Opinion ID: 421797
Heading Depth: 2
Heading Rank: 3

Heading: The FCC's Action in Docket 78-72

Text: 47 Not challenged in these proceedings, but nonetheless relevant to our evaluation of several issues raised herein, is the FCC's recent decision in MTS & WATS Market Structure, FCC 82-579 (Feb. 28, 1983), reprinted in 48 Fed.Reg. 10,319 (1983), appeal pending sub nom. National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners v. FCC, No. 83-1225 (D.C.Cir. filed Mar. 1, 1983) (Third Report and Order ). The Third Report and Order adopted a transitional access charge plan and required the submission of implementing tariffs designed to take effect on January 1, 1984. One of the factors underlying the new access plan was the FCC's conclusion that the existing access service compensation arrangement produced unlawfully discriminatory rates in violation of 47 U.S.C. § 202(a) (1976). Third Report and Order at 18-19, reprinted in 48 Fed.Reg. at 10,325-26. Although the decision purports to eliminate that discrimination prospectively, id. at 19 n. 20, reprinted in 48 Fed.Reg. at 10,326, the Commission did not consider the impact of its finding of discrimination on the rates in effect during the remaining months of the interim period.