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Regulatory Proceedings Index

Back when I started Cybertelecom - this was the core page - listing the very few regulatory proceedings that grappled with the Internet. Now, there are so many proceedings that attempting to coherently track them on one index no longer makes sense - and this index is no longer maintained.

Additions? Corrections? Let us know.

Title Agency Released Comments Due Replies Due
Development of Nationwide Broadband Data to Evaluate Reasonable and Timely Deployment of Advanced Services to All Americans, Improvement of Wireless Broadband Subscribership Data, and Development of Data on Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Subscribership FCC 2007-04-17    
Fifth Sec. 705 Notice of Inquiry FCC 2007-04-17 2007-05-16 2007-05-31
FCC Broadband Market Practices (Network Neutrality) FCC 2007-04-17 2007-06-15 2007-07-16
Skype Carterfone Petition for Wireless Services FCC   04-30-2007 05-15-2007
Cablevision Petition for Forbearance of Titel II and Computer Inquiry for Broadband
FCC
  03-08-2007
03-23-2007
NLR Petition for Recon of Rural Healthcare Internet2 Order FCC 2006-11-21 2006-11-28
Frontier Petition Forebearance from Computer Inquiries with regard to Broadband Services FCC 2006-9-13 2006-9-27
Embarq Petition Forebearance from Computer Inquiries with regard to Broadband Services FCC 2006-8-17 2006-8-31
Pleading Cycle for Erate Eligibility List FCC 2006-8-4 2006-8-14
BellSouth Petition for Forebearance from Title II and Computer Inquiries with regard to broadband FCC 2006-8-3 2006-8-18
AT&T and Qwest Petition for Forebearance from Title II and Computer Inquiries with regard to broadband FCC 2006-8-3 2006-8-18
Universal Service NPRM (VoIP) 06-122 FCC 2006-6-27
Continued Transition of the Technical Coordination and Management of the Internet Domain Name and Addressing System NTIA 2006-7-7
Internet TRS Fraud FCC 2006 2006
Federal Plan for Cyber Security and Information Assurance Research and Development NITRD 2006-4-28
ATT / Bell South Merger FCC 2006-6-5 2006-6-20
Petition for Access to NANP resources by 1 ENUM LCC FCC 2006-4-28 2006-5-6
TW Petition that CLECs May Interconnect to Provide Wholesdale Telecom to VoIP Providers FCC 2006-3-27 2006-4-11
NPRM Modifying 700 MHz Public Safety Spectrum for Broadband Communications FCC tba tba
USTA CALEA Petition for Recon FCC 2006-1-19 2006-1-30
Verizon Petition for Forebearance of Computer Inquires on Broadband FCC 2005-2-8 2005-3-10
United Power Line Council's Petition for Declaratory Ruling regarding classification of BPL as Info Service. FCC 2006-2-10 2006-2-27
United Telecom's Application to be Database Manager FCC 2005-6-25 2005-7-5
Part 15 Amendments for BPL FCC 2004 2004
BPL NOI FCC 2003 2003

Big gap in time that I am not gonna fill in

Open Proceedings

Express your Opinion! How to File Comments at the FCC.  File Comments with the FCC's Electronic Comment Filing System (remember the docket number of the proceeding)

Proceeding

Summary

Status

E911 and VoIP Revision of the Commission's Rules to Ensure Compatibility With Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling Systems - asking about implications of IP Telephony.   FCC :: IP Telephony :: Comments Due: 2/3/03.  Replys Due:  2/28/03  More Info.
IP TRS Interstate TPS Fund Advisory Council Files Proposed Guidelines for the Recovery of Costs Associated with IP Relay Services (DA No. 02-3409).  FCC :: ADA :: Comments Due: 02/07/2003.   Released.  12/13/2002
DMCA Anticircumvention  LOC Proceeding mandated by the DMCA, which provides that the LOC may exempt certain classes of works from the prohibition against circumvention of technological measures that control access to copyrighted works. The purpose of this proceeding is to determine whether there are particular classes of works as to which users are, or are likely to be, adversely affected in their ability to make noninfringing uses due to the prohibition on circumvention.  LOC :: DMCA :: More Info.The initial round of comments (due Dec 18, 2002) is restricted to comments proposing exemptions for specific classes of works. Reply comments (due Feb 19) may be submitted in opposition to or in further support of exemptions proposed in the initial comments. 
Esign NTIA public notices requesting comment on the nine exceptions to the Electronic Signatures in Global and National Commerce (ESIGN) Act. The notices request comment on the court records; hazardous materials; product recall notices; domestic and family law documents; and wills, codicils, and testamentary trusts exceptions to the Act.  NTIA :: EComm ::Comments Due: Various (Nov - Dec 2002) More Info.
CPNI Third FNPRM Released July 25, 2002 Use of customer information by telecommunications carrier. More info. Fed Reg Notice has not been published

Pending Proceedings

You can still Express Your Views pursuant to the FCC's Ex Parte Rules Simply note that this is an Ex Parte filing when you file your comments.  If you make an in person presentation, you will need to file a summary of your presentation with the Secretary.  Mark all documents with the proceeding's docket number.

Proceeding

Summary

Status

ATT's IP Telephony Proceeding AT&T's Petition For Declaratory Ruling That AT&T's Phone-To-Phone IP Telephony Services Are Exempt From Access Charges. More Info
BellSouth ONA Pleading  Cycle Established For  Comments On Bellsouth  Open Network  Architecture Plan  Amendment. (DA No. 02-3463).  (Dkt No 88-2).  FCC :: CIII :: Comments Due:  01/07/2003. Reply Comments Due:  01/14/2003. WCB. Contact: Janice  M. Myles at 1580, Released: 12/13/2002.
IP Telecom Relay FCC Seeks further Comment related to Classifying IP Telecom Relay Service Calls as Intrastate or Interstate for Compensation More Info.
Rural Health Care Support Mechanism:  The Commission seeks comment on the proposed modifications to its rules and other changes governing the rural health care universal service support mechanism.  Includes consideration of support for Internet access.  Comments due 45 days, replies 75 days after publication in fed reg.  WC DKT 02- 60  FCC 02- 122
Broadband NPRM FCC Launches Proceeding to Promote Widespread Deployment of High Speed Broadband Internet Access Services. Incorporates Computer III proceeding. Comments due May 3; Replies Due June 3. More Info
Internet over Cable NPRM After finding that cable is an info service over telecom, the FCC asks about the implications. More Information Comments due June 17, 2002; reply comments due July 16, 2002.
Universal Service Reform FCC TAKES NEXT STEP TO REFORM UNIVERSAL SERVICE FUND CONTRIBUTION SYSTEM. Comments Sought on Connection-Based System to Provide Certainty, Reduce Administrative Costs and Avoid Marketplace Distortions. The FCC took further steps toward reform of the sytem for assessment and recovery of USF contributions. News Release. Adopted: 02/14/2002. News Media Contact: Michael Balmoris at 0253 CCB. Contact Paul Garnett at 7400 Comments due 4/22/02 Replies Due 5/13/02 Docket numbers 96-45, 98-171, 90-571, 92-237, 99-200, 95-116, 98-170 FCC 02-43
ILEC Broadband NPRM ILECs claim that they should not be treated as dominant providers in the broadband market. Comments due March 1, Replies Due April 1.  More Info.
ERate NPRM Initiated a focused review to ensure the continued efficient and effective implementation of Congress' goals as established in the statute, and to explore a varity of suggestions.. Comments Period starts upon fed reg publication More Info
AOLTW Merger / FTC The FTC has received an application from AOLTW requesting approval of a non-affiliated Internet Service Provider (ISP) and alternative cable broadband service agreement. AOLTW has requested FTC approval of: LocalNet Corp. (LocalNet); Juno Online Services, Inc,  Athena Services, Inc. (Athena); Web One, Inc. Applied Technology Group. Comments Due Dec 11, 2001. More Info.
