PUBLIC NOTICE

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
WASHINGTON, D.C.  20554                         News Media Information: (202) 418-0500
                                  Fax-On-Demand: (202) 418-2830
                                   Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
                                                     ftp.fcc.gov

                                                       DA 97-290 

                                                 February 6, 1997

      AGENDA RELEASED FOR THE COMMISSION'S FEBRUARY 10, 1997
        PUBLIC FORUM ON WIRELESS FACILITIES SITING ISSUES

     The following is the agenda for a Public Forum announced in Public Notice, DA 97-142,
to be co-hosted by the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Office of the General Counsel,
Compliance and Information Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology.

     The Forum will be held on February 10, 1997, from 1:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. in the
Commission Meeting Room (#856), 1919 M Street, NW, Washington, DC.  The audio portion of
the Forum will be broadcast live on the Internet via the Commission's Internet audio broadcast
page at <http://www.fcc.gov/realaudio/>.  For information on audio broadcasting,  please contact
the Office of Public Affairs at (202) 418-0263.  The Forum will also be video recorded.  To
obtain a copy of a videotape, please contact the Office of Public Affairs, Television Staff, at
(202) 418-0460, or facsimile (202) 418-2809.


                       PUBLIC FORUM AGENDA

1:30 p.m. Call to Order and Welcoming Remarks
          William E. Kennard, General Counsel
          Michele C. Farquhar, Chief, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
               
1:40 p.m. Introductory Session:  What is a Personal Wireless Service Facility Covered
          by Section 332(c)(7) of the Communications Act?
          Explanation of the different types of present and future  personal wireless
          services, including antennas and equipment required to provide personal wireless
          communications, and display of sample antennas.  Factors that are important to
          the wireless industry in selecting a site, including  technical, competitive and
          economic considerations. Compliance with new radiofrequency emission
          guidelines and siting concerns.

2:10 p.m. Questions/Comments from the Audience
                                2  


2:20 p.m. Introductory Session:  What is Important to Local Authorities in the
          Permitting Process?
          Explanation of the general principles governing local land use policies and the 
          concerns local governments face in making land use decisions.  Understand the
          various issues and processes involved in a "typical" permitting process.  What
          public interest concerns are addressed through permitting?

2:50 p.m. Questions/Comments from the Audience

3:00 p.m. Break

3:10 p.m. Establishing a Symbiotic Relationship
          How can municipalities and carriers work together to accommodate wireless
          facilities siting?  What benefits might municipalities derive from the facilities
          siting process (e.g., accelerated deployment of modern public safety systems and
          educational technologies). What benefits might carriers derive from the facilities
          siting process (e.g., streamlining the permitting process, rapid access to municipal
          rights-of-way).  How can local governments encourage siting on municipal
          property, consistent with allowing carriers reasonable alternatives?  What role
          does collocation play in the siting process, and what are the benefits and/or
          drawbacks?  How should the parties address the issue of fair charges for sites on
          municipal property?  Need for a long-term land use plan, taking into consideration
          availability of reasonable alternatives.

3:35 p.m. Questions/Comments from the Audience

3:45 p.m. Moratoria
          What are the legitimate purposes of moratoria?  In what other contexts are they
          employed?  Practical implications of moratoria for the carriers.  How long should
          moratoria need to last?  How can moratoria be tailored to reduce their impact on
          carriers without undermining their legitimate purposes?  Impact and management
          of community activism.

4:05 p.m. Questions/Comments from the Audience

4:10 p.m. Wrap Up Session:  Where do We Go from Here?
          What, if any, are the roles of the Commission in the facilities siting process? 
          What can the carriers and municipalities do going forward to ensure effective
          working relationships?  With respect to improving the facilities siting process,
          summarize the top five "desires" of the carriers from the Commission and/or
          municipalities and the top five "desires" of the municipalities from the
          Commission and/or the wireless industry.
                                3  


4:30 p.m. Adjourn the Public Forum

4:30 p.m. Internet Demonstration
          Short demonstration by Commission staff on how to access and effectively use
          the resources available on the Commission and Wireless Telecommunications
          Bureau Internet websites.




By:  Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Office of the General Counsel, Compliance and
Information Bureau and the Office of Engineering and Technology