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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 2001 |
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Michael Balmoris 202-418-0253 Email: mbalmori@fcc.gov |
FCC Initiates proceeding to STREAMLINE REQUESTS FOR Acquisitions of Corporate Control
Inquiry Seeks Comment on the Types of Applications
That Should be Eligible for Streamlined Treatment
Washington, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) adopted a Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that proposes streamlined treatment for transfer of domestic interstate transmission lines through acquisitions of corporate control where, based upon a predetermined criteria, it would require little scrutiny for the Commission to determine that grant of the application would serve the public interest.
Today's Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeks comment on a broad range of proposals in order to assist the FCC in developing standards that would balance the applicants' need for simplicity, predictability, and speed against the Commission's duties under the Communications Act.
The FCC also adopted a Declaratory Ruling which clarifies that, except for connecting carriers, any party, including non-dominant carriers, that "would be a domestic interstate communications common carrier," whether before or after a proposed transaction, must obtain Commission approval prior to consummating a transaction involving an acquisition of corporate control.
The purpose of today's Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is to provide clarity where the rules have proven over the years to be unclear, and to develop an approach that minimizes the need for regulatory intervention, both now and as competition in telecommunications markets increases.
In addition to the Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, the Common Carrier Bureau will also issue a public notice clarifying procedures for common carriers requiring authorization under section 214 to acquire domestic interstate transmission lines through an acquisition of corporate control.
-FCC-
Docket No.: CC 01-150
Action by the Commission July 12, 2001, by Declaratory Ruling and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 01-205). Chairman Powell and Commissioners Tristani, Copps, and Martin with Commissioner Abernathy not participating.
Common Carrier Bureau Staff Contacts:
Henry Thaggert (202) 418-7941 or Aaron Goldberger (202) 418-1591
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