[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 205 (Thursday, October 23, 1997)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 55204]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 97-28091]



[[Page 55204]]

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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 1

[CS Docket No. 97-151; DA 97-2181]


Pole Attachments

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of time.

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SUMMARY: The Cable Services Bureau, released an Order which granted the 
Motion for Extension of Time filed by the United States Telephone 
Association (``USTA'') and the Carolina Power & Light Company, Delmarva 
Power & Light Company, Atlantic City Electric Company, Entergy 
Services, Florida Power Corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric Power 
Company, Potomac Electric Power Company, Public Service Company of 
Colorado, Southern Company, Georgia Power, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, 
Mississippi Power, Savannah Electric, Tampa Electric Company and 
Virginia Power, including North Carolina Power (collectively, 
``Electric Utilities'') in Implementation of Section 703 (e) of the 
Telecommunications Act of 1996, Amendment of Rules and Policies 
Governing Pole Attachments (Notice of Proposed Rulemaking''. The Bureau 
found that good cause existed to grant a one week extension of time 
from October 14, 1997 to October 21, 1997. This extension of time is 
granted in order to facilitate the development of a complete record in 
this proceeding.

DATES: Reply comments are now due on or before October 21, 1997.\1\

    \1\ This document was received by the Office of the Federal 
Register on October 20, 1997.
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ADDRESSES: Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 
1919 M Street, N.W., Room 222, Washington, D.C. 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, CONTACT: Elizabeth Beaty, Cable Services 
Bureau, (202) 418-2294, TTY (202) 418-7172.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a synopsis of the Cable Services 
Bureau's Order, CS Docket No. 97-151, DA 97-2181, adopted October 9, 
1997 and released October 10, 1997, in Implementation of Section 703(e) 
of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Amendment of Rules and Policies 
Governing Pole Attachments, 62 FR 43963 (August 18, 1997). The full 
text of this decision is available for inspection and copying during 
normal business hours in the FCC Reference Center (Room 239), 1919 M 
Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20554, and may be purchased from the 
Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, 
(202) 857-3800, 1231 20th Street, NW, Washington, D.C. 20036. For 
copies in alternative formats, such as braille, audio cassette, or 
large print, please contact Sheila Ray at International Transcription 
Service.

Synopsis of the Order

    1. On August 12, 1997, the Commission commenced a rulemaking 
proceeding to seek comment on the implementation of a methodology to 
ensure just, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory maximum pole attachment 
rates for telecommunications carriers. Comments were due September 26, 
1997, and reply comments were due October 14, 1997.
    2. On October 6, 1997, the United States Telephone Association 
(``USTA'') and the Carolina Power & Light Company, Delmarva Power & 
Light Company, Atlantic City Electric Company, Entergy Services, 
Florida Power Corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric Power Company, 
Potomac Electric Power Company, Public Service Company of Colorado, 
Southern Company, Georgia Power, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi 
Power, Savannah Electric, Tampa Electric Company and Virginia Power, 
including North Carolina Power (collectively, ``Electric Utilities'') 
filed a Motion for Extension of Time (``Motion'') to file reply 
comments. USTA and the Electric Utilities request that the Commission 
grant a two week extension of time to file reply comments, from October 
14, 1997 to October 28, 1997. The USTA and Electric Utilities request 
an extension of time because, in addition to the complex and new issues 
raised by implementation of section 703(e) of the Telecommunications 
Act of 1996, they allege that the issues raised in the initial comments 
in this proceeding are prolific and contain complex administrative and 
technical issues. They contend that granting an extension of time will 
allow the parties to confer with one another and allow representatives 
of the local exchange carrier and electric utility industries time to 
collaborate on issues that they may have in common.
    3. It is the policy of the Commission that extensions of time are 
not routinely granted. In order to facilitate development of a complete 
record in this proceeding, we find that good cause exists to grant an 
extension of time. However, because the Telecommunications Act of 1996 
has mandated that the Commission prescribe and implement the new 
telecommunications rate methodology within specified deadlines, we find 
that a two week extension of time is not possible. Therefore, we will 
grant a one week extension of time in which to file reply comments. 
Thus, reply comments will now be due on October 21, 1997.

Ordering Clauses

    4. Accordingly, it is ordered, pursuant to Secs. 0.321 and 1.46 of 
the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 0.321 and 1.46, that the Motion for 
Extension of Time filed by the United States Telephone Association and 
the Carolina Power & Light Company, Delmarva Power & Light Company, 
Atlantic City Electric Company, Entergy Services, Florida Power 
Corporation, Pacific Gas and Electric Power Company, Potomac Electric 
Power Company, Public Service Company of Colorado, Southern Company, 
Georgia Power, Alabama Power, Gulf Power, Mississippi Power, Savannah 
Electric, Tampa Electric Company and Virginia Power, including North 
Carolina Power is granted.
    5. It is further ordered that all interested parties may file reply 
comments on the matters discussed in the Commission's Notice of 
Proposed Rulemaking by October 21, 1997.

Federal Communications Commission.
Meredith J. Jones,
Chief, Cable Services Bureau.
[FR Doc. 97-28091 Filed 10-22-97; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P