FEC Internet And Elections FEC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking - relating to the Internet and federal elections.  Rules would clarify the status of campaign-related Internet activity conducted by individuals, and of hyperlinks and endorsement press releases on Internet web sites established by corporations and labor organizations.  Comments due by Dec 3, 2001. More info.
Texas.net AOLTW Complaint Texas.net filed a complaint that AOLTW was in violation of the FCC's agreement arguing that AOLTW had discriminated against small ISPs. Cable Bureau dismissed the complaint.  Texas.net has filed for review by the full commission.  More info.
Universal Service Reform FCC Initiates Proceeding to Reform Universal Service Fund Contribution System. References impact of IP Telephony. [ Text | Word97 | Acrobat Comments due June 25, 2001. Reply comments due July 9, 2001 Fed Reg Notice
ARMIS Accounting FCC seeks comments on proposed streamlined ARMIS 43-04 (Jurisdictional Separations) Report. (CC Docket 80-286, DA 01-1496)  Comments due no later than July 20, 2001; reply comments due no later than August 6, 2001. More Info.
FCC Computer III Further Remand Proceedings;1998 Biennial Regulatory Review CC Docket Nos. 95-20, 98-10  Review of Computer III and ONA Safeguards and Requirements Proceeding has been joined with Broadband NPRM.'More Info
FCC Final Report on 3G; Request for Comments FCC Releases Staff Final Report "Spectrum Study of 2500-2690 MHz Band: The Potential for Accommodating Third Generation Mobile Systems". Seeks Comment on Final Report in Pending Spectrum Allocation Proceeding  Comments Due April 16. More Info
Interactive TV Notice of Inquiry  NOI seeks comment on what services constitute ITV services, what entities constitute ITV providers, how ITV services will be delivered, what business models will govern the delivery of ITV services to consumers, and the general status of an ITV services market. Comments due Mar 19
Replies Due April 20. More Info.
FCC CALEA More info FCC seeks comment to update record in response to and in order to satisfy Court's concern (DC Cir. vacated certain CALEA rules in Aug 2000). Comments due Nov 16, 2000
Replies Due Dec. 1.
FCC Section 255 NOI re IP Telephony More Info How does IP telephony impact the disabled?  How is industry responding.  What is the appropriate role for the government.
1998 BIENNIAL REVIEW -- MODIFICATIONS TO SIGNAL POWER LIMITATIONS CONTAINED IN PART 68 OF THE COMMISSION'S RULES
Dkt No.: CC-98-163
In this NPRM the Commission is seeking to make it more possible for customers to download data from the Internet more quickly, and improve the transmission rates experienced by persons using high speed digital information products, such as 56 kilobits per second modems Adopted: September 8, 1998. by NPRM. (FCC No. 98-221)| Text | Wordperfect | Press Release |

IDG, FCC Wants to break the 56k modem speed barrier Sept 1998

Access Charge Notice of Inquiry 
Released December 1996
FCC Declaratory Rulemaking: Call for Comments: Microscope Associates, Inc. On June 7, 1997, Microscope Associates, Inc. ("MAI") filed a petition seeking an "interim order by authority of 47 U.S.C. 203(b)(2) to the effect that: No tariff or customer subscription agreement of a telecommunications carrier may prohibit redistribution or resale of Internet service." This petition will be treated as a petition for rulemaking pursuant to Section 1.401 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. 1.401. FCC Press Release with additional information. Errata l Mintz Levin Summary l Comments Due: October 20, 1997. Replies Due: November 4, 1997.  Reply period extended to December 4, 1991. Daily Digest Nov. 3, 1997. A search on July 7, 2000 revealed no such entity as Microscope Associates, Inc.  Seach conducted using Google, Altavista, HotBot, and the Westlaw General News database.
ACTA Petition
RM No. 8775  See Internet Telephony page
Requesting regulation of Internet Telephony Software Comment Period Closed Spring 1996
ACTA apparently no longer exists as ACTA.

FCC Closed Proceedings

Proceeding

Summary

Status

NTIA CIPA Study NTIA RFC on the Effectiveness of Internet Protection Measures and Safety Policies pursuant to the Childrens Internet Protection Act (CIPA). Comments Due Aug 27. More Info.
CPNI CUSTOMER PROPRIETARY NETWORK INFORMATION (CPNI). Clarified the Status of our CPNI rules after the Tenth Circuit's opinion and explained how parties may obtain customer consent for use of their CPNI. Seek comments on what methods of customer consent would serve the governmental interests. (Dkt No. 96-115, 96-149). Comments due Nov 1, 2001 and Replies due Nov 16, 2001. Fed Reg Notice. FCC-01-247A1.docMore Info
IP Telecom Relay Service FCC Seeks Additional Comment on the Provision of Improved Telecom Relay Service using IP. Comments Due: 07/30/2001.  Reply Comments Due: 08/20/2001.More Info.
COPPA Children Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) The FTC is seeking public comment on a proposal to extend for two years the period during which Web sites directed to children can use an e-mail message from the parent, coupled with additional steps, to obtain verifiable parental consent for the collection of personal information from children. The FTC proposes to extend the time period from April 21, 2002 until April 21, 2004. Comments Due Nov 30, 2001 More info
NTIA Broadband Inquiry NTIA has requested comments on several broadband deployment issues, including supply and demand for broadband services and the technical, economic, or regulatory barriers to broadband deployment. Comments Dec 18 2001.  New ReleaseFed Reg Notice.
3rd 706 Notice of Inquiry Is Advanced Communications Being Deployed to All Americans in a Reasonable and Timely manner? Comments due 30 days after pub in fed reg.  More info.
FEC NOI NOI assessing the applicability of the Federal Election Campaign Act and the Commission's current regulations to campaign activity conducted using the Internet.  Comments Due Jan 4. More info.
FCC Cable Open Access Notice of Inquiry Gen Docket 00-185 Whether cable service providers who provide broadband Internet services should be permitted to offer access to only one ISP, the affiliated ISP of the cable service provider, or be required to permit access to the ISP of the customer's choice pursuant to an Open Access Policy. Comments Due  Dec 1, 2000
Replies due Jan 10, 2001
AOL TW Merger FTC The FTC has received an application from AOLTW requesting approval of a non-affiliated Internet Service Provider (ISP) and alternative cable broadband service agreement. AOLTW has requested FTC approval of: New York Connect.Net, Ltd., (2) Internet Junction Corp., (3) Inter.net US. Ltd., and (4) STIC.NET More info
DOC NTIA ".US" RFC NTIA requests comments on future expansion and administration of the .us domain space. Comments Due October 5, 1998 
More Info
FCC Non-Accounting Safeguards Order Remand Does the term "Interlata service" include "information services? Answer could determine whether ILECs are permitted into Internet backbone service prior to haveing a Sec 271 application approved. More info.
Children's Internet Protection Act CIPA requires FCC to promulgate regulates implementing CIPA by April 20.  CIPA requires e-rate recipients to certify having an Internet Safety Program in place that includes Internet filter.  More info.
FCC Intercarrier Compensation More Info FCC Requests Comment on treatment of reciprocal comensation for ISP Bound telecom traffic in light of the D.C. Circuit Remand. Comments Due July 21
Replies August 4.
1998 Biennial Review - Review Of Customer Premises Equipment And Enhanced Services Unbundling Rules In the Interexchange, Exchange Access and Local Exchange Markets  CC Docket No. 98-183; CC Docket No. 96-61
Report and Order 3/30/2001
Provision of Directory Listing Information under the Telecommunications Act of 1934 Docket 99-273 Concluded that Internet telephone number directories have full rights as a published telephone director under 47 U.S.C. §  222(e).  News release  [ Text | MS Word97 | PDF Completed Jan 2001
FCC & FTC: AOL Time Warner Merger Merging largest online service provider with cable service facilities and very large content provider.  FTC has conditionally approved merger.  FCC has reinitiated its consideration. Completed Jan 2001
Mergers SBC Ameritech CC Docket 98-141 COMMON CARRIER BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON SBC'S REQUEST FOR INTERPRETATION, WAIVER, OR MODIFICAITON OF THE SBC/AMERITECH MERGER CONDITIONS. Released: February 18, 2000 Comments due Mar. 3, replies Mar. 10, contact: Anthony Dale 202-418-2260
V-Chip Proceeding FCC Clarified that V-Chip regulations do not apply to Internet Broadcasts. Completed.  More Information.
GTE / Bell Atlantic Merger Raised issues of Internet backbone consolidation.  Merger was granted on