COMMISSION ACTIONS
FEBRUARY
1. Public Notices requesting comments on applications to provide telecommunications services filed by two utility companies, CSW Communications, Inc. and Entergy Technology Comp. (OGC, released 2/13 and 2/23).
2. Public Notice requesting nominations for Telecommunications Development Fund Board. (OGC and OCBO, released 2/13).
3. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to allow Bell Operating Companies (BOC) offering out-of-region interLATA service to be treated as nondominant under certain conditions. (CCB, released 2/14).
4. Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order extending comment date for LEC-CMRS Interconnection proceedings. (WTB, released 2/16).
5. Dismissal of 19 pending Section 214 applications filed by carriers planning to provide video programming. (CCB, released 2/16).
6. Transfer of $780 million in auction upfront payments into an interest bearing account to earn interest for the Telecommunications Development Fund, after consultation with the Department of Treasury. (OCBO, OGC, OMD, 2/20).
7. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing to eliminate 13 common carrier reporting requirements, and reduce the frequency of 6 other reports. (CCB, released 2/27).
8. Extension of the comment period for the Notice of Inquiry on closed captioning and video description, so that parties have an opportunity to comment on the Telecommunications Act provisions affecting these issues. (CCB, released 2/27).
9. Public Notice announcing that cable operators should no longer inform subscribers that they may file complaints concerning rate changes for cable service programming tiers directly with the FCC. The Telecommunications Act permits franchising authorities, not subscribers, to file complaints for CPS tiers with the FCC. (CCB, released 2/27)
10. Order extending time for cable operators to file their annual equipment forms, because Telecommunications Act permits cable operators to aggregate equipment costs, and requires the FCC to modify its rules and forms within 120 days of enactment (CSB, released 2/27).
11. Order Streamlining Amateur Radio Examination Procedures. (WTB, adopted 2/27).
12. Order eliminating 30 day public notice requirement for private microwave license applications. (WTB, released 2/29).
MARCH
13. Public Notice announcing streamlined procedures for rulemaking proceedings. (OGC, released 3/1).
14. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing dispute resolution process for standards for telecommunications equipment. (OGC, released 3/5).
15. Letter from Chairman appointing Interim Chairman of Telecommunications Development Fund. (OCBO, OGC, released 3/8).
16. Order eliminating the national broadcast radio ownership limits, and relaxing local radio ownership limits. (MMB, released 3/8, effective 3/15).
17. Order eliminating numerical limits on national broadcast television ownership and raising national audience reach cap to 35 percent and changing the dual network rule. (MMB, released 3/8, effective 3/15).
18. Order expediting processing of ITFS applications. (MMB, released 3/8, effective 3/15).
19. Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding scrambling of sexually explicit adult video service programming, and Public Notice announcing that commission will not enforce or implement Section 505 of the 1996 Act (scrambling of sexually explicit programming) as a result of a court order. (CSB, released 3/8 and 3/13).
20. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order, establishing a Federal-State Joint Board, appointing members of the Joint Board, and referring universal service issues to the Joint Board. (CCB, released 3/8).
21. Order repealing video dialtone rules, cross-ownership rules, and Section 214 requirements and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding Open Video Systems (CSB, released 3/11).
22. Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding preemption of local zoning regulation of satellite earth stations. (IB, released 3/11).
23. Public Notice seeking additional comment on the effect of the passage of the 1996 Act on the issues raised in the July 1995 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on number portability. (CCB, released 3/14).
24. Order amending cable television ownership rules. (CSB, released 3/18).
25. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding aggregation of equipment costs by cable operators. (CSB, released 3/20).
26. Order reducing the filing requirements for ARMIS service quality reports by changing from quarterly to annual reports. (CCB, released 3/20).
27. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposed that non-dominant long distance companies be relieved of tariff filing requirement as it begins review of regulatory regime for interstate interexchange telecommunications services. (CCB, released 3/25).
28. Terminated inquiry into whether commercial mobile radio service providers should be required to afford equal access to long distance carriers for the provision of telephone toll services. (WTB, released 3/22).
29. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to allow broadcast stations to implement certain types of minor modification of their facilities and licenses without a construction permit. (MMB, released 3/22).
30. Established pleading cycle for petitions for preemption of local entry barriers pursuant to Section 253. (CCB, Classic Telephone, released 3/26 and New England Public Communications Council, released 3/26).
APRIL
31. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on implementation of Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act, to prohibit state and local regulations that restrict a viewer's use of receiving devices for television broadcast signals and multichannel multipoint distributions services. (CSB, released 4/4).
32. Orders granting first three Telecommunications Act applications for utility companies to enter telecommunications. (CSW Communications, Inc., released 4/4; Entergy Technology Co., 4/12; and Entergy Technology Holding Co., 4/12 - all OGC).
33. Order denying petitions for rulemaking concerning interlata telecommunications services, finding the issues raised are moot because of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 4/5).
34. Set pleading cycle for various applications seeking Commission determination of "Exempt Telecommunications Company" status under the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. (NU/MODE I Communications, released 4/8; Southern Information Holding Co., 4/17; Southern Information 1, Inc., 4/17; Southern Information 2, Inc., 4/17; Souther Telecom Holding Co., 4/17; Souther Telecom 1, Inc., 4/17; Southern Telecom 2, Inc., 4/17; and Allegheny Communications Connect, Inc., 4/19 - all by OGC)
35. Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing cable reform section of Telecommunications Act, including effective competition, subscriber notification and small cable system relief. (CSB, released 4/9).
36. Convened Federal-State Joint Board meeting on universal service on April 12, including panel discussion.
37. Commissioner Rachelle B. Chong appointed to Joint Board on Universal Service. (CCB, released 4/12).
38. Order removing radiotelegraph requirement for global maritime distress and safety system equipped vessels. (WTB, released 4/12).
39. Announced intention to form telemedicine advisory committee to assist in implementation of the Telecommunications Act. (OPP, released 4/12).
40. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to extend the license term of most television and radio [broadcast] stations to eight years. (MMB, released 4/12).
41. Order implementing amended broadcast license renewal procedures under the Telecommunications Act and eliminating comparative license renewal procedures and hearings. (MMB, released 4/12).
42. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to amend Parts 80 and 87 of the Commission's Rules to permit operation of certain domestic ship and aircraft radio stations without individual licenses. (WTB, released 4/12).
43. Named NYNEX CEO Ivan Seidenberg to head new Network Reliability and Interoperability Council. (CCB, released 4/18).
44. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to establish regulations to implement Section 251 of the Act, dealing with interconnection requirements. (CCB, released 4/19).
45. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing amendments to rules concerning inspection of radio installations on large cargo and small passenger ships. (CIB, released 4/25).
46. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking proposing simple procedure for utility companies to enter telecommunications. (OGC, released 4/25).
47. Accepted nominations for the Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee and named appointments to the Committee. (OPP, released 4/25 and 6/5).
MAY
48. Report and Order adopting rules for dispute resolution process to be used if technical disputes arise between non-accredited standards development organizations and their funders. (OGC, released 5/7).
49. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the matter of Allocation of Costs Associated with Local Exchange Carrier Provision of Video Programming Services. (CCB, released 5/10).
50. Order stating that parties may file proposed language for rules in certain proceedings implementing the local competition provisions of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 5/14).
51. Order enabling manufacturers to self-authorize personal computer equipment based on tests
performed by private sector laboratories meeting certain criteria. (OET, released 5/14).
52. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking initiating proceeding to clarify customer proprietary network information provisions of Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 5/16).
53. Order implementing rules regarding silent broadcast stations pursuant to the Telecommunications Act. (MMB, released 5/17).
54. Fifth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the matter of advanced television systems and their impact upon the existing television broadcast service. (MMB, released 5/20).
55. Notice of Inquiry implementing mandate under Telecommunications Act to identify and eliminate market entry barriers for small businesses. (OGC, OCBO, released 5/21).
56. Public Notice announcing procedures for expedited processing of applications filed by silent stations. (MMB and IB, released 5/22).
57. Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the matter of Definition of Markets for Purposes of the Cable Television Mandatory Television Broadcast Signal Carriage Rules - Implementation of Section 301(d) of the Act - Market Determinations. (CSB, released 5/24).
58. Order granting Telecom Act application for utility company to enter telecommunications. (NU/Mode 1 Communications, Inc., released 5/30 - OGC).
59. Memorandum Opinion and Order dismissing as moot applications for review of subsidiary accounting requirements concerning video dialtone costs and revenues for LECs. (CCB, released 5/30).
60. News Release regarding Cable Services Bureau completed action on ADI and Must Carry cases subject to 120-day deadline set by Telecommunications Act. (CSB, released 5/31).
JUNE
61. Order deleting Part 66 of the Commission's Rules, concerning consolidation, acquisition, or control of telephone companies. (CCB, released 6/4).
62. Report and Order on Open Video Systems, providing a new opportunity for entry into the video programming distribution market. (CSB, released 6/3).
63. Transferred $310,528.83 in interest to the Telecommunications Development Fund's account representing interest earned from upfront payments submitted to participate in the MDS and SMR auctions forty-five days later. (OCBO, 6/3).
64. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Payphone provisions of Telecommunications Act, Section 276. (CCB, released 6/6).
65. Convened meeting of Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, June 5.
66. Report and Order allowing cable operators to aggregate equipment costs. (CSB, released 6/7).
67. Held the first meeting of the Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee on June 12, 1996.
68. Orders granting Telecom Act applications for utility companies to enter telecommunications. (Southern Information Holding Company, Inc., Southern Information 1, Inc., and Southern Information 2, Inc., released 6/14; Southern Telecom Holding Company, Inc., Southern Telecom 1, Inc., and Southern Telecom 2, Inc., released 6/14; and Allegheny Communications Connect, Inc., released 6/14 - all OGC).
69. Letter from the Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, to Mayor Richard Hurt of Bedford, Texas, re: clarification of Federal preemption provisions of Section 704 of the Act on moratorium on local zoning permits based on the environmental effects of radio frequency emissions. (WTB, released 6/14)
70. Held meeting of Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, 6/19.
71. Transferred interest from the C Block Auction upfront payments to the Telecommunications Development Fund's account. The current balance in the Fund's account is $5,906,666.64. (OCBO, 6/20).
72. Recommended Decision of the Federal-State Joint Board Extending the Indexed Cap on the Universal Service Fund. Report and Order Extending the Indexed Cap on the Universal Service Fund. (CCB, released 6/26).
JULY
73. Report and Order adopting interim rules relaxing the regulatory treatment for BOCs that provide domestic, out-of-region, long-distance services through an affiliate that complies with certain safeguards. (CCB, released 7/1).
74. Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopting rules that will permit both residential and business consumers to retain their telephone numbers when switching from one local service provider to another. (CCB, released 7/2).
75. Report and Order adopting rules to ensure telephone access by persons with hearing disabilities. (CCB, released 7/5).
76. Public Notice seeking further comment on specific questions in Universal Service Notice of Proposed Rulemaking. (CCB, released 7/5).
77. Convened second meeting of the Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee on July 11, 1996. (OPA)
78. Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopting measures to protect consumers from deceptive toll-free call practices and proposing additional minor modifications to maximize consumers' protection from confusing or deceptive practices relating to the provision of interstate information services. (CCB, released 7/11).
79. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing the non-accounting safeguards of Sections 271 and 272 of the Telecom Act and regulatory treatment of LEC provision of interexchange services originating in the LEC's local exchange area. (CCB, released 7/18).
80. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the implementation of the accounting safeguards provisions of the Telecom. Act. (CCB, released 7/18).
81. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing the non-accounting safeguards provisions of the Telecom. Act for electronic publishing, alarm monitoring and telemessaging services. (CCB, released 7/18).
82. Order to allow existing video dialtone systems to continue providing video programming services under one of the permissible options in the Telecom. Act. (CSB, released 7/23).
83. Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, Order on Remand, and Waiver Order on safeguards for provision of commercial radio services by LEC and on grant of immediate interim relief to BOCs for out-of-region cellular services. (WTB, adopted 7/25).
84. Report adopted and submitted to Congress on closed captioning and video description of video programming. (CSB, released 7/29).
AUGUST
85. Report and Order adopting new guidelines and methods for evaluating the environmental effects of radiofrequency (RF) emissions. (OET, released 8/1).
86. Order adopting rules to implement local competition and interconnection provisions of Telecom Act. (CCB, adopted 8/1).
87. Order implementing Section 207 of the Telecommunications Act, to prohibit state and local regulations that restrict a viewer's use of receiving devices for television broadcast signals and multichannel multipoint distributions services, and preemption of local zoning regulation of satellite earth stations. (CSB, released 8/6).
88. Order implementing several self-effectuating additions and revisions to FCC's rules relating to pole attachments. (CSB, released 8/6).
89. Order implementing the provision of the Telecommunications Act that governs the use of data regarding alarm monitoring service provides. (CCB, released 8/7).
90. Order implementing the geographic rate averaging and rate integration provisions of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 8/7).
91. Third Report and Order and Second Order on Reconsideration adopted reaffirming the FCC's rules for the operation of open video systems. (CSB, released 8/8).
92. Adopted a Second Report and Order and Memorandum Opinion and Order to implement the dialing parity, nondiscriminatory access, network disclosure and numbering administration requirements of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 8/8).
93. Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released regarding the implementation of digital television (DTV). (MMB, released 8/14).
SEPTEMBER
94. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on proposals to implement streamlined tariff filing requirements for local exchange carriers. (CCB, released 9/6).
95. Adopted a Report and Order streamlining procedures for utility companies to enter in the telecommunications industry. (OGC, released 9/12).
96. Order and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking released reducing accounting reporting requirements for common carriers. (CCB, released 9/12).
97. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service held an open meeting on September 13, 1996 on Insular Areas and the recovery of interstate loop costs.
98. Held the third and final meeting of the Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee on September 17, 1996.
99. Notice of Inquiry adopted regarding access to telecommunications service, telecommunications equipment, and customer premises equipment by persons with disabilities. (WTB, released 9/19).
100. Adopted a Report and Order implementing the payphone provision of the Telecommunications Act. (CCB, released 9/20).
OCTOBER
101. Public Notice announcing appointment of private sector board members to the Telecommunications Development Fund. (OGC, OCBO released 10/1).
102. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order granting the Petition for Preemption Pursuant to Section 253 of the Telecom Act, filed by Classic Telephone, Inc. (CCB, released 10/1).
103. Adopted an Order amending the FCC rules to remove restrictions against corporate licensees having alien officers or directors. (OGC, released 10/9).
104. Adopted an Order approving the open video system certification of Digital Broadcasting OVS. (CSB, released 10/10).
105. Telecommunications and Health Care Advisory Committee released report making recommendations on the expansion of telemedicine. (Report released 10/15).
106. The Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service held an open meeting on October 17, 1996 to address universal service associated with implementation of Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996.
107. Adopted an Order approving the open video system certification of Bell Atlantic-New Jersey, Inc. (CSB, released 10/17).
108. Adopted a Report and Order to permit operation of certain domestic ship and aircraft radio stations without individual licenses. (WTB, released 10/25).
109. Adopted a Report and Order ruling that non-dominant interexchange cariers will no longer file tariffs for the interstate domestic long distance services. (CCB, released 10/31).
NOVEMBER
110. Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment of possible changes to the local television ownership rule, radio-television cross-ownership rule, and the grandfathering of television local market agreements. (MMB, released 11/7).
111. The Federal-State Joint Borad adopted universal service recommendations. (CCB, released 11/8).
112. Adopted an Order on Reconsideration implementating the pay phone provisions of the Telecom Act. (CCB, 11/8).
113. Issued Public Notice announcing public sector board members appointed to the Telecommunications Developmend Fund. (OCBO, 11/20).
114. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement the infrastructure sharing provisions of the Telecom Act. (CCB, 11/22).
115. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking amending the rules governing procedures to be followed when formal comlaints are filed against common carriers. (CCB, released 11/27).
DECEMBER
116. The Board of Directors convened the first meeting of the Telecommunications Development Fund (TDF) on December 3, 1996. (As of October 29, 1996, TDF has $6.6 million from the up-front payments businesses submit to participate in the FCC spectrum auctions.)
117. Released a Public Notice establishing procedures for Bell operating company applications to provide in-region, interLATA services. (CCB, released 12/6).
118. Adopted a Consolidated Order granting Metropolitan Fiber Systems/New York Inc., d/b/a/MFS Telecom of New York and Metropolitan Fiber Systems/McCourt, Inc. applications to operate an open video system. (CSB, released 12/9).
119. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to determine policies for Bell company manufacturing of telecommunications and customer premises equipment. (CCB, release 12/10).
120. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order granting the Petition for Preemption Pursuant to Section 253 of the Telecom Act, filed by the New England Public Communications Council. (CCB, released 12/10).
