PUBLIC NOTICE
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
1919 M STREET, N.W.
  WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554                                                                   DA 98-591

      News media information 202/418-0500     Fax-On-Demand  202/418-2830     Internet:  http://www.fcc.gov    ftp.fcc.gov

                                                                      Released:  March 26, 1998
                                                                                                                        COMMISSION
                   SEEKS COMMENT ON REQUESTS
                FOR COMMISSION ACTION FILED BY 
               MCI TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORPORATION
                    AND VARTEC TELECOM, INC.
            CONCERNING CARRIER IDENTIFICATION CODES 
                     (CC Docket No. 92-237)

Comment Date:  April 10, 1998


     In its October 22, 1997, Order on Reconsideration, the Commission directed all local
exchange carriers (LECs) to offer a standard intercept message to inform callers that a dialing pattern
change has occurred, as a result of the expansion from three to four-digit CICs, and to instruct the
caller to contact its interexchange carrier for further information.  Administration of the North
American Numbering Plan, Carrier Identification Codes (CICs), Order on Reconsideration, Order on
Application for Review and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, CC Docket No. 92-237,
FCC 97-386 (rel. Oct. 22, 1997).  The intercept message must be offered on or before June 30, 1998.

     On March 17, 1998, MCI Communications Corporation (MCI) filed an ex parte letter
requesting that the Commission resolve an impasse concerning the standard intercept message. MCI
objects to the intercept message developed by the Network Interconnection and Interoperability
Forum (NIIF) and the LECs' application of Special Information Tones (SITs).  MCI requests that the
Commission order the removal of "extraneous and unnecessary language" from the NIIF intercept
message and that SITs cannot be used.   

     On March 23, 1998, VarTec Telecom, Inc. (VarTec) filed an ex parte letter requesting that
the Commission take action to ensure that all LECs use the standard intercept message developed by
the NIIF.  VarTec also objects to the use of SITs in connection with the intercept message.   
     Interested parties may file comments no later than April 10, 1998; no reply comments will be
accepted.  Comments and reply comments should discuss issues raised in the MCI and VarTec ex
parte letters regarding the standard intercept message to be offered by LECs. Other issues raised by
MCI and VarTec regarding the transition from three to four-digit CICs will be addressed in a separate
proceeding.  An original and four copies of all comments and replies must be filed in accordance with
Section 1.51(c) of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R.  1.51(c).  In addition, one copy of each
pleading must be filed with the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Services,
Inc., 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C., 20036, and 
two copies with the Chief, Network Services Division, Room 235, 2000 M Street, N.W., Washington
D.C. 20554. 

     For further information, contact Renee Alexander, (202) 418-2497 (voice), (202) 418-2224
(TTY), or Kris Monteith, (202) 418-1098, at the Network Services Division, Common Carrier
Bureau, Federal Communications Commission.

               -FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION-