PUBLIC NOTICE![](media/image1.png){width="0.95in"
height="0.9055555555555556in"}

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

445 12th STREET, S.W.

WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 **DA 99-2511**

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

**CORRECTED VERSION**

**WESTERN WIRELESS CORPORATION PETITIONS FOR**

**DESIGNATION AS AN ELIGIBLE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CARRIER TO PROVIDE
SERVICES ELIGIBLE FOR UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT IN WYOMING**

**PLEADING CYCLE ESTABLISHED**

#  CC Docket No. 96-45

**Release Date: November 12, 1999**

**Comment Date: December 17, 1999**

**Reply Comment Date: January 10, 2000**

On September 29, 1999, Western Wireless Corporation's wholly-owned
subsidiary, WWC Holding Co., Inc. (Western Wireless), submitted a
petition pursuant to section 214(e)(6) of the Communications Act of
1934, as amended, seeking designation by this Commission as an eligible
telecommunications carrier (ETC) for universal service support in
Wyoming. Western Wireless contends that it satisfies all the statutory
prerequisites for designation as a ETC, and it is not subject to the
jurisdiction of a state commission.[^1] Western Wireless also contends
that designation as a ETC in service areas served by rural telephone
companies will advance the public interest in this case.[^2] We seek
comment on the issues raised in Western Wireless's petition.

Pursuant to sections 1.415 and 1.419 of the Commission\'s rules, 47
C.F.R. §§ 1.415, 1.419, interested parties may file comments on or
before **December 17, 1999**, and reply comments on or before **January
10, 2000**. Comments may be filed using the Commission\'s Electronic
Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies. *See Electronic
Filing of Documents in Rulemaking Proceedings*, 63 Fed. Reg. 24,121
(1998). Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic
file via the Internet to \<http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html\>.
Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. If
multiple docket or rulemaking numbers appear in the caption of this
proceeding, however, commenters must transmit one electronic copy of the
comments to each docket or rulemaking number referenced in the caption.
In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their
full name, Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or
rulemaking number. Parties may also submit electronic comments by
Internet e-mail. To receive filing instructions for e-mail comments,
commenters should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the
following words in the body of the message, \"get form \<your e-mail
address.\" A sample form and directions will be sent in reply. Parties
who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of
each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appears in the
caption of this proceeding, commenters must submit two additional copies
for each additional docket or rulemaking number. All filings must be
sent to the Commission\'s Secretary, Magalie Roman Salas, Office of the
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, S.W.,
Washington, D.C. 20554.

Parties also must send three paper copies of their filing to Sheryl
Todd, Accounting Policy Division, Common Carrier Bureau, Federal
Communications Commission, 445 Twelfth Street S.W., Room 5-B540,
Washington, D.C. 20554. In addition, commenters must send diskette
copies to the Commission\'s copy contractor, International Transcription
Service, Inc., 1231 20th Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20037.

Pursuant to section 1.1206 of the Commission\'s Rules, 47 C.F.R. §
1.1206, this proceeding will be conducted as a permit-but-disclose
proceeding in which *ex parte* communications are permitted subject to
disclosure.

For further information, contact Richard D. Smith, Accounting Policy
Division, Common Carrier Bureau at (202) 418-7400, TTY (202) 418-0484.

[^1]: Western Wireless Corporation, *Petition for ETC Designation*, CC
    Docket No. 96-45 (filed September 29, 1999)(*Petition*) at 4.
    Western Wireless notes that the Wyoming Public Service Commission
    has issued an Order concluding that it does not have jurisdiction to
    consider Western Wireless ETC status under Wyoming law. *See*
    *Petition* at 5 *citing Application of WWC Holding Co, Inc. for
    Authority to be Designated as an Eligible Telecommunications
    Carrier*, Order Granting Motion to Dismiss Amended Application,
    Docket No. 70042-TA-98-1 (rel. August 13, 1999).

[^2]: Petition at 11.