121. Public Notice announcing that the staff of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, along with industry, will conduct a workshop to select a proxy cost model on January 14 and 15, 1997. (CCB, released 12/12/96).
122. Adopted a Second Order on Reconsideration concerning implementation of the local competition provisions in the Telecom Act, specifically the obligation of incumbent local exchange carriers to provide access to their operational support systems functions. (CCB, released 12/13/96).
123. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Inquiry regarding interstate access charge rules and price cap rules. (CCB, released 12/24/96).
124. Adopted a Report and Order implementating the non-accounting structural separation and non-discrimination safeguards provisions of the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 12/24/96).
125. Adopted a Report and Order implemenating the accounting safeguards provisions of the '96 Telecom Act. (CCB, released 12/24/96).
126. Adopted a First Memorandum Opinion and Order extending the transition period for applicants and station licensees to determine compliance with the new requirements for evaluating the environmental effects of radiofrequency radiation from FCC-regulated transmitters. (OET, released 12/24/96).
127. Adopted an Order implementing a standard for the transmission of digital television. (MMB, released 12/27/96).
JANUARY 1997
129. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on the elimination of Section 214 applications for extensions of lines. (CCB, released 1/13/97).
130. Adopted a Notice of Inquiry seeking comment on the effectiveness of the current Telecommunications Relay Services program. (CCB, released 1/14/97).
131. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to implement section 305 of the Telecom Act which generally requires that video programming be closed captioned to ensure access by persons with hearing disabilities. (MMB, released 1/9/97).
132. Adopted a Report and Order extending the license term of most broadcast stations to eight years. (MMB, released 1/24/97).
133. Adopted a Consolidated Order appproving Urban Communications Transport Corporation's two applications for certification to operate an open video system. (CSB, released 1/27/97).
134. Adopted a Report and Order streamlining the tariff review process for local exchange carriers. (CCB, released 1/31/97).
FEBRUARY
135. Released a Public Notice seeking comment on the industry proposal for rating video programming. (CSB, released 2/7/97).
136. Adopted a First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking implementing the non-accounting safeguards provisions of the Telecom. Act for telemessaging, electronic publishing, and alarm monitoring services. (CCB, released 2/7/97).
137. Adopted a Report and Order implementing the infrastructure sharing provision of the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 2/7/97).
138. Adopted an Order terminating as moot CC Docket 93-251, amendment of Parts 32 and 64 of the Commission's Rules to account for transactions between carriers and their nonregulated affiliates. (CCB released, 2/20/97)
139. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to assure the commercial availability of video programming "navigation devices." (CSB, released 2/20/97)
140. Released a Public Notice seeking further comment on specific questions in the Customer Proprietary Network Information Rulemaking. (CCB, released 2/2/097).
MARCH
141. Adopted a First Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration in the matter of telephone number portability. (CCB, released 3/11/97).
142. Released a Public Notice indicating the modification of industry proposal for rating video programming. (CSB, released 3/2/97).
143. On March 10th interest earned from the PCS DE+F block auction was transferred to the Telecommunications Development Fund. The fund now has $20.2 million to fund loans, equity investments and technical assistance to small communications businesses.
144. Adopted an Order implementating the telemeassaging, electronic publishing, and alarm monitoring service provisions of the Telecom Act of 1996. (CCB, released 3/25/97).
APRIL
145. Released a Second Order on Reconsideration denying the Cable Television Association of Georgia's petition concerning the FCC's open video systems rules. (CSB, released 4/15/97)
146. Released a 4th Report and Order revising the FCC's procedures for the filing open video certification applications and the filing of comments and oppositions to such applications. (CSB, released 4/15)
147. Released a Public Notice seeking comment on application by SBC Communications, Inc. to provide in-region, interLATA service in the State of Oklahoma. (CCB, released 4/11/97)
148. Adopted an Order stating the effective date of implementation of Section 505 of the Telecom Act, scrambling of sexually explicit adult video service programming. (CSB, released 4/17/97)
149. Adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order affirming the FCC's decision in the matter of New England Public Communications Council petition for preemption pursuant to section 253. (CCB, released 4/18/97)
150. Adopted a Fifth Report and Order laying the groundwork for introduction of digital television to the American people. (MMB, released 4/21/97)
151. Adopted a Sixth Report and Order containing a Table of Allotment for digital television (DTV); rules for initial DTV allotments; procedures for assigning DTV frequencies; and plans for spectrum recovery. (MMB, released 4/21/97)
152. Released a Public Notice announcing an en banc hearing on industry proposal for rating video programming and "V-chip" technology. (CSB, released 4/23/97)
MAY
153. Released a Public Notice adjusting the annual revenue threshold to account for inflation for 1996 in accordance with Section 402 of the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 5/2/97)
154. Released a Report implementing the universal service provisions of the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 5/8/97)
155. Released a Report on implementing Section 257, to identify and eliminate market entry barriers for small business, of the Telecom Act. (OGC, released 5/8/97)
156. Released an Order implementing Section 254(k) of Telecom Act by codifying section's prohibitions in Part 64 of FCC Rules. (released 5/8/97)
157. Released a Public Notice announcing a change of date for the en banc hearing on industry proposal for rating video programming and "V-chip" technology. (CSB, released 5/15/97)
158. Released a Report on reforms to the interstate access charge system making them compatible with the pro-competitive deregulatory framework established by the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 5/16)
159. Released a Report and Order reducing the reporting requirements for common carriers. (CCB, released 5/20/97)
160. Released a Report and Order in the matter of price cap performance review for local exchange carriers. (CCB, released 5/21/97)
161. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order concerning amendments and additions to the Commission's rules governing pole attachments. (CSB, released 5/22/97)
JUNE
162. Released a Report and Order resolving an investigation into local exchange carrier rates and terms for physical collocation, as required under section 251 of the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 6/13/97)
163. Released an Order denying SBC's application to provide long distance telephone service in the state of Oklahoma. (CCB, released 6/26/97)
164. Released an Order denying the joint petition for a partial stay of the FCC'S access reform and X-factor order. The joint petition was filed by Pacific Bell, Nevada Bell and Southwestern Bell Telephone Company. Also, the FCC denied the separate stay requested filed by GTE Service Corp. (CCB, released 6/28/97)
JULY
165. Released a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Memorandum Opinion and Order on Reconsideration implementing the subscriber carrier selection changes (slamming) provisions of the Telecom Act. (CCB, released 7/15/97)
166. Adopted a Memorandum Opinion and Order preempting an ordinance adopted by the City of Meade, Kansas that restricted the installation and use of satellite dishes. (CSB, released 7/22/97)
167. Released a Public Notice seeking additional comment on the Petition for Declaratory Ruling filed by Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association concerning local moratoria on the siting of telecommunications facilities. (CCB, released 7/28/97)
AUGUST
168. Released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on a new methodology of pole attachment rates for various providers of telecommunications services. (CSB, released 8/12/97)
169. Released a Public Notice listing the changes adopted in the May 8 Universal Service Order that take effect January 1, 1998. (CCB, released 8/14/97)
170. Released a Second Report and Order addressing various long-term number portability implementation issues. (CCB, released 8/18/97)
171. Released a Report and Order establishing rules to implement the closed captioning requirements of the Telecom Act. (MMB, released 8/22/97)
172. Released a Second Memorandum Opinion and Order amending radio frequency emissions rules and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comment on preemption of state and local radio frequency regulations. (OET, released 8/25/97)
SEPTEMBER
173. Released a Public Notice seeking comment on the revised industry proposal for rating video programming. (CSB, released 9/9/97)
174. Issued a News Release announcing the members of the three corporations, (USAC Board of Directors, Schools and Libraries Corporation Board of Directors, and Rural Health Care Corporation Board of Directors), charged with implementing federal universal service support mechanisms. (CCB, released 9/9/97)
175. Released a Public Notice seeking comment on universal service support distribution options for school, libraries, and rural health care providers. (CCB, released 9/10/97)
176. Released a Public Notice announcing the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service's creation of a Rural Task Force and soliciting nominations for membership on the task force. (CCB, released 9/17/97)
177. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order issuing declaratory ruling in the dispute between TCI Cablevision and the City of Troy, Michigan. (CSB, released 9/19/97)
178. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order preempting a provision of the Wyoming Telecommunications Act of 1995 and an order of the Wyoming Public Service Commission in the matter of Silver Star Telephone Company, Inc. (CCB, released 9/24/97)
179. Released an Order denying Classic Telephone, Inc.'s petition for enforcement action against Bogue and Hill City, Kansas. (CCB, released 9/24/97)
180. Adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in the matter of technical requirements to enable blocking of video programming based on program ratings. (OET, released 9/26/97)
181. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order denying a petition filed by MCI for preemption of the Missouri Commission's jurisdiction over arbitration proceeding. (CCB, released 9/26/97)
182. Released a Public Notice announcing the procedures that states must follow in order to receive universal service support. (CCB, released 9/29/97)
183. Released a Public Notice summarizing and clarifying the currently effective Commission rules that apply to requests for interconnection by Commercial Mobile Radio Service providers. (WTB, released 9/30/97)
OCTOBER
184. Released a Memorandum Opinion and Order preempting the facilities build-out requirements and two other provisions of the Texas Public Utility Regulatory Act of 1995. (CCB, released 10/1/97)
FACILITATING PUBLIC INFORMATION
FEBRUARY
1. Public Forums with CCB, WTB and CSB to discuss schedule for Telecommunications Act items. We received excellent feedback from the people who attended the forums that helped us further organize our process. (WTB, 2/13; CCB, 2/23; and CSB, 2/27).
2. New Daily Digest format to assist in tracking items that implement the new Telecommunications Act. (OPA, 2/28).
3. Establishment of Telecommunications Act home page at FCC web site (www.fcc.gov) to provide a central location for all public information regarding FCC actions to implement the new law. (OPA, 2/27). We have already had 68 hits on the home page and 1,849 hits on the Telecommunications Act implementation schedule that had previously been posted at the FCC's web site.
MARCH
4. CSB senior staff members attended FCBA cable practice committee luncheon to discuss implementation of Telecommunications Act of 1996. (CSB, 3/13).
5. CSB staff conducted public briefing on Open Video Systems Notice. (CSB, 3/13).
6. Public Forum with OGC to discuss legal issues relating to Sections 251 and 252 (interconnection provisions) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996. (OGC, 3/15).
7. Organized campaign to provide information through a variety of methods to state and local governments with questions about making property, easements and rights of way available for the placement of spectrum-based facilities (tower siting) and FCC rules on RF emissions. (WTB, ongoing).
8. On average, every day there have been 38,000 visits to out Internet site. There have been about 5,000 visits to our page of information on the Telecommunications Act of 1996, and more than 1,000 people have accessed our implementation schedule on line.
9. Commission staff request additional copies of public comments for rulemaking and docketed proceedings implementing Telecommunications Act. (OPA, 3/22).
10. Issued new Telecommunications Act implementation scheduled. (OLIA, 3/27).
APRIL
11. Issued Public Notice announcing the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service to convene at open meeting, Friday, April 12. (CCB, 4/10).
12. Issued a "Fact Sheet" and organized additional efforts to provide information to state and local governments with questions about making property, easements and rights of way available for the placement of spectrum-based facilities (tower siting) and FCC rules on RF emissions. (WTB, ongoing).
13. In April, we averaged 39,000 visits per day to our Internet site. There have been more than 6,500 visits to our information page on the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and more than 1,554 people have accessed our implementation schedule on line. The Interconnection Notice of Proposed Rulemaking was posted on the afternoon of 4/19. Within 4 days, it already had received 800 visits. (OPA, ongoing).
14. WTB held a consumer outreach forum (attended by about a dozen consumer groups) to discuss a variety of consumer concerns raised by the Telecommunications Act. (WTB, 4/23).
15. The Commission placed on the Cable Services Bureau's Internet home page the initial comments received in the Open Video Systems proceeding which had voluntarily been filed on disk by commenters. Reply comments will be placed on the home page as well. (CSB, ongoing).
16. Wireless Bureau releases fact sheet on new national wireless tower siting policies. (WTB, released 4/25).
MAY
17. Conducted a round table discussion with representatives of local governments to facilitate their participation in proceedings under the Act. (OLIA, 5/16).
18. Convened economics forum on interconnection with top economists and FCC's Chief Economist, 5/20.
19. Public Notice asking for suggestions of forbearance. (CCB, released 5/20).
20. OPA held a forum to educate the public on how to participate in FCC proceedings. (OPA, 5/31).
JUNE
21. Conducted open forum on how to find FCC information on the Internet on June 24, 1996. (OPA, 6/13).
JULY
22. Common Carrier Bureau and the Office of General Counsel held a public forum on July 9, 1996 to discuss the implementation of Section 271 (BOC entry into InterLATA services) of the Telecom Act. (OGC, CCB, 7/9).
23. Conducted public forum on July 23, 1996, on Antitrust and Economics Issues involved in BOC InterLATA Entry.
SEPTEMBER
24. Common Carrier Bureau held a public form on September 12, 1996, to discuss access charge reform and universal service issues raised by the Telecom Act of 1996.
25. Common Carrier Bureau and Office of General Counsel held a public forum on September 17, 1996, to discuss enforcement issues raised by the Telecom Act of 1996.
26. Wireless Bureau released a revised fact sheet (Fact Sheet #2) on national wireless tower siting policies. (WTB, released 9/18).
27. Office of General Counsel and Office of Communications Business Opportunities held a public forum on September 24, 1996, on market entry barriers for small businesses.
OCTOBER
28. Office of General Counsel held a public forum on October 2, 1996 to discuss key issues steeming from implementation of Section 103 (added a new Section 34 to the Public Utility Holding Company Act of 1935) of the Telecom. Act.
NOVEMBER
29. Mass Media Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology convened a public forum on the economics of mandated standards for digital television on November 1, 1996.
DECEMBER
30. Public forum on issues concerning the use and management of public rights-of-ways will be conducted by the Cable Services Bureau, Common Carrier Bureau, Wireless Bureau and the Office of General Counsel on December 16, 1996.
JANUARY 1997
31. A Public Notice announcing the release of a staff analysis on the use of computer models for estimating forward-looking economic costs was released on January 9, 1997.
32. On January 13, 1997, a Public Notice was released requesting nominations for membership on the Local and State Government Advisory Committee. This Committee is intended to facilitate intergovernmental communications between local and state governments and the FCC.
33. On January 14 and 15, 1997, the staff of the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service conducted workshops relating to the selection of a proxy cost model for determining the cost of providing the service supported by the universal service support mechanism.
FEBRUARY
34. On February 3, 1997, a Public Notice was released identifying frequently asked questions on Universal Service and the Snowe-Rockefeller Amendment.
35. On February 10, 1997, the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Office of General Counsel, Compliance and Information Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology co-hosted a Public Forum on zoning and land use issues as they relate to siting of antenna facilities for providing wireless services.
36. On February 28, 1998, released a Public Notice announcing the appointment of 13 members to the Local and State Government Advisory Committee.
APRIL
37. A meetings of the FCC Local and State Government Advisory Committee was held on April 18, 1997. This is the first in a series of meeting designed to provide input and advice from state and local government regarding FCC actions pursuant to the Telecom Act.
JUNE
38. On June 3, 1997, a Public Notice was released identifying informal questions and answers on universal service benefits for rural health care providers.
JULY
39. On July 2, 1997, released a Public Notice identifying frequently asked questions regarding the May 8, 1997 Report and Order on Universal Service and the Snowe-Rockefeller Amendment.
40. On July 17, 1997, FCC and Healthcare Open Systems & Trials co-sponsored a forum to promote the adoption of standards for telehealth equipment. As highlighted in the FCC's Advisory Committee on Telecommunications and Health Care report, lack of standards and the resulting incompatibility of telehealth systems is an obstacle to the development of telehealth.
AUGUST
41. On August 22, 1997, released a Public Notice announcing weekly meetings on forward-looking cost mechanism for universal service support.
42. On August 28, 1997, released a Public Notice announcing workshops on September 3 and 11, 1997, on forward-looking cost mechanisms for universal service support for non-rural carriers.
SEPTEMBER
43. On September 5, 1997, released a Public Notice of updated Frequently Asked Questions on Universal Service for Rural Health Care Providers.
44. Issued a News Release on September 15, 1997, announcing Larry Strickling as Chairman of the FCC's Enforcement Task Force.
45. On September 16, 1997, released a Public Notice announcing Schools and Libraries Corporation and Rural Health Care Corporations Board of Directors to hold a series of open meetings, the first of which was held on September 23, 1997.
OCTOBER
46. On October 3, 1997, released a Public Notice announcing a workshop sponsored by the Common Carrier Bureau and the Schools and Libraries Corporation to seek input and discuss the draft applications.
47. On October 6, 1997, released a Public Notice of Frequently Asked Questions by Wireless Service Providers regarding universal service.