**PUBLIC NOTICE**![](media/image1.png){width="0.6541666666666667in"
height="0.6604166666666667in"}

**Federal Communications Commission**

**445 12th St., S.W.**

**Washington, D.C. 20554**

December 22, 1999

YEAR 2000 READINESS PUBLIC NOTICE

This Public Notice provides information about the Commission's readiness
to continue business operations at the turn of the century. In the
current computer-reliant environment, there is concern about how
computer systems will perform when the last two date digits turn over
from "99" to "00." This Public Notice provides the names of FCC contact
persons for several computer filing systems and processes. The
Commission does not expect major Year 2000 (Y2K) disruptions to occur
within its network of systems. We provide this information for the
benefit of our customers who may wish to plan for any possible
disruption of their regular filing or correspondence transactions with
the Commission. In the event of unanticipated Year 2000 difficulties
with any of the following filing systems, the relevant Bureau or Office
will issue a Public Notice with additional instructions.

# Public Filing Systems

1\. [Electronic Comment and Filing System (ECFS)]{.underline}

The Electronic Comment and Filing System, ECFS, is available to the
public for the filing and viewing of comments in docket and rule making
proceedings. The ECFS is Y2K compliant and the Commission does not
expect any Y2K problems to occur. In the event of unanticipated periods
of inaccessibility, however, the ECFS staff is prepared to provide
duplicate copies of filings in paper through the Commission's Reference
Information Center located at 445 Twelfth Street, S.W., Room CY-A257,
Washington, D.C. 20554; and through the Commission's duplicating
services contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc., located
at 445 Twelfth Street, S.W., Room CY-B400, Washington, D.C. 20554, phone
number 202-314-3070. ITS may also be contacted at 1231 20^th^ Street,
N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, phone number 202-857-3800. For additional
information about the ECFS, contact <ECFSHELP@fcc.gov> or call
202-418-0193; or contact Bill Cline at <bcline@fcc.gov> or 202-418-0267.

2\. [Electronic Tariff Filing System (ETFS)]{.underline}

Incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECS) are required to file tariffs
electronically through the Electronic Tariff Filing System, ETFS, which
is Y2K compliant. Section 61.16 of the Commission's rules requires ILECs
to file a Base Document, within the first five business days of the
current month. In light of the FCC's recent Policy Statement[^1] to stay
rules as a precaution against potential Y2K disruptions, the Competitive
Pricing Division of the Common Carrier Bureau has reviewed Part 61[^2]
of the Commission's rules, and has determined that it is not essential
that ILECs file a Base Document during the first five business days of
January 2000. For this purpose, the Division, on its own motion, will
waive section 61.16 of the Commission's rules for all ILECs for the
January 2000, Base Document filing only. The Common Carrier Bureau has
issued a separate Public Notice setting forth this determination, DA
99-2967, December 21, 1999.

ILECs are reminded that they will be required to file a Base Document
during the first five business days of February 2000, that will
encompass all tariff revisions that became effective during the months
of December 1999 and January 2000. For additional information please
contact Jim Lichford or Judith A. Nitsche at 202-418-1540.

3\. [International Bureau Electronic Filing System (IBFS)]{.underline}

The International Bureau Electronic Filing System, IBFS, allows for
electronic filing of the following types of applications: space station,
earth station, section 214, cable landing license, accounting rate
change, recognized operating agency, international signaling point code
(ISPC), data network identification code (DNIC) and foreign carrier
affiliation notification filings. IBFS is Y2K compliant both in its
design and operation; therefore, the Commission does not anticipate any
Y2K-related failures in this system. In the event of unanticipated
periods of inaccessibility, however, IBFS users with time-sensitive
filings are asked to exercise the option to file applications in paper
form and send them to the appropriate address listed in the
International and Satellite Services Fee Guide
(http://www.fcc.gov/fees/99ibguide.html). All inquiries concerning
pending applications should be directed to the IBFS User Help Line at
202-418-2222 or <IBFSINFO@fcc.gov;> or to Shawana Burnham at
202-418-7932, or Jacki Ponti at 202-418-0436.

4\. [Children's Television Reporting System (KidVid)]{.underline}

[Broadcast Call Sign Reservation and Authorization System
(CSRS)]{.underline}

[AM, FM, & TV Consolidated Database Electronic Filing System
(CDBS)]{.underline}

The Children's Television Reporting System provides for the filing of
reports pertaining to the availability of children's programming. The
Broadcast Call Sign Reservation and Authorization (CSRS) has been made
available recently to reserve and query broadcast station call signs.
The AM, FM, and TV Consolidated Database Electronic Filing System (CDBS)
is expected to be available to the public before the end of calendar
year 1999 and will facilitate the electronic filing of applications for
these services. These systems have been designed to be Y2K compliant and
the Commission does not anticipate any Y2K-related failures. In the
event of any unanticipated periods of inaccessibility to these systems,
the Mass Media Bureau will issue a public notice explaining the
procedures to be followed by the public. All inquiries concerning these
systems should be directed as follows: KidVid, 202-418-1600; Call Signs,
202-418-1680; CSRS, 202-418-1680; CDBS/Radio, 202-418-2700;
CDBS/Television, 202-418-1600.

5\. [Equipment Authorization System (EAS)]{.underline}

The Equipment Authorization System (EAS) provides for electronic filing
of applications for authorization to market equipment using the RF
spectrum. This system has been designed to beY2K compliant and operation
and testing of the system has validated Y2K compliance. The Commission,
therefore, does not anticipate any Y2K-related failures within this
system. In the event of unanticipated periods of inaccessibility,
however, the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET) will issue a
public notice to inform applicants filing for authorization for
marketing of equipment about the procedures to be followed. The OET will
contact applicants whose EAS applications are pending at the time of
system failure, to ask for the information that may be required to
process the pending applications. All inquiries concerning the EAS
should be directed to the OET Laboratory at the EAS User Help Line,
301-362-3000, or to Bette Taube at btaube@fcc.gov.

6\. [Experimental Licensing System (ELS)]{.underline}

The Experimental Licensing System, ELS, provides for the filing of
applications for radio frequency spectrum for equipment experimentation.
All of the software to run ELS has been upgraded to Y2K compliant
versions. The system has been tested for Y2K compliance and no problems
have been detected. The Commission does not anticipate any Y2K-related
difficulties with the ELS. In the event of unanticipated periods of
inaccessibility, however, the Office of Engineering and Technology (OET)
will issue a public notice with additional instructions. All inquiries
concerning ELS should be directed to Doug Young, 202-418-2440, or Jim
Burtle, 202-418-2445.

7\. [Operations Support for Complaint Analysis and Resolution
(OSCAR)]{.underline}

If a Y2K-related event impedes the ability of the public to file
complaints via the Internet, or by telephone through the Commission's
Gettysburg PA, Consumer Center (1-888-225-5322, or 1-888-CALL FCC), the
public may elect to send paper copies of complaints to: Consumer
Information Bureau, Informal Complaints Team, 445 Twelfth Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20554. Responding carriers or companies, or members of
the public needing confirmation of the Y2K status of OSCAR, may call
Cynthia Brown or Mike Hennigan, at 202-418-2516.

8\. [Filings with the Cable Services Bureau]{.underline}

Cable operators that are filing information pursuant to sections 76.12,
76.400, 76.611, and 76.615 of the Commission's rules, should continue to
do so during the transition to the Year 2000, as only paper forms are
processed at this time. Applicants filing for CARS microwave licenses
currently file via paper Form 327, and this process will not change
during the transition to year 2000. Moreover, to avoid disruption of
service or enable new service for cable operators and CARS licensees,
any necessary requests for Special Temporary Authority (STA) will be
considered promptly. For additional information concerning these
filings, the public may contact Michael Lance, 202-418-7200,
<mlance@fcc.gov>.

9\. [Universal Licensing System (ULS)]{.underline}

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's (WTB) Universal Licensing
System (ULS) is Y2K compliant both in its design and operation;
therefore, the Commission does not anticipate any Y2K-related failures
in this system. In the event of unanticipated periods of
inaccessibility, however, ULS users with time-sensitive filings are
asked to exercise the option to file applications in paper form and send
them to the appropriate address listed in the Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau Services Fee Guide. All inquiries concerning
pending applications should be directed to the ULS Technical Support
Line at 202-414-1250 or to John Giuli at 202-414-1221.

10\. [Auctions Automated Systems]{.underline}

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's (WTB) Auctions Automated System
was designed and developed to facilitate simultaneous multiple round
auctions of spectrum licenses. The Auctions Automated System is Y2K
compliant both in its design and operation; therefore, the Commission
does not anticipate any Y2K-related failures in this system. In the
event of unanticipated periods of inaccessibility, however, auction
users/bidders will be notified that the auction will be suspended until
the failure is resolved. All inquiries concerning the Auctions Automated
System should be directed to the Auctions Technical Support Line at
202-414-1250 or to John Giuli at 202-414-1221.

11\. [Land Mobile License System]{.underline}

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's (WTB) Land Mobile License
System processes new and renewal applications for the transmission of
mobile communications between sites on land or for communications
between sites where the transmitter is based on land. The Land Mobile
License System is Y2K compliant both in its design and operation;
therefore, the Commission does not anticipate any Y2K-related failures
in this system. In the event of unanticipated periods of
inaccessibility, however, Land Mobile License System users with
time-sensitive filings are asked to exercise the option to file
applications in paper form and send them to the appropriate address
listed in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Services Fee Guide. All
inquiries concerning pending applications should be directed to Chanel
DeVane at 202-418-0579.

12\. [Coast and Ground License System]{.underline}

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's (WTB) Coast and Ground License
System processes seven radio services (three ground and four coast)
applications for 75 various radio classes. The system stores the
information provided on each application; determines errors with each
application and tracks corrections; disposes of each application as
either deleted, cancelled, or granted; and generates tracking reports.
The Coast and Ground License System is Y2K compliant both in its design
and operation; therefore, the Commission does not anticipate any
Y2K-related failures in this system. In the event of unanticipated
periods of inaccessibility, however, Coast and Ground users with
time-sensitive filings are asked to exercise the option to file
applications in paper form and send them to the appropriate address
listed in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Services Fee Guide. All
inquiries concerning pending applications should be directed to Chanel
DeVane at 202-418-0579.

13\. [Ship/Marine License System]{.underline}

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's (WTB) Ship/Marine License
System processes Ship Radio Station License applications for new and
renewal licenses for five ship classes: fishing; official service
vessel; merchant; pleasure and rescue. The Ship/Marine License System is
Y2K compliant both in its design and operation; therefore, the
Commission does not anticipate any Y2K-related failures in this system.
In the event of unanticipated periods of inaccessibility, however,
Ship/Marine License System users with time-sensitive filings are asked
to exercise the option to file applications in paper form and send them
to the appropriate address listed in the Wireless Telecommunications
Bureau Services Fee Guide. All inquiries concerning pending applications
should be directed to Chanel DeVane at 202-418-0579.

14\. [Restricted and Commercial License System]{.underline}

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau's (WTB) Restricted and Commercial
License System processes restricted (radiotelephone operator) and
commercial (general radiotelephone operator, GMDSS radio operator, GMDSS
radio maintainer, marine radio operator, and radiotelegraphic)
applications for new and renewal licenses for commercial licenses. The
Restricted and Commercial License System is Y2K compliant both in its
design and operation; therefore, the Commission does not anticipate any
Y2K-related failures in this system. In the event of unanticipated
periods of inaccessibility, however, Restricted and Commercial License
System users with time-sensitive filings are asked to exercise the
option to file applications in paper form and send them to the
appropriate address listed in the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau
Services Fee Guide. All inquiries concerning pending applications should
be directed to Chanel DeVane at 202-418-0579.

# 

# Research Information and Reports

# 

# 1. [Automated Reporting Management Information System (ARMIS)]{.underline} 

If a Y2K-related event impedes public access to ARMIS data via the
Internet, the public may obtain, as always, copies of ARMIS reports from
the Commission's Reference Information Center at 445 Twelfth Street,
S.W., Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C. 20554, and from the International
Transcription Service, Inc., at 1231 20^th^ Street, N.W., Washington,
D.C. 20036, phone number 202-857-3800. Members of the public and ARMIS
reporting carriers who need confirmation of the status of ARMIS are
advised to call Fatina Franklin or Gary Seigel, at 202-418-0840.

2\. [Reports on Bell Atlantic/NYNEX and SBC/Ameritech Mergers,
Performance Standards]{.underline}

The monitoring reports are maintained by the Accounting Safeguards
Division of the Commission's Common Carrier Bureau. If a Y2K-related
event impedes public access to these reports via the Commission's
Internet site, the public may obtain copies of the reports from the
Commission\'s Reference Information Center at 445 Twelfth Street, S.W.,
Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C. 20554, or through the International
Transcription Service, Inc., at 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20036, phone number 202-857-3800.

3\. [Industry Analysis Reports]{.underline}

The reports prepared by the Industry Analysis Division of the
Commission's Common Carrier Bureau are found on the State-Link homepage
(\<[http://www.fcc.gov/ccb/stats]{.underline}\>). If a Y2K-related event
impedes public access to these reports, the public may obtain, as usual,
copies of the reports from the Commission\'s Reference Information
Center at 445 Twelfth Street, S.W., Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C.
20554, or through the International Transcription Service, Inc., at 1231
20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, phone number 202-857-3800.

4\. [Actions by the Accounting Policy Division, Common Carrier
Bureau]{.underline}

In the event of a Y2K-related emergency, copies of completed actions on
the Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service (CC Dockets 96-45,
97-160, 97-21) and on the Federal-State Joint Board on Jurisdictional
Separations (CC Docket 80-286) will be available from the Commission\'s
Reference Information Center at 445 Twelfth Street, S.W., Room CY-A257,
Washington, D.C. 20554, or from the International Transcription Service,
Inc., at 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, phone number,
202-857-3800. Members of the public who want to obtain confirmation of
completed actions may call Sheryl Todd or Antoinette Stevens at
202-418-7400.

**Payment System**

[Internet Payment of Fees by Credit Card (ROSIE)]{.underline}

Anyone filing an FCC document over the Internet may also pay any
applicable fees with a credit card over the Internet by using the ROSIE
system. The ROSIE system is Y2K compliant and the Commission does not
expect any Y2K problems to occur. In the event of unanticipated
problems, the Office of Financial Operations, Financial Systems
Operations Group is prepared to offer customer support. For further
information, please contact Bill Lewis at 202-418-1985 or you may e-mail
him at [wlewis@fcc.gov.]{.underline}

# 

# Other Important Y2K Notifications

1\. [Review of Section 271 Applications]{.underline}

If a Y2K-related event affects the Commission's computer network, the
public, as usual, may obtain copies of any public notices, news
releases, or other orders released during a Y2K-related emergency from
the Commission\'s Reference Information Center at 445 Twelfth Street,
S.W., Room CY-A257, Washington, D.C. 20554; or from the International
Transcription Service, Inc., at 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C.
20036, phone number 202-857-3800. Members of the public and the
telecommunications industry who need additional information about the
processing of section 271 applications during a Y2K-related event, may
call CeCi Stephens at 202-418-1588.

2\. [Part 68 Customer Premises Equipment Registration
Program]{.underline}

If a Y2K-related event prevents the Commission from notifying applicants
of registration number assignments via the Internet, the Part 68 staff
will continue its practice of notifying applicants by first-class mail.
In addition, a file copy of the registration certificate will be
available for public inspection at the Commission's Reference
Information Center located at R 445 Twelfth Street, S.W., Room CY-A257,
Washington, D.C. 20554. Applicants may also obtain a FAX copy from the
International Transcription Service, Inc., 1231 20^th^ Street, N.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20036, phone number 202-857-3800. Part 68 registration
applicants and members of the public needing confirmation of Internet
availability may call William Howden or David Ward at 202-418-2320.

3\. [The Commission's Gettysburg, PA, Consumer Center]{.underline}

During the Y2K transition period, the Gettysburg , PA, Consumer Center
will be operational during regular business hours. The Center's
automated voice response system will be available on a 24-hour basis, at
1-888-225-5322 (or 1-888-CALL FCC).

4\. [Notification from the Commission's Office of the
Secretary]{.underline}

Members of the public often request the Secretary's certification of
electronic records. If a Y2K-related event impedes regular access to the
Commission's electronic records, requests for certification of
electronic records may be delayed. We will make every effort to resolve
the situation as quickly as possible, minimize delays, and keep the
members of the public informed.

The Commission will not make changes in the format for the alphanumeric
system used to identify docket numbers, decisions adopted by the
Commission (FCC numbers), and decisions adopted under delegated
authority (DA numbers). An action in year 2000 will be identified by
"00." For example, decision number 222 adopted by the Commission during
year 2000 will be identified as "FCC 00-222."

\- FCC -

#  

[^1]: Year 2000 Network Stabilization Policy Statement, released October
    4, 1999, 65 Fed. Reg. 55924, October 15, 1999.

[^2]: 47 CFR 61.