local Competition Second Report and Order to implement the requirement of Section 251(b)(3), 47 U.S.C. Section 251(b)(3), that LECS provide non-discriminatory access to directory assistance, directory listing and operator services. On October 21, 1999, the Commission released the Third Order on Reconsideration of the Local Competition Second Report and Order, FCC 99-243, resolving the petitions for reconsideration regarding numbering administration under Section 251(e)(1) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. Section 251(e)(1). Other petitions for reconsideration or clarification of the Local Competition Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order regarding dialing parity under section 251(b)(3) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. section 251(b)(3), and network disclosure under section 251(c)(1) of the Act, 47 U.S.C. section 251(c)(1), are currently pending before the Commission. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/25/96 61 FR 18311 NPRM Comment Period End 06/03/96 Order 09/06/96 61 FR 47284 Second Order on Recon 09/27/99 64 FR 51910 Third Order on Recon 11/18/99 64 FR 62983 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Gregory Cooke, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2351 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG50 _______________________________________________________________________ 4488. IMPLEMENTATION OF SECTION 255 AND SECTION 251(A)(2) OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996; ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICES EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOMER PREMISE EQUIPMENT FOR PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 255 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding is initiated to implement the provisions of sections 251(a)(2) and 255 of the Communications Act and related sections of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 regarding the accessibility of telecommunications equipment and services to persons with disabilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 09/26/96 61 FR 50465 NPRM 05/22/98 63 FR 28456 NPRM Comment Period End 08/14/98 First Report & Order 11/19/99 64 FR 63277 Public Notice 07/13/00 65 FR 43372 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Additional Information: Additional Bureau: Consumer Information Agency Contact: Ellen Blackler, Special Assistant to Bureau Chief, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1500 Fax: 202 418-7247 Email: [email protected] Susan Magnotti, Senior Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0871 Fax: 202 418-2345 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG58 _______________________________________________________________________ 4489. ENHANCED 911 SERVICES FOR WIRELINE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201; 47 USC 222; 47 USC 251 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.706; 47 CFR 64.708; 47 CFR 68.2; 47 CFR 68.3; 47 CFR 68.3(a); 47 CFR 68.228; 47 CFR 68.308; 47 CFR 68.310 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The rules generally will assist state governments in drafting legislation that will ensure that multi-line telephone systems are compatible with the enhanced 911 network. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/11/94 59 FR 54878 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local, Tribal [[Page 74869]] Agency Contact: Alan Thomas, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2338 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG60 _______________________________________________________________________ 4490. ADMINISTRATION OF THE NORTH AMERICAN NUMBERING PLAN, CARRIER IDENTIFICATION CODES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 251(e) CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In 1994, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in CC Docket No.92-237 addressing various issues relating to NANP administration, including carrier identification codes (CICs). On April 30, 1996, the FCC issued a Public Notice to refresh the record in this Docket. On April 11, 1997, the FCC released a Second Report and Order affirming its tentative conclusion in the NPRM of the industry's plan to convert 3-digit Feature Group D (FGD) Carrier Identification Codes (CICs) to 4-digit. On October 9, 1997, the FCC released the CICs' Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on the definition of ``entity'' used to determine who may receive a CIC, and on CIC conservation issues. On October 22, 1997, the Commission released CIC's Order on Reconsideration, Order on Application For Review, and Second FNPRM. The Order on Application For Review denied VarTec Telecom Inc.'s Application for Review of the Common Carrier Bureau's (CCB's) decision to deny VarTec's Motion for Stay of the CIC's Second Report and Order. The Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking tentatively concludes that eventually all Local Exchange Carriers (LEC) end offices should be required to provide equal access. In December 1997 and January 1998, the CCB's Network Service Division released five Orders addressing petitions for waiver filed by small LECs, requesting extension of the January 1, 1998 deadline for conversion of switches to 4-digit. On January 28, 1998, the Network Services Division released an Order addressing a petition filed by a LEC seeking a waiver of 5-digit CIC dialing during the permissive dialing period. Several petitions were received in the first half of calendar year 2000 that may require the issuance of a Public Notice to refresh the record of the FNPRM. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Second R&O 04/18/97 62 FR 19056 FNPRM 10/22/97 62 FR 54817 Order on Recon 10/28/97 62 FR 55762 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Ward, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2336 Fax: 202 418-2345 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG61 _______________________________________________________________________ 4491. IN THE MATTER OF INSIDE WIRE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 155 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 68.3; 47 CFR 68.213(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This action addressed a proposal for enhanced wire quality standards for simple inside telephone wiring. The action also addressed whether the demarcation point rule should apply to complex wiring and whether the demarcation point may be located away from a building. The issues on the definition of the demarcation point have been included in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's Docket No. 99-217 (Competitive Networks). A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking addressing these issues was released in July 1999. Comments were due on August 13, 1999, and reply comments were due on September 3, 1999. The issues with regard to inside wiring were addressed in a Report and Order released January 10, 2000. The Report and Order, released in CC Docket No. 88-57, amended Part 68 to establish minimum quality requirements for inside wire. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/17/97 62 FR 36476 NPRM Comment Period End 08/01/97 Third Report and Order 01/26/00 65 FR 4137 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Susan Magnotti, Senior Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0871 Fax: 202 418-2345 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG63 _______________________________________________________________________ 4492. COMPUTER III FURTHER REMAND PROCEEDINGS: BELL OPERATING COMPANY PROVISION OF ENHANCED SERVICES Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 160; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 202 to 205; 47 USC 251; 47 USC 271; 47 USC 272; 47 USC 274 to 276 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 51; 47 CFR 53; 47 CFR 64 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On January 30, 1998, the FCC released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNRPM) proposing to streamline the safeguards under which the Bell Operating Companies (BOCs) provide information (or enhanced) services, such as voice mail and electric messaging. The FCC sought comment on tentative conclusions relating to nonstructural safeguards, Comparably Efficient Interconnection (CEI) plans, and network information disclosure rules, among other things. Finally, the FNPRM sought to build a record on which to respond to a partial remand of certain orders by the Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. On February 25, 1999, the Commission adopted a Report and Order which streamlined the Commission's CEI and network information disclosure rules. Although the BOCs must continue to comply with their CEI obligations, they are no longer required to obtain pre-approval of their CEI plans and amendments from the Commission before initiating or altering an intra- [[Page 74870]] LATA information service. Instead, the Commission requires the BOCs to post their CEI plans on their publicly accessible Internet sites, and to notify the Common Carrier Bureau upon such posting. The Commission removed the network information disclosure rules set forth in the Computer II and Computer III proceedings, with the narrow exception of the Computer II rules that require carriers to disclose changes that could affect how customer premises equipment (CPE) is attached to the network. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/26/98 63 FR 9749 Order 03/24/99 64 FR 14141 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Jon Reel, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 Jodie Donovan-May, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 RIN: 3060-AG72 _______________________________________________________________________ 4493. DETARIFFING OF INTERSTATE EXCHANGE ACCESS SERVICES FOR NON- INCUMBENT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151 to 154; 47 USC 160 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to establish mandatory detariffing for non-incumbent local exchange carrier providers of interstate exchange access services or some form of regulation of non-incumbent local exchange carrier providers' access rates pursuant to a Notice of Proposed Rule Making and Further Notice of Proposed Rule Making issued by the Commission on June 19, 1997, and August 27, 1999, respectively. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/19/97 62 FR 38244 FNPRM 09/22/99 64 FR 51280 Public Notice 06/26/00 65 FR 39335 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Lenworth Smith, Legal Branch Chief, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1520 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG73 _______________________________________________________________________ 4494. IN THE MATTER OF THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES, THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT OF 1990, AND THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS ACT OF 1996 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.604 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This item will address the requirement that telecommunications relay services be capable of handling any type of call normally provided by common carriers, including coin-sent paid calls. Timetable: Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: Additional Bureau: Consumer Information Agency Contact: Staci L. Pies, Deputy Division Chief, Network Services Division, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2320 RIN: 3060-AG75 _______________________________________________________________________ 4495. IN THE MATTER OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS RELAY SERVICES AND SPEECH-TO- SPEECH SERVICES FOR INDIVIDUALS WITH HEARING AND SPEECH DISABILITIES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 225; 47 USC 255; 47 USC 610 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.601; 47 CFR 64.603; 47 CFR 64.604; 47 CFR 64.605 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In the Report and Order, released on March 6, 2000, the FCC adopted additional rules to increase the availability and usefulness of the telecommunications system for Americans with hearing and speech disabilities. Specifically, the FCC required that speech to speech and Spanish language relay services be provided. The FCC also encouraged the provision of video relay interpreting service by making it eligible for reimbursement from the telecommunications relay service (TRS) fund. In addition, the FCC revised its minimum standards in accordance with the statutory mandate that TRS must be ``functionally equivalent'' to voice telecommunications service to the extent possible. Among other things, these rules will improve the speed at which calls are answered and conversations relayed. In the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM), the FCC asked for comment on how to further improve TRS. Specifically, the FNPRM asked what changes are necessary to increase public awareness of TRS among all callers, not just those with disabilities, including how a national awareness education campaign can be established; and whether other technologies, services, and features should be made available to TRS users. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/20/98 63 FR 32798 NPRM Comment Period End 09/14/98 63 FR 32798 Report and Order 03/06/00 65 FR 38432 FNPRM 03/06/00 65 FR 38490 O on Recon 06/21/00 65 FR 38432 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: State [[Page 74871]] Additional Information: Additional Bureau: Consumer Information Agency Contact: Marilyn Jones, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2357 Fax: 202 418-2345 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG76 _______________________________________________________________________ 4496. TOLL FRAUD Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 258; 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.1900 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The NPRM proposed to address issues related to the prevention of toll fraud. Due to the fact that instances of toll fraud have declined dramatically since the inception of the NPRM, the Commission is considering termination of the proceeding. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/02/93 58 FR 65163 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: David Ward, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2336 Fax: 202 418-2345 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG77 _______________________________________________________________________ 4497. 1998 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTING AND COST ALLOCATION REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 220 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 32.11; 47 CFR 32.16; 47 CFR 32.2000(b); 47 CFR 32.2114; 47 CFR 32.2115; 47 CFR 32.2116; 47 CFR 32.5280; 47 CFR 32.6114; 47 CFR 32.6115; 47 CFR 32.6116; 47 CFR 64.903; 47 CFR 64.904 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 31, 1998. Abstract: This Report and Order modifies the FCC's cost allocation and accounting rules as part of the biennial regulatory review process. Specifically, it (1) raises the threshold significantly for Class A accountings, thus allowing mid-sized carriers currently required to use Class A accounts to use the more streamlined Class B accounts; (2) establishes less burdensome cost allocation manual (CAM) procedures for the mid-sized incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) and reduces the frequency with which independent audits of the cost allocations are required; and (3) makes several changes to the uniform system of accounts to reduce accounting requirements and to eliminate or consolidate accounts. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/17/98 63 FR 45208 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/98 Report & Order 06/30/99 64 FR 50002 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Timothy Peterson, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1575 RIN: 3060-AG98 _______________________________________________________________________ 4498. BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW OF ARMIS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS Priority: Other Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 203; 47 USC 204; 47 USC 205; 47 USC 215; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 219; 47 USC 220; 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 43.21 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, December 31, 1998. Abstract: This Report and Order reduces reporting requirement for incumbent local exchange carriers with annual operating revenues in excess of the annual indexed revenue threshold. These modifications are designed to minimize the reporting burden on carriers, improve the quality and use of the reported financial and operating data, and reduce the costs of collection, verification, and distribution of the data. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/17/98 63 FR 44220 NPRM Comment Period End 09/04/98 Report & Order 06/30/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mika Savir, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0384 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG99 _______________________________________________________________________ 4499. PERFORMANCE MEASUREMENTS AND REPORTING REQUIREMENTS FOR OPERATIONS SUPPORT SYSTEMS, INTERCONNECTION, OPERATOR SERVICES, AND DIRECTORY ASSISTANCE Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 251; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On April 17, 1998, the FCC released an NPRM seeking comment on a set of model performance measurements and reporting requirements for OSS, interconnection, and access to operator services and to directory assistance. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/17/98 63 FR 27021 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John Stanley, Attorney-Advisor, Federal [[Page 74872]] Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1496 RIN: 3060-AH00 _______________________________________________________________________ 4500. ACCESS CHARGE REFORM FOR RATE-OF-RETURN LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 5 USC 553; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 153; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 203; 47 USC 204; 47 USC 205; 47 USC 251; 47 USC 254(g); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 36.111; 47 CFR 36.372; 47 CFR 61.1; 47 CFR 69.2; 47 CFR 69.4; 47 CFR 69.110; 47 CFR 69.112; 47 CFR 69.120; 47 CFR 69.125; 47 CFR 69.153(c); 47 CFR 69.307(c) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In order to make the access charge rules compatible with a competitive marketplace as envisioned by the Telecommunications Act of 1996, the FCC on May 26, 1998, initiated a rulemaking to revise interstate access charge rules applicable to incumbent local exchange carriers subject to rate-of-return regulation. The NPRM proposes to permit rate-of-return LECs to adjust their subscriber line charge ceilings on non-primary residential and multi-line business lines to the level necessary to recover their average per-line interstate- allocated common line costs, subject to an inflation-adjusted $9.00 ceiling. The NPRM also proposes to permit rate-of-return LECs to recover common line revenues through a presubscribed interexchange carrier charge. The NPRM also proposes that per-minute residual carrier common line and residual transport interconnection charges will be eliminated as the presubscribed interexchange carrier charge ceilings increase. The NPRM seeks comment on proposals to allow presubscribed interexchange carrier charges on special access lines and to adjust the allocation of General Support Facilities costs recovered through interstate access charges to ensure that regulated access rates do not recover costs related to nonregulated services. The NPRM proposes that rate-of-return local exchange carriers recover marketing costs allocated to the interstate jurisdiction from end users on a per-line basis. In addition, to establish a new switched access rate element to accommodate a new service offering, the streamlined petition provisions of section 69.4(g) are proposed. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/20/98 63 FR 38774 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Agency Contact: Lynne Milne, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7055 TDD Phone: 202 418-0484 Fax: 202 418-1567 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH01 _______________________________________________________________________ 4501. DEPLOYMENT OF WIRELINE SERVICES OFFERING ADVANCED TELECOMMUNICATIONS CAPABILITY Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 152; 47 USC 153; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 160; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 203; 47 USC 204; 47 USC 205; 47 USC 251; 47 USC 252; 47 USC 253; 47 USC 254; 47 USC 256; 47 USC 271; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 51.5; 47 CFR 51.230; 47 CFR 51.231; 47 CFR 51.232; 47 CFR 51.233; 47 CFR 51.319; 47 CFR 51.321; 47 CFR 51.323; 47 CFR 51.605; 47 CFR 51.607 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On March 31, 1999, the Commission released a First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), in CC Docket No. 98-147, adopting several measures to enable competitive providers of advanced services such as high-speed internet access, to deploy new technologies on a faster, more cost-effective basis to consumers. This order is intended to create marketplace conditions conducive to the nationwide deployment of advanced telecommunications services consistent with the goals of section 706. Because the Commission concluded that the record does not sufficiently address long-term spectrum compatibility issues, the Commission adopted a companion Further NPRM that seeks comment on issues related to developing long- term standards and practices for spectrum compatibility and management. In the Further NPRM, the Commission also tentatively concludes that it is technically feasible for two different carriers sharing a single line to provide traditional voice service and advanced services. The Further Notice seeks comment on the operational, pricing, legal and policy ramifications of mandating such line sharing at the Federal level. On November 9, 1999, the Commission released a Second Report and Order in CC Docket No. 98-147, which addressed whether the discounted resale obligation of Section 251(c)(4) applies to incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (LEC) provision of advanced services without regard to their classification as telephone exchange or exchange access. The Commission determined that analysis of Section 251(c)(4) requires a fact-specific evaluation of the features and characteristics of a particular transaction, and concluded that advanced services sold at retail by incumbent LECs to residential and business end-users are subject to the Section 251(c)(4) discounted resale obligation, without regard to their classification as telephone exchange service or exchange access service. The Commission, however, reached a different result as to advanced services sold to Internet Service Providers for inclusion in a high-speed Internet service offering, concluding that these advanced services are inherently different from advanced services made available directly to business and residential end-users, and as such, are not subject to the discounted resale obligations of Section 251(c)(4). On December 9, 1999, the Commission released a Third Report and Order in CC Docket No. 98-147 and Fourth Report and Order in CC Docket No. 96-98 (Third R&O). In the Third R&O, the Commission adopted measures to promote the availability of competitive broadband Digital Subscriber Line (DSL) services, especially to residential and small business customers. The Third R&O amends the Commission's unbundling rules to require incumbent LECs to provide unbundled access to a new network element, the high [[Page 74873]] frequency portion of the local loop. This will enable competitive LECs to compete with incumbent LECs to provide access to consumers' DSL services through telephone lines that the competitive LECs can share with incumbent LECs. In addition, the Third R&O adopts spectrum management policies and rules to facilitate the competitive deployment of advanced services. These rules will significantly benefit the rapid and efficient deployment of DSL technologies. On December 23, 1999, the Commission released an Order on Remand in CC Docket Nos. 98-147, 98-11, 98-26, 98-32, 98-78, and 98-91, in which the Commission determined that US West may not avoid the obligations placed on incumbent LECs under Section 251 (c) of the Act in connection with the provision of advanced services. The Commission found that when xDSL-based advanced services both originate and terminate ``within a telephone exchange,'' and provide subscribers with the capability of communicating with other subscribers in that same exchange, they are properly classified as ``telephone exchange service.'' The Commission found that xDSL-based advanced services constitute ``exchange/access'' when exchange boundaries for the purposes of originating or terminating telephone toll services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/24/98 63 FR 45140 Order 08/24/98 63 FR 45133 R&O and Further NPRM 04/30/99 64 FR 23229 Third R&O 01/10/00 65 FR 1331 Second R&O 02/11/00 65 FR 6912 Order on Remand 02/16/00 65 FR 7744 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Margaret Egler, Assistant Chief, Policy and Program Planning Division, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 RIN: 3060-AH03 _______________________________________________________________________ 4502. PRESCRIBING THE AUTHORIZED RATE OF RETURN FOR INTERSTATE SERVICES OF LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201(b); 47 USC 202 to 205; 47 USC 218 to 220; 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 65.301 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This Notice initiates a proceeding to represcribe the authorized rate of return for interstate access services provided by ILECs. It marks the first prescription proceeding since we revised the rules governing procedures and methodologies for prescribing and enforcing the rate of return for ILECs not subject to price cap regulation, and the first prescription proceeding since the Commission adopted its price cap rules for local exchange carriers. In this Notice, we seek comment on the methods by which we could calculate the ILECs' cost of capital. In the Notice, we propose corrections to errors in the codified formulas for the cost of debt and cost of preferred stock and seek comment on whether this proceeding warrants a change in the low-end formula adjustment for local exchange carriers subject to price caps. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/05/98 63 FR 55988 NPRM Comment Period End 04/08/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Louise Klees-Wallace, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7116 RIN: 3060-AH18 _______________________________________________________________________ 4503. 1998 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW - REVIEW OF DEPRECIATION REQUIREMENTS FOR INCUMBENT LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201 to 205; 47 USC 215; 47 USC 218; 47 USC 220(h); 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 32.2000; 47 CFR 43.43 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In the Report and Order we streamline further our depreciation prescription process by permitting summary filings and eliminating the prescription of depreciation rates for incumbent LECs, provided that the carrier uses depreciation factors that are within the ranges adopted by the Commission; expanding the prescribed range for the digital switching plant account; and eliminating theoretical reserve studies for mid-sized carriers. We also set forth conditions pursuant to which a waiver from the Commission's depreciation prescription process may be appropriate. In the Memorandum Opinion and Order, we deny United States Telephone Association's petition for forbearance of our depreciation prescription process. We find that the petition did not meet the three-prong forbearance test under Section 10 of the Act (47 U.S.C. Section 160). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/14/98 63 FR 56900 NPRM Comment Period End 12/08/98 FNPRM 04/03/00 65 FR 19725 Report and Order 04/10/00 65 FR 18926 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: JoAnn Lucanik, Assistant Division Chief, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, Accounting Safeguards Division, 445 12th Street SW., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0873 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH20 _______________________________________________________________________ 4504. COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW OF ACCOUNTING REQUIREMENTS AND ARMIS REPORTING REQUIREMENTS, PHASE 1 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 161; 47 USC 220 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 32.13; 47 CFR 32.25; 47 CFR 32.27; 47 CFR 32.903; [[Page 74874]] 47 CFR 32.904; 47 CFR 32.2002; 47 CFR 32.2003; 47 CFR 32.5999 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This Report and Order streamlines the FCC's accounting and reporting requirements by (1) eliminating the USOA expense matrix; (2) reducing audit burdens on incumbent local exchange carriers; (3) adopting a de minimis exception to the affiliate transactions rules; (4) eliminating other accounting requirements; and (5) streamlining reporting requirements in the ARMIS 43-02 USOA Report. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/14/99 64 FR 44877 NPRM Comment Period End 09/09/99 Report and Order 03/28/00 65 FR 16328 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mika Savir, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0384 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH43 _______________________________________________________________________ 4505. LOCAL TELEPHONE NETWORKS THAT LECS MUST MAKE AVAILABLE TO COMPETITORS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 251 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 51 (Revision) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This revises the rules applicable to incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to permit competitive carriers to access portions of the incumbent LECs' networks on an unbundled basis. Unbundling allows competitors to lease portions of the incumbent LECs' network to provide telecommunications services. These rule changes are intended to remove uncertainty regarding the incumbent LECs' unbundling obligations under the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and are expected to accelerate the development of local exchange competition. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ Second Further NPRM 04/26/99 64 FR 20238 Fourth Further NPRM 01/14/00 65 FR 2367 Third R&O 01/18/00 65 FR 2542 Errata Third R&O and Fourth Further NPRM 01/18/00 65 FR 2542 Second Errata Third R&O and Fourth Further NPRM 01/18/00 65 FR 2542 Supp Order 01/18/00 65 FR 2542 Supplemental Order Clarification06/20/00 65 FR 38214 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Jodie Donovan-May, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1580 RIN: 3060-AH44 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Completed Actions Common Carrier Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4506. RULES AND POLICIES REGARDING CALLING NUMBER IDENTIFICATION SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(f); 47 USC 201 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 64.1600 to 64.1604 Legal Deadline: Final, Judicial, January 1, 1997, The R&O set effective date of 12/1/95 for carriers to pass CPN, provide per call blocking, and provide unblocking if blocking is offered. Numerous other deadlines for when stays, waivers expire. Abstract: The Report and Order and Further Notice found that a Federal model for interstate delivery of calling party number (CPN) is in the public interest and that the model must protect calling party privacy. The Second Report and Order confirms this finding, addresses 53 petitions for reconsideration of the Report and Order and adopts rules that: ensure the interstate delivery of calling party number; ensure that callers can activate a per-call privacy mechanism (by dialing *67) to block display of their numbers to called parties; and ensure that if State policies permit and customers select to have per-line blocking, callers can activate a per-call unblocking mechanism (by dialing *82) to display their numbers to called parties. Further, the Second Report and Order adopts rules to ensure that for other services that use calling party number or calling name, when a caller requests privacy, a carrier may not reveal that caller's number or name, nor may the carrier use the number or name to allow the called party to contact the calling party. These rules became generally effective December 1, 1995. Hotel and motel lines, public payphones, party lines, and call return services must comply with these rules by January 1, 1997. The Commission has granted several temporary stays and waivers of these rules. The Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comments on whether the caller ID rules should be extended to Private Branch Exchange systems and private payphones. The Fourth Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comments on whether local exchange carriers without blocking software should be exempted from the caller ID rules and required not to pass CPN. BellSouth has petitioned the Commission to reconsider the rules established in the Second Report and Order that applied the caller ID rules to call return services, hotel and motel lines, and public payphones. The 3rd Report and Order, released March 25, 1997, clarified that caller ID rules do apply to call-return services and party lines. Siemens petitioned for reconsideration of caller ID rules as to equipment manufacturers. The network services division of the Common Carrier Bureau granted a stay of the FCC's rules for private branch exchange (PBX) manufacturers. [[Page 74875]] Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/26/91 56 FR 57300 R&O 04/18/94 59 FR 18318 FNPRM 04/18/94 59 FR 18349 Second R&O and Third NPRM 06/02/95 60 FR 28775 Order 10/30/95 Order & Fourth NPRM 11/30/95 60 FR 63491 Order 11/30/95 Third R&O 06/23/97 62 FR 34015 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: The title of this item was revised when the status was changed from RM 7397 to CC Docket 91-281. The RM was a public notice calling for comments and, upon receipt of comments and replies, was terminated in favor of the NPRM under CC Docket 91-281. Agency Contact: Gayle Teicher, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1515 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF07 _______________________________________________________________________ 4507. SBC COMMUNICATIONS, INC. PETITION FOR BIENNIAL REVIEW Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 4(i); 47 USC 4(j); 47 USC 161; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 203; 47 USC 204; 47 USC 205; 47 USC 219; 47 USC 220; 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR; 47 CFR 1; 47 CFR 13; 47 CFR 22; 47 CFR 24; 47 CFR 32.27; 47 CFR 61; 47 CFR 64.901 to 64.904; 47 CFR 65.101; 47 CFR 65.820(d); 47 CFR 80; 47 CFR 87; 47 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission sought comment on proposals to modify its rules for rates of return, cash working capital studies, affiliate transaction rules, cost allocation rules, detariffing of certain services, and to consolidate wireless radio rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/24/98 63 FR 68418 R&O and 5th MO&O 06/30/99 R&O, O on Recon, and 4th MO&O 09/15/99 64 FR 50002 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Andy Mulitz, Legal Branch Chief, Accounting Safeguards Division, Federal Communications Commission, Common Carrier Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0827 RIN: 3060-AH19 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Consumer Information Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4508. INTERNET TELEPHONY REPORT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 208; 47 USC 255 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 6 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This item analyzes the extent to which the telecommunications industry is providing access to Internet telephony, and the extent to which regulatory action is necessary to achieve such access. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/22/98 63 FR 28456 R&O and NOI 11/19/99 64 FR 63235 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Federalism: Undetermined Agency Contact: Scott Marshall, Federal Communications Commission, Consumer Information Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2809 TDD Phone: 202 418-0179 Fax: 202 418-1414 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH56 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Enforcement Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4509. IN THE MATTER OF AMENDMENT OF PART 73, SUBPART G, OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES REGARDING THE EMERGENCY ALERT SYSTEM Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 544; 47 USC 606 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 11; 47 CFR 73; 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted new rules to replace the old Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) with a new Emergency Alert System (EAS), in order to alert the public in the event of a national emergency. The Report and Order requires broadcast stations and cable TV systems to participate in the EAS and streamlines operational procedures for system participants. The new rules prescribe how existing communications services such as broadcasting, cable, and other public service providers will function under the technical standards and operational procedures of the new system. It also removed the old part of the Commission's rules concerning EBS in its entirety and incorporated the new [[Page 74876]] EAS rules in a new part of the Code of Federal Regulations. The Commission issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comments regarding whether the Multipoint Distribution Service (MDS), Satellite Master Antenna TV (SMATV) system, and Video Dial Tone should also be required to participate in EAS. It also sought comments on several cable issues such as whether a defined class of small cable systems should be exempted from participation in EAS, and how the Commission should define small cable systems. The Commission subsequently adopted a Second Report and Order to (1) modify EAS as it applied to cable systems; (2) address whether other video providers should be required to participate in the system; and (3) adopt rules to address issues of concern to persons with hearing disabilities. In response to concerns that voluntary EAS activations could interrupt the transmission of emergency programming by local broadcast stations, the Commission issued a Second Further NPRM requesting comment on whether it should adopt rules to prohibit cable systems from transmitting EAS alerts for state or local emergencies during the broadcast of emergency programming by a broadcast station. In the Third Report and Order, the Commission amended its rules to permit cable systems and broadcast systems to enter into voluntary agreements regarding the transmission of local emergency information. The Commission, however, declined to adopt rules requiring cable systems to prevent the interruption of local broadcast station emergency programming. At this time, the Commission is considering two additional requests for rule changes. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/09/91 NPRM/FNPRM 09/17/92 57 FR 53874 FNPRM 12/28/94 59 FR 67104 R&O 12/28/94 59 FR 67090 MO&O 11/06/95 60 FR 55996 Second FNPRM 03/04/98 63 FR 15806 Second R&O 09/24/98 63 FR 29660 Third R&O 02/08/99 64 FR 5950 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Federal, State, Local Agency Contact: Frank Lucia, Acting Chief, Emergency Alert System Staff, Federal Communications Commission, Enforcement Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1220 RIN: 3060-AF21 _______________________________________________________________________ 4510. AMENDMENT OF RULES GOVERNING PROCEDURES TO BE FOLLOWED WHEN FORMAL COMPLAINTS ARE FILED AGAINST COMMON CARRIERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 201; 47 USC 208; 47 USC 260; 47 USC 271; 47 USC 274; 47 USC 275 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 0.291; 47 CFR 1.47; 47 CFR 1.720 to 1.736 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In this proceeding the FCC revised the procedural rules governing the filing of formal complaints with the FCC. The objectives of the Order focused on promoting settlement efforts, enhancing the contents of pleadings, and streamlining complaint procedures generally. The rule amendments require parties to (1) engage in pre-filing activities, including settlement discussions and information exchange; (2) eliminate delays in service of formal complaints on carriers; (3) improve the format and content of pleadings; (4) eliminate pleading opportunities that are not useful or necessary; and (5) streamline the discovery process. See Report and Order dated November 25, 1997. Final Action on this matter is anticipated by October 2000. In this proceeding, the FCC also adopted procedures to govern the ``Accelerated Docket,'' in which complaints are resolved on an expedited basis, using tools such as pre-filing settlement conferences supervised by the Commission, as well as minitrials. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/26/96 61 FR 67978 Report & Order 01/07/98 63 FR 990 Second Report & Order 08/04/98 63 FR 41433 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Anita Cheng, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7330 RIN: 3060-AG65 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Proposed Rule Stage Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 4511. REVISION OF THE RULES REGARDING ULTRA-WIDEBAND TRANSMISSION Priority: Economically Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 544A CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposed regulations that would permit the operation of ultra-wideband radio systems on an unlicensed basis under the Commission's rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/14/00 65 FR 37332 NPRM Comment Period End 10/12/00 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses [[Page 74877]] Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-153 Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH47 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 4512. WIND PROFILER RADAR SYSTEMS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment of section 2.106 of the Commission's Rules to allocate spectrum for Wind Profiler Systems. Allocation of this spectrum for wind profilers will facilitate the automated collection of weather information, including data on severe storms that threaten life or property that is not obtainable in any other manner. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/01/93 58 FR 19644 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: ET Docket No. 93-59 Agency Contact: Sean White, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2453 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF45 _______________________________________________________________________ 4513. MILLIMETER WAVE SPECTRUM ALLOCATION Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 47 USC 4; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 15; 47 CFR 21 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The millimeter wave spectrum allocation proceeding began in October 1994 with the adoption of the first Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM). The purpose of the proceeding was to open the radio frequency spectrum above 40 GHz for commercial development. Millimeter wave technology is expected to support many short-range applications that require very high bandwidth, such as educational and medical applications, wireless access to libraries or other information databases, and automotive vehicle radar systems for collision avoidance. The Commission has allocated this spectrum for licensed services and unlicensed uses. The Third Report and Order adopted rules that will encourage the commercial development and use of millimeter wave frequencies above 40 GHz, and adopted rules to establish a spectrum etiquette for unlicensed operation in the 59-64 GHz band. A Public Notice was issued to solicit comments from interested parties regarding harmonizing U.S. and European spectrum allocations above 40 GHz. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/08/94 59 FR 61304 Public Notice 06/23/95 60 FR 35166 2nd NPRM 03/29/96 61 FR 14041 1st R&O 04/02/96 61 FR 14500 Comment Period End 05/28/96 Reply Comments 06/27/96 2nd R&O 08/02/97 62 FR 43116 MO&O 08/27/97 62 FR 45330 4th NPRM 08/27/97 62 FR 45380 Public Notice on Recon 10/02/97 62 FR 51661 3rd R&O 08/07/98 63 FR 42276 3rd MO&O 06/21/00 65 FR 38431 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: ET Docket No. 94-124; Additional Bureaus: Wireless Telecommunications and International. Agency Contact: Rodney P. Conway, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2904 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF61 _______________________________________________________________________ 4514. MSS SPECTRUM ALLOCATION Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Amendment of part 2.106 of the Commission's rules to allocate spectrum at 2 GHz for use by the Mobile Satellite Service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/31/95 60 FR 11644 Order 03/08/95 60 FR 13687 R&O and FNPRM 04/22/97 62 FR 19538 1st R&O 04/22/97 62 FR 19509 MO&O 12/17/98 63 FR 69606 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 95-18 Agency Contact: Sean White, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2453 [[Page 74878]] Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF75 _______________________________________________________________________ 4515. UNLICENSED NATIONAL INFORMATION INFRASTRUCTURE AT 5 GHZ Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The MO&O amends the rules to permit fixed, point to point unlicensed National Information Infrastructure (U-NII) devices in the 5.725-5.285 GHz band to operate with one-watt maximum transmitter output power and directional antennas of up to 23 db:gain. It clarifies the rules regarding unwanted emissions and specifies these limits in terms of absolute radiated power levels. These actions will add to the flexibility and capability of U-NII operations without causing an increase in harmful interference to incumbent operations sharing the same spectrum. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/06/96 61 FR 24749 R&O 01/31/97 62 FR 4649 Public Notice 03/17/97 62 FR 12641 MO&O 07/31/98 63 FR 40831 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: RM-8468 and RM-8653; ET Docket No. 96-102 Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG19 _______________________________________________________________________ 4516. ALLOCATION OF 455-456 MHZ AND 459-460 MHZ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC proposes to amend its rules to allocate the 455-456 MHz and 459-460 MHz bands to the Mobile Satellite Services (Earth-to- Space) (MSS Uplinks) on a primary basis for non-voice, non- geostationary satellite services (NVNG MSS). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/31/97 62 FR 58932 Comment Period End 11/30/97 Reply Comment Period End 12/15/97 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: State Additional Information: ET Docket No. 97-214 Agency Contact: Sean White, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2453 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG89 _______________________________________________________________________ 4517. DEDICATED SHORT RANGE COMMUNICATIONS OF INTELLIGENT TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 90 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC proposes to allocate 75 megahertz of spectrum for use by Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) of Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS). DSRC systems are being designed that require a short range, wireless link to transfer information between vehicles and roadside systems. ITS services are expected to improve traveler safety, decrease traffic congestion, and facilitate reduction of air pollution and conservation of fossil fuels. This action furthers the goal of the U.S. Congress, the Department of Transportation, and the ITS industry to improve the efficiency of the Nation's transportation infrastructure and facilitate the growth of the ITS industry. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/30/98 63 FR 35558 Comment Period End 09/14/98 Reply Comment Period End 10/31/98 R & O 11/26/99 64 FR 66405 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-95 Agency Contact: Tom Derenge, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2451 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG94 _______________________________________________________________________ 4518. REGULATIONS FOR RF LIGHTING DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 18 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC proposed to update the regulations for RF lighting devices. This action was taken in response to new developments in RF lighting technology. Recent developments and advances in microwave RF lighting technology offer potential economic and environmental benefits for consumers and industry. The current FCC rules do not easily accommodate these advancements, and thus hinder the further development and implementation of these promising new products. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 04/24/98 63 FR 20362 First Report & Order 07/12/99 64 FR 37417 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-42 Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal [[Page 74879]] Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG95 _______________________________________________________________________ 4519. EQUIPMENT AUTHORIZATION STREAMLINE II/MUTUAL RECOGNITION AGREEMENTS AND THE GMPCS MOU Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25; 47 CFR 68 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to amend the rules to provide the option of private sector approval of equipment that currently requires an approval by the Commission. It also proposes rule changes to implement a mutual recognition agreement (MRA) for product approvals with the European Community (EC) and to allow for similar agreements with other foreign trade parties. These actions are intended to eliminate the need for manufacturers to wait for approval from the FCC before marketing equipment in the United States, thereby reducing the time needed to bring a product to market. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/10/98 63 FR 31685 R&O 02/02/99 64 FR 4984 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal, State Additional Information: GEN Docket No. 98-68 Agency Contact: Hugh L. Van Tuyl, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7506 RIN: 3060-AG96 _______________________________________________________________________ 4520. UNIDEN SCANNERS/CELLULAR RADIO SIGNALS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major under 5 USC 801. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC proposes to amend the rules to further prevent scanning receivers from receiving radio telephone calls. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 06/10/98 63 FR 31684 Report & Order 04/27/99 64 FR 22559 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-76 Agency Contact: Rodney P. Conway, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2904 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG97 _______________________________________________________________________ 4521. INDUSTRY COORDINATION COMMITTEE SYSTEM FOR BROADCAST DIGITAL TELEVISION SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 336 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73; 47 CFR 74 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: We seek comment on the establishment of an industry coordination committee to assist the Commission in the implementation of digital television (DTV) service. This committee system would evaluate proposed changes to the DTV Table of Allotments and perform other related functions. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/09/99 64 FR 6296 Comment Period End 03/29/99 Reply Comment Period End 04/28/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 99-34 Agency Contact: Alan Stillwell, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2925 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH13 _______________________________________________________________________ 4522. 3650-3700 GOVERNMENT TRANSFER BAND Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 157(a); 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(f); 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to allocate the 3650-3700 MHz band to the non-Government fixed service on a primary basis. We envision that this spectrum will be used to provide a broad range of new fixed point- to-point and point-to-multipoint services directly linking residences, businesses, and other fixed locations to an ever developing array of networks. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 01/14/99 64 FR 2462 ANPRM Comment Period End 03/01/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-237 Agency Contact: Rodney P. Conway, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 [[Page 74880]] Phone: 202 418-2904 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH14 _______________________________________________________________________ 4523. RADIONAVIGATION SERVICE AT 31.8-32.2 GHZ Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 87 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to amend parts 2 and 87 of the Commission's rules in order to delete the unused non-Government radionavigation service allocation at 31.8-32.3 GHz and to also remove this frequency segment from the list of available frequencies set forth in the rules for the Aviation Services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 11/30/98 63 FR 65726 ANPRM Comment Period End 01/04/99 R&O 09/26/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-197 Agency Contact: Tom Mooring, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Tecnology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2450 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH15 _______________________________________________________________________ 4524. CERTIFICATION OF EQUIPMENT IN THE 24.05-24.25 GHZ BAND AT FIELD STRENGTHS UP TO 2500 MV/M Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to amend Part 15 of its rules to allow the operation of fixed point-to-point transmitters in the 24.05- 24.25 GHz band at field strength of up to 2500 mV/m. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ ANPRM 09/21/98 63 FR 50185 ANPRM Comment Period End 01/04/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-156 Agency Contact: Neal McNeil, Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2408 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH16 _______________________________________________________________________ 4525. FIXED SATELLITE SERVICE AND TERRESTRIAL SYSTEM IN THE KU-BAND Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 157; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to permit non-geostationary satellite orbit (NGSO) fixed satellite service (FSS) operations in certain segments of the Ku-band and proposes rules and policies to govern such operations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/12/99 64 FR 1786 Order 02/16/99 64 FR 7577 Public Notice 12/15/99 64 FR 70028 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-206 Agency Contact: Tom Derenge, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2451 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH17 _______________________________________________________________________ 4526. CLOSED CAPTIONING FOR DTV RECEIVERS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 303(u); 47 USC 330(b) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to amend Part 15 of the rules to adopt technical standards for the display of closed captions on digital television (DTV) receivers. We also propose to require the inclusion of closed captioning decoder circuitry in DTV receivers. The proposals will help ensure access to digital programming for people with disabilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/02/99 64 FR 41897 NPRM Comment Period End 11/15/99 R&O 09/29/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 99-254 Agency Contact: Neal McNeil, Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2408 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH24 _______________________________________________________________________ 4527. SPREAD SPECTRUM DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to amend Part 15 rules regarding the operation of non-licensed spread spectrum systems. The NPRM proposes to revise the rules for frequency hopping systems operating in the 2.4 [[Page 74881]] GHz band (2400-2483.5 MHz) to allow for wider operational bandwidths. This action is taken to facilitate the continued development of spread spectrum technology, particularly for high data rate wireless applications. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/20/99 64 FR 38877 NPRM Comment Period End 11/02/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 99-231 Agency Contact: Neal McNeil, Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2408 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH25 _______________________________________________________________________ 4528. 50-71 GHZ REALIGNMENT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2.106 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission proposes to amend the United States Table of Frequency Allocations with respect to the 50.2-50.4 and 51.4-71 GHz band. The allocations proposed would provide additional spectrum to the inter-satellite service and to the fixed and mobile services, while continuing to provide an acceptable environment for passive spaceborne sensor measurements of atmospheric temperature. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/11/99 64 FR 43643 NPRM Comment Period End 09/22/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 99-261 Agency Contact: Tom Mooring, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Tecnology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2450 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH26 _______________________________________________________________________ 4529. WIRELESS MEDICAL TELEMETRY SERVICE Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 15; 47 CFR 90; 47 CFR 95 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission amended Parts 2 and 95 of the rules to allocate spectrum and to establish rules for a Wireless Medical Telemetry Service. This action will allow potentially life critical medical telemetry equipment, which currently operates on a secondary basis, unprotected from interference, to operate on a blanket licensed, interference protected basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 08/02/99 64 FR 41891 NPRM Comment Period End 10/18/99 R&O 07/17/00 65 FR 43995 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 99-255 Agency Contact: Hugh L. Van Tuyl, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7506 RIN: 3060-AH27 _______________________________________________________________________ 4530. ESTABLISHMENT OF AN IMPROVED MODEL FOR PREDICTING THE BROADCAST TELEVISION FIELD STRENGTH RECEIVED AT INDIVIDUAL LOCATIONS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 334; 47 USC 336 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: Final, Statutory, May 29, 2000. Abstract: The Commission adopted a prediction model for determining presumptively the ability of individual locations to receive over the air television stations. This model will be a useful means for establishing the eligibility of individual households to receive the signals of television broadcast network stations through satellite carriers. The Commission is complying with the new statutory requirements set forth in the Satellite Home Viewer Improvement Act of 1999. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/02/00 65 FR 4923 NPRM Comment Period End 03/07/00 R&O 06/09/00 65 FR 36639 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 00-11 Agency Contact: Robert Eckert, Chief, Technical Analysis Branch, Federal Communications Commission, Office of Engineering and Technology, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2433 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH37 _______________________________________________________________________ 4531. CONDUCTED EMISSION LIMITS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 544A CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15; 47 CFR 18 Legal Deadline: None [[Page 74882]] Abstract: The Commission proposes to revise the limits on the amount of radio frequency energy that is permitted to be conducted onto the AC power lines. The purpose of these limits is to protect radio services operating below 30 MHz from interference. The devices regulated are personal computers, TV and FM receivers, RF lighting devices, microwave ovens, induction cooking ranges, and ultrasonic equipment. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 11/16/99 64 FR 62159 NPRM Comment Period End 02/29/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 98-80 Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH46 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Completed Actions Office of Engineering and Technology _______________________________________________________________________ 4532. DIGITAL EQUIPMENT DEREGULATION Priority: Economically Significant. Major under 5 USC 801. Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: Action to explore possibility of more efficient and flexible approach to authorization of certain digital equipment. (Item will incorporate IBM/CBEMA CPU boards, Gen. Doc. 90-413.) Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/07/95 60 FR 15116 R&O 05/14/96 61 FR 31044 Order 06/19/97 62 FR 33368 MO&O 08/04/97 62 FR 41879 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Additional Information: ET Docket No. 95-19 Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF73 _______________________________________________________________________ 4533. MEDICAL CARE TELEMETRY DEVICES Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 15 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Report and Order amends part 15 of the rules to expand the availability of frequencies and to increase the permitted power for unlicensed biomedical telemetry devices operating on VHF television channels within health care facilities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 01/25/96 61 FR 3367 NPRM Comment Period End 04/16/96 Reply Comments 05/16/96 R&O 10/30/97 62 FR 58656 Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: State, Local Additional Information: ET Docket No. 95-177 Agency Contact: John Reed, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2455 Fax: 202 418-1944 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG18 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Office of General Counsel _______________________________________________________________________ 4534. AMENDMENT OF THE EX PARTE RULES IN JOINT BOARD PROCEEDINGS Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1.1206 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC proposes to amend its ex parte rules to facilitate communications by the States in Joint Board proceedings and proceedings before the FCC involving a recommendation from a Joint Board. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/15/98 63 FR 38142 NPRM Comment Period End 08/31/98 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Small Entities Affected: No Government Levels Affected: None [[Page 74883]] Agency Contact: David S. Senzel, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, Office of General Counsel, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1760 RIN: 3060-AH02 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions International Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4535. STREAMLINING THE COMMISSION'S RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR SATELLITE APPLICATION AND LICENSING PROCEDURES; IB DOCKET NO. 95-117 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will eliminate existing text in the CFR. Legal Authority: 47 USC 4; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 554; 47 USC 701 to 744 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On February 10, 1997, the FCC adopted rules and policies that streamlined the application and licensing requirements of Part 25 of its rules, which deals with communication satellites and earth stations. The streamlined rules waived the construction permit requirement for satellite space stations; changed the license term for temporary fixed earth stations; and adjusted or changed the rules concerning minor modifications and basic requirements for satellite service applications. The streamlined rules also resulted in the creation of a new application form, FCC Form 312. Form 312 eliminated from the International Bureau's use, the FCC Form 493, FCC Form 430, FCC Form 702, and FCC Form 704. Petitions for Reconsideration were filed in this matter. In March 1997 the Commission released a Public Notice concerning these petitions, which are presently pending before the International Bureau. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 09/09/95 60 FR 46252 R&O, Recon Pending 02/10/97 62 FR 5924 Public Notice/Petitions for Recon 03/26/97 62 FR 14430 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Local, State, Federal Procurement: This is a procurement-related action for which there is a statutory requirement. There is a paperwork burden associated with this action. Agency Contact: Frank Peace, Electronics Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0730 Fax: 202 418-7270 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AD70 _______________________________________________________________________ 4536. SATELLITE COMMUNICATIONS -- NGO MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE; CC DOCKET NO. 92-166 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 25; 47 CFR 93 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted rules in 1994 for a voice-and-data mobile satellite service (MSS) in the 1610-1626.5 MHz and 2483.5-2500 MHz frequency bands. Licenses have been issued for five systems. The Commission issued a decision in a 1996 ruling on Petitions for Reconsideration of the Report and Order making some changes in the rules. Several petitions for further reconsideration are still pending. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/14/94 59 FR 11746 NPRM Comment Period End 06/04/94 R&O 10/21/94 59 FR 53294 Begin Review 12/01/94 First Recon Order 03/12/96 61 FR 9944 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Additional Information: CC Docket No. 92-166 Agency Contact: William Bell, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0741 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF42 _______________________________________________________________________ 4537. ESTABLISHING RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE USE OF SPECTRUM FOR MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE L-BAND; IB DOCKET NO. 96-132 Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 316; 47 USC 403 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission seeks to develop a record and to solicit comments on the proposed policies. The proposed policies are designed to ensure that sufficient spectrum is available to operate a viable and independent U.S.-licensed mobile satellite service system in the L- band. The proposed policies, to the extent possible, also seek to make any additional spectrum coordinated internationally available for mobile satellite service systems. The proposed policies impose no additional burdens. In order to be effective, these rules must apply to all licenses and thus there is no significant alternative. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/18/96 61 FR 40772 NPRM Comment Period End 09/23/96 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes [[Page 74884]] Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Jennifer Gilsenan, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0757 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF89 _______________________________________________________________________ 4538. PREEMPTION OF LOCAL ZONING REGULATION OF SATELLITE EARTH STATIONS; IB DOCKET NO. 95-59 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 165(j); 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1.4000; 47 CFR 25.104 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted rules in March and August of 1996 to preempt regulations that restricted the installation and use of certain over-the-air reception devices. Staff work on the reconsideration of the March 1996 Report and Order is assigned to the International Bureau; work on the September 1996 Report and Order is assigned to the Cable Services Bureau. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/15/95 60 FR 28077 NPRM Comment Period End 08/15/95 FNPRM 03/15/96 61 FR 10710 R&O 03/18/96 61 FR 10896 R&O 09/04/96 61 FR 46559 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Selina Khan, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7282 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF92 _______________________________________________________________________ 4539. ESTABLISHMENT OF RULES AND POLICIES FOR THE DIGITAL AUDIO RADIO SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE 2310-2360 MHZ FREQUENCY BAND; IB DOCKET NO. 95- 91; GEN DOCKET NO. 90-357 Priority: Routine and Frequent. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 151(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 157; 47 USC 309(j) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25.144 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission is proposing rules to govern satellite digital establishment and regulation of new digital audio radio services. Previously, the Office of Engineering and Technology allocated the spectrum on which the activities herein of the International Bureau are based. Since the spectrum allocation is completed, the Office of Engineering and Technology has no further role. See 62 FR 11083 and 62 FR 24073. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/15/95 60 FR 35166 R&O 03/11/97 62 FR 11083 FNPRM 04/18/97 62 FR 19095 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Rockie Patterson, Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1183 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF93 _______________________________________________________________________ 4540. REDESIGNATION OF THE 27.5-29.5 GHZ FREQUENCY BAND; CC DOCKET NO. 92-297 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1; 47 CFR 2; 47 CFR 21; 47 CFR 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted a band plan which designates band segments in the 27.5-30.0 GHz frequency band for several types of wireless systems. This decision clears the way for licensing local multipoint distribution service (LMDS) providers, fixed satellite service (FSS) systems, and feeder links for certain mobile satellite service systems. The commercialization of this spectrum enables consumers to receive emerging domestic and global technology via multiple service providers. In October 1997, the Commission adopted a Third Report and Order which promulgated licensing qualification requirements and service rules for FSS systems in the Ka-band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/13/95 60 FR 43740 NPRM Comment Period End 09/07/95 R&O 08/28/96 61 FR 44177 3rd R&O 11/18/97 62 FR 61488 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Additional Information: CC Docket No. 92-297 Agency Contact: Jennifer M. Gilsenan, Staff Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0757 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF94 _______________________________________________________________________ 4541. AMENDMENT OF POLICY TO ALLOW NON-U.S. LICENSED SPACE STATIONS TO PROVIDE SERVICE IN THE UNITED STATES; IB DOCKET NO. 96-111; CC DOCKET NO. 93-23 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303; 47 USC 308 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25.113; 47 CFR 25.115; 47 CFR 25.130; 47 CFR 25.131; 47 CFR 25.137 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC adopted a Report and Order establishing a public interest framework for evaluating requests by non-U.S. satellites to serve the U.S. [[Page 74885]] market. The Order implements the World Trade Organization (WTO) Agreement under which the U.S. committed to allow foreign suppliers to provide basic telecommunications services, including satellite services in the U.S. The FCC adopted a presumption in favor of entry for non- U.S. satellites licensed in WTO member countries providing WTO-covered services. The FCC adopted an effective competitive opportunities (ECO- SAT) test for non-U.S. satellites licensed in non-WTO countries providing WTO-covered services, as well as for any commercial non-U.S. satellite providing services for which the U.S. did not make market commitments in the WTO Agreement. The FCC also established entry requirements for intergovernmental satellite organizations and their affiliates. In addition, the FCC adopted other public interest standards regarding spectrum availability and eligibility and operating requirements, as well as establishing access and filing procedures. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/14/96 61 FR 32398 NPRM Comment Period End 08/16/96 FNPRM 07/29/97 62 FR 40494 R&O 12/04/97 62 FR 64167 Public Notice 01/05/98 63 FR 227 Public Notice on Petitions for Recon 01/30/98 63 FR 4640 First Order on Recon 11/15/99 64 FR 61791 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Steven Spaeth, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1539 Fax: 202 418-0748 RIN: 3060-AG31 _______________________________________________________________________ 4542. STREAMLINING REGULATIONS RELATED TO INTERNATIONAL COMMON CARRIERS; IB DOCKET NO. 98-118 Priority: Other Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 34 to 39; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 203(r); 47 USC 214; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 310 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1; 47 CFR 43; 47 CFR 63; 47 CFR 64 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission received Petitions for Reconsideration of its rules applicable to international common carriers. The Commission has eliminated the requirement for prior approval of pro forma assignments and transfers of control. The Commission reduced the waiting period for granting new streamlined applications from 35 to 14 days. It also expanded the class of applications eligible for streamlined processing. The Commission will review the petitions and determine whether it should revise its rules. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/24/98 63 FR 39793 NPRM Comment Period End 08/24/98 Report and Order 04/10/99 64 FR 19057 Notice of Petitions for Reconsideration 06/03/99 64 FR 31222 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: No Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Belinda Nixon, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1382 Fax: 202 418-2824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG84 _______________________________________________________________________ 4543. REDESIGNATION OF THE 17.7-19.7 GHZ BAND, BLANKET LICENSING OF SAT EARTH STATIONS (17.7-20.2 GHZ & 27.5-30 GHZ) & ALLOCATION IN THE 17.3- 17.8 & 24.75-25.25 GHZ BANDS FOR BROADCAST SATELLITE-SERVICE USE Priority: Economically Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25.115; 47 CFR 25.138; 47 CFR 25.208 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This item addresses how the 17.7-19.7 GHz band is to be shared among various services, including the Fixed Satellite Service, the Fixed Services, and the Broadcast Satellite Service. The item also addresses the blanket licensing of Fixed Satellite Service Earth Stations in the Ka-band. Finally, it addresses a new allocation for the Broadcast Satellite Service. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 10/08/98 63 FR 54100 NPRM Comment Period 12/07/98 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Richard Engelman, Chief, Planning and Negotiations Division, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2157 Fax: 202 418-0398 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH21 _______________________________________________________________________ 4544. ALLOCATE & DESIGNATE: SPEC FOR FIXED-SAT SRV (37.5-38.5, 40.5-41.5 & 48.2-50.2 GHZ BANDS). ALLOCATE: FIXED & MOBILE 40.5-42.5 GHZ; WIRELESS 46.9-47 GHZ; GOV OPER 37-38 & 40-40.5 GHZ; IB DOC NO. 97-95. Priority: Economically Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303(e); 47 USC 303(f); 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 304; 47 USC 307 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 2.106; 47 CFR 25.202 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This item adopts a plan for non-government operations in the 36.0 - 51.4 GHz portion of the V-band, establishing priorities for different services in different parts of this band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/04/97 62 FR 16129 Final Action 01/15/99 64 FR 2585 [[Page 74886]] Order on Reconsideration 12/01/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations Government Levels Affected: State, Local, Tribal Agency Contact: Julie Buchanan, Senior Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0738 Fax: 202 418-0398 Email: [email protected] Charles Breig, Senior Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2156 Fax: 202 418-0398 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH23 _______________________________________________________________________ 4545. THE ESTABLISHMENT OF POLICIES AND SERVICE RULES FOR THE MOBILE SATELLITE SERVICE IN THE 2 GHZ BAND; IB DOCKET NO. 99-81 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 310; 47 USC 319 CFR Citation: Not Yet Determined Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission is proposing to amend the regulations covering the 1.6/2.4 GHz Mobile Satellite Service (MSS) to incorporate the rules for the 2 GHz MSS. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking also seeks comment on non-service link issues, service rules, and frequency coordination. The actions are necessary to establish service rules for the 2 GHz MSS and to obtain comment on policies for the 2 GHz MSS. The effect of amending the 1.6/2.4 GHz MSS rules to include 2 GHz MSS is to simplify and harmonize the rules for the types of satellite services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/07/99 64 FR 16880 NPRM Comment Period End 07/26/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Christopher John Murphy, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2373 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: [email protected] Howard Griboff, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0657 Fax: 202 418-0748 RIN: 3060-AH28 _______________________________________________________________________ 4546. IN THE MATTER OF POLICIES FOR THE DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE SERVICE; IB DOCKET NO. 98-21 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding streamlines and simplifies the Commission's rules governing direct broadcast satellite (DBS) service. It also harmonizes the rules for DBS with those of other satellite services. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 03/06/98 63 FR 11202 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Selina Khan, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-7282 Fax: 202 418-0748 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH29 _______________________________________________________________________ 4547. 1998 BIENNIAL REGULATORY REVIEW - REVIEW OF ACCOUNTS SETTLEMENT IN MARITIME MOBILE MARITIME MOBILE-SATELLITE RADIO SERVICES AND WITHDRAWAL OF THE COMMISSION AS ACCOUNTING AUTHORITY; IB DOCKET NO. 98-96 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154 (j); 47 USC 201; 47 USC 202; 47 USC 203; 47 USC 204; 47 USC 205; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 3.10(e) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC has decided to withdraw from acting as an accounting authority for the settlement of accounts in the maritime mobile and maritime mobile-satellite (ship-to-shore) radio services, and to rely solely upon the various privately owned accounting authorities the FCC has authorized. In that connection the FCC amended section 3.10(e) of its rules to specify that private accounting authorities must serve the public non-discriminatorily. (action 7-13-99) The Commission is gathering comment to develop a plan to ensure a smooth transition to private accounting authorities. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/24/98 63 FR 39800 Report & Order 07/28/99 64 FR 40774 Further NPRM 07/28/99 64 FR 40808 Comment Period Extended 09/03/99 64 FR 48337 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: John F. Copes, Attorney Advisor, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1478 Fax: 202 418-2824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH30 _______________________________________________________________________ [[Page 74887]] 4548. AMENDMENT TO REGULATORY POLICIES GOVERNING DOMESTIC FIXED SATELLITES AND SEPARATE INTERNATIONAL SATELLITE SYSTEMS; IB DOCKET NO. 95-41 Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 721(c) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25.110; 47 CFR 25.113; 47 CFR 25.114; 47 CFR 25.115; 47 CFR 25.117; 47 CFR 25.130; 47 CFR 25.131; 47 CFR 25.140; 47 CFR 25.202; 47 CFR 25.210; 47 CFR 25.211; 47 CFR 25.276 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted rules in January, 1996 eliminating regulatory distinctions between U.S. domestic satellite systems and U.S. International separate satellite systems. Petitions for partial reconsideration are being addressed by the International Bureau. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 05/10/95 60 FR 24817 R&O 03/12/96 61 FR 9946 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: John M. Coles, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0771 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH48 _______________________________________________________________________ 4549. GLOBAL MOBILE PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS BY SATELLITE; IB DOCKET NO. 99-67 Priority: Economically Significant Legal Authority: 47 USC 4(i); 47 USC 7(a); 47 USC 303(c); 47 USC 303(f); 47 USC 303(g); 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 307; 47 USC 309; 47 USC 310 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 25.200; 47 CFR 25.213; 47 CFR 25.215; 47 CFR 216; 47 CFR 2.1204 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The FCC has proposed to adopt rules to facilitate transnational use of mobile terminals used for 2-way voice communication via satellite systems with global or international coverage. In the same NPRM the FCC proposed to adopt limits on out-of- band emissions from some global mobile personal communications by satellite terminals in order to protect reception of aeronautical satellite radionavigation signals in the 1559-1610 MHz band. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/06/99 64 FR 16687 NPRM Comment Period End 05/18/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: William Bell, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, International Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-0741 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH49 _______________________________________________________________________ 4550. CONSIDERATION OF APPLICATIONS UNDER THE CABLE LANDING LICENSE ACT; IB DOCKET NO. 00-106 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Legal Authority: 3 USC 301; 47 USC 34 to 39; 47 USC 151; 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(s); 47 USC 201 to 255; 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 1.767 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This item proposes to establish streamlined rules for the processing of applications for submarine cable landing licenses. The FCC proposes three streamlining options: (1) a demonstration that the route on which the proposed cable would operate is or will become competitive; (2) a demonstration of sufficient independence of control of the proposed cable from control of existing capacity on the route; or (3) the existence of certain pro-competitive arrangements. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/06/00 65 FR 41613 NPRM Comment Period End 09/20/00 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Undetermined Agency Contact: Elizabeth Nightingale, Attorney, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2352 Fax: 202 418-2824 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AH50 _______________________________________________________________________ Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Long-Term Actions Mass Media Bureau _______________________________________________________________________ 4551. TRANSFER OF CONTROL OF NON-STOCK ENTITIES (MM DOCKET NO. 89-77) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission will consider proposals concerning the treatment of corporations and other organizational structures that are not traditional commercial corporations. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 03/16/89 54 FR 15957 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Organizations [[Page 74888]] Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mania K. Baghdadi, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2130 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AE31 _______________________________________________________________________ 4552. LOCAL TELEVISION OWNERSHIP RULE (MM DOCKET NO. 91-221) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303; PL 104-104, 202(c)(2); PL 104-104, 202(d) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73.3555 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On August 5, 1999, the Commission adopted a Report and Order, which amended its local TV multiple ownership rule and radio/TV cross- ownership rule, and adopted a grandfathering policy for certain TV local marketing agreements. Pursuant to the new rules, common ownership of up to two TV stations and at least one radio station is permitted under certain circumstances. These circumstances generally require that a certain number of specified media ``voices'' remain post-merger. Common ownership would also be permitted pursuant to several new presumptive waivers. Under the new Local Marketing Agreement (LMA) grandfathering policy, LMAs that do not meet the new local TV multiple ownership rule are grandfathered until the biennial review in 2004, if they were entered into before November 5, 1996 (date of the Second Further Notice). At the time of the 2004 biennial review, they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. LMAs entered into after that time must terminate within two years. Under a similar grandfathering policy, waivers of the radio/TV cross-ownership rule that were conditioned on the outcome of the Report and Order but which do not meet the new rule are grandfathered until the biennial review in 2004, if they were entered into as of July 29, 1999 (date of the sunshine notice for the Report and Order). At the time of the 2004 biennial review, they will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 07/11/91 56 FR 40847 NPRM 06/24/92 57 FR 28163 FNPRM 02/02/95 60 FR 6490 R&O 03/27/95 60 FR 15688 2nd FNPRM 12/19/96 61 FR 66978 Report & Order 09/17/99 64 FR 50651 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Eric Bash, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2130 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF79 _______________________________________________________________________ 4553. FILING OF TELEVISION NETWORK AFFILIATION CONTRACTS (MM DOCKET NO. 95-40) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303(r) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73.3613(a) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding considers changes to the requirement that stations file their network affiliation agreements with the Commission. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/19/95 60 FR 19564 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: Federal Agency Contact: Judith Herman, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2163 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF80 _______________________________________________________________________ 4554. RULES GOVERNING BROADCAST TELEVISION ADVERTISING (MM DOCKET NO. 95-90) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 154(j); 47 USC 301; 47 USC 303(r); 47 USC 313; 47 USC 314 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73.658(h); 47 CFR 73.658(i) Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding considers changes to two rules regulating broadcast television advertising. The first advertising rule prohibits a broadcast television network from influencing or controlling the rates its affiliates set for the sale of their non-network advertising time. The second advertising rule prohibits a broadcast television network from representing any of its affiliates in the sale of non- network advertising time. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 07/05/95 60 FR 34959 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Judith Herman, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2163 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF81 _______________________________________________________________________ 4555. ATTRIBUTION OF BROADCAST INTERESTS (MM DOCKET NOS. 94-150, 92-51, 87-154) Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 21.912; 47 CFR 73.3526; 47 CFR 73.3555; 47 CFR 73.3613; 47 CFR 74.931; 47 CFR 76.501 [[Page 74889]] Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On August 5, 1999, the Commission adopted a Report and Order in the Attribution proceeding. In the Report and Order, the Commission adopted a new Equity/Debt Plus attribution rule under which a holder of a financial interest, whether equity or debt or both, in excess of 33 percent of the total assets of a licensee will have an attributable interest in that licensee if it is either a major program supplier to that licensee or if it has another media interest - broadcast, cable or newspaper - in the same market. Under the new rules, TV Local Marketing Agreements will be attributed where they involve time brokerage of another television station in the same market for more than 15 percent of the brokered station's broadcast hours per week. The Report and Order also eliminates the cross-interest policy, retains the 5 percent voting stock benchmark for active investors, raises the voting stock benchmark for passive investors from the existing 10 percent benchmark to 20 percent, applies limited partnership insulation criteria to Limited Liability Companies and applies the revised broadcast attribution criteria to the cable and Multipoint Distribution Service and broadcast-cable cross-ownership rules. Also amended are rules relating to commercial stations' public inspection files (requiring maintaining of radio and television joint sales agreements and time brokerage agreements) and relating to filing of contracts with the Commission (to require the filing of attributable television time brokerage agreements). Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 02/02/95 60 FR 6483 FNPRM 12/20/96 61 FR 67275 Report & Order 08/05/99 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Mania K. Baghdadi, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2130 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AF82 _______________________________________________________________________ 4556. MINOR MODIFICATIONS OF BROADCAST LICENSES WITHOUT PRIOR CONSTRUCTION PERMIT Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant Reinventing Government: This rulemaking is part of the Reinventing Government effort. It will revise text in the CFR to reduce burden or duplication, or streamline requirements. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154(i); 47 USC 155(c)(1); 47 USC 302; 47 USC 303 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: This proceeding will implement the Commission's new authority to eliminate the present requirement for a construction permit for a broadcast station in certain instances where the changed facilities would not have an adverse impact on other broadcast facilities. In these instances, licensees or permittees will be able to initiate the change without prior authority and file a license application to cover the change afterwards. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 04/08/96 61 FR 15439 R&O 09/30/97 62 FR 51052 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Dale Bickel, Engineer, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2700 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG30 _______________________________________________________________________ 4557. NEWSPAPER/BROADCAST CROSS-OWNERSHIP Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On October 1, 1996, the Commission released a Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on the possible revision of its standards for waiver of the newspaper/broadcast cross-ownership rule (Section 73.3555(d)) with respect to newspaper/radio combinations. The Notice solicits comment on whether the Commission should adopt objective criteria for evaluating such waiver requests and, if so, what those criteria should be. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 10/15/96 61 FR 53694 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roger Holberg, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2134 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG53 _______________________________________________________________________ 4558. NATIONAL TELEVISION OWNERSHIP RULES (MM DOCKET NOS. 96-222, 91- 221, 87-8) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: In the August 6, 1999, Report and Order in MM Docket Nos. 96- 222, 91-221, and 87-8, In the Matter of Broadcast Television National Ownership Rules; Review of the Commission's Regulations Governing Television Broadcasting; Television Satellite Stations Review of Policy and Rules, the Commission makes a small change in the national broadcast television multiple ownership rule, Section 73.3555(e) of our rules. It slightly modifies how to calculate a broadcast television station group owner's aggregate national audience reach for the purposes of determining compliance with the 35 percent cap set by the rule. A station's audience reach is defined as the number of TV households within its market. Previously, satellite stations were exempted from the count. In addition, because local marketing agreements (LMAs) were not attributable, a time-brokered station was also exempted [[Page 74890]] from the calculation. The modified rules state that a market will not be double-counted if an entity has an attributable interest in more than one station in that market. However, if the entity has an attributable interest in a station in another market (even if it is through an attributable LMA or through a parent/satellite relationship), then that second market will be counted toward the entity's national aggregate audience. In addition, the Commission is changing its market definition from Arbitron ADIs (Areas of Dominant Influence) to the analytically similar Nielsen DMAs (Designated Market Areas). These changes are consistent with our ongoing effort to ensure that our rules continue to serve the public interest without imposing unnecessary regulatory burdens. These modifications in no way alter the obligation of each broadcast licensee to serve the needs and interests of its community. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/19/96 61 FR 66987 Report & Order 09/17/99 64 FR 50647 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Jane Gross, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2139 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG54 _______________________________________________________________________ 4559. 1998 BIENNIAL REVIEW OF BROADCAST OWNERSHIP (MM DOCKET NO. 98-35) Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: PL 104-104, sec 202(h) CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: On May 26, 2000, the Commission adopted a Report in MM Docket No. 98-35. This Report reviews our broadcast ownership rules as required by Section 202(h) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. With this Report, the Commission proposed to retain, but modify three rules: (1) the dual network rule to allow common ownership of an established TV network (ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC) and an emerging network (WBTN or UPN); (2) the definition of local radio markets and the methods of calculating the number of stations in a market and the number of radio stations a party owns in a particular market; and (3) the newspaper/ broadcast cross-ownership rule so that it is tailored to cover those situations where it is necessary to protect the public interest. The Commission also proposes to eliminate its restriction on multiple ownership of experimental broadcast stations. The Commission has issued Notices of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to seek public comment with regard to the dual network and experimental broadcast station multiple ownership rules and will issue NPRMs with regard to the other rules. In addition, the Commission voted to retain the local radio ownership limits; the 35 percent national television household ownership cap; and the cable system/television station cross-ownership rules. The Commission also indicated that it will examine the 50 percent UHF discount near the completion of the transition to DTV. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NOI 03/31/98 63 FR 15353 Report 07/13/00 65 FR 43333 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Roger Holberg, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2134 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG79 _______________________________________________________________________ 4560. REVIEW OF TECHNICAL RULES IN PARTS 73 AND 74 Priority: Substantive, Nonsignificant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 307; 47 USC 319 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73; 47 CFR 74 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: With the First Report and Order in this proceeding the Commission streamlined several of its technical rules that will result in making the application process simpler, faster, and more efficient. Specifically, the Commission adopted rules to (1) extend first come/ first served processing to applications for minor changes to AM, noncommercial educational FM and FM translator facilities; (2) expand the definition of ``minor change'' in this service to conform more closely to the commercial FM definition, which includes all changes except changes in community of license and certain changes in frequency; and (3) permit the filing of up to four related and simultaneously filed FM station minor change construction permit applications. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 06/22/98 63 FR 33892 Report & Order 04/21/99 64 FR 19498 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Undetermined Government Levels Affected: None Agency Contact: Peter Doyle, Federal Communications Commission, Mass Media Bureau, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-2700 Email: [email protected] RIN: 3060-AG81 _______________________________________________________________________ 4561. REVIEW OF BROADCAST AND CABLE EEO RULES AND POLICIES Priority: Other Significant. Major status under 5 USC 801 is undetermined. Legal Authority: 47 USC 154; 47 USC 303; 47 USC 334; 47 USC 336; 47 USC 634 CFR Citation: 47 CFR 73; 47 CFR 76 Legal Deadline: None Abstract: The Commission adopted a Report and Order which modifies the Commission's broadcast and cable EEO rules and policies consistent with the Lutheran Church decision. The EEO program requirements adopted in the Report and Order require that broadcasters widely disseminate information about job openings to ensure that all qualified applicants, including minorities and women, are able to compete for jobs in the [[Page 74891]] broadcast industry. The requirements afford broadcasters maximum flexibility in designing their EEO programs while, at the same time, ensuring broad dissemination of information concerning every full-time vacancy. Timetable: ________________________________________________________________________ Action Date FR Cite ________________________________________________________________________ NPRM 12/01/98 63 FR 66104 R&O 02/15/00 65 FR 7448 Next Action Undetermined Regulatory Flexibility Analysis Required: Yes Small Entities Affected: Businesses, Governmental Jurisdictions, Organizations Government Levels Affected: State, Local Agency Contact: Roy Boyce, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W., Washington, DC 20554 Phone: 202 418-1450 Email: