> DA 01-1714
>
> Released: July 17, 2001

**PETITION FOR WAIVER OF THE BENCHMARK SETTLEMENT RATE FOR GUYANA**

**IB DOCKET NO. 96-261**

Atlantic Tele-Network, Inc. ("ATN"), the majority owner of Guyana
Telephone & Telegraph Ltd. ("GT&T"), which is the incumbent
telecommunication service provider in Guyana, has filed a petition for
waiver of the Commission's benchmark settlement rate of 23¢ for service
on the U.S.-Guyana route.

The Commission has repeatedly expressed concern about above-cost
accounting rates because such rates harm U.S. consumers and may produce
market distortions. The Commission adopted the *Benchmarks Order* to
ensure that U.S. consumers pay reasonable rates for international
telephone service and to reduce the distortions that may result from
above-cost accounting rates. The Order establishes a set of benchmark
settlement rates and requires U.S. facilities-based carriers to
negotiate settlement rates that comply with the benchmark rates
according to a transition schedule. The benchmark settlement rates and
the transition schedule vary primarily according to countries' income
per capita levels. For carriers in countries classified as low income
countries, which includes Guyana, the Order requires U.S. carriers to
use a settlement rate that does not exceed 23¢ per minute to conduct
settlements on service provided on and after January 1, 2002.

ATN requests a waiver of the benchmark settlement rate for a period of
five years or until Guyana's teledensity reaches 23 telephones,
whichever occurs first. ATN states that GT&T has relied heavily on the
revenue it derives from settlement payments to expand Guyana's
telecommunications network, upgrade the infrastructure, and promote
universal service in the country during the past decade. ATN claims that
a reduction in the settlement rate to 23¢ will endanger continued
progress because network investment depends on international settlement
revenues. ATN argues that improvements to the Guyana network will open
new markets for American goods and services and benefit U.S. citizens.

Interested parties are requested to file comments no later than August
14, 2001, and replies no later than August 28, 2001. Any filings should
reference the file number of this proceeding. An original and four
copies of all pleadings must be filed in accordance with Section 1.51(c)
of the Commission's rules, 47 C.F.R. § 1.51(c). The pleadings should be
filed with Magalie Roman Salas, Secretary, FCC, 445 12^th^ Street, S.W.,
TW-A235, Washington, D.C. 20554. In addition, one copy of each pleading
must be filed with (1) International Transcription Service, Inc., 1231
20^th^ Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037; (2) FCC Office of Public
Affairs Reference and Information Center, located in room CY-A257 at the
Portals 2 building, 445 12^th^ Street, S.W., Washington, D.C. 20554; and
(3) the petitioner.

Copies of the petition and any subsequently filed documents in this
matter may be obtained from International Transcription Services, Inc.
(ITS), 1231 20^th^ Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20036, (202) 857-3800.
The petition and any subsequently filed documents are also available for
public inspection and copying during normal business hours at the FCC
Office of Public Affairs Reference and Information Center, located in
room CY-A257 at the Portals 2 building, 445 12^th^ Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20554. The center's phone number is (202) 418-0270.

For further information, please contact Ken Stanley or Kathy O'Brien,
Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418-1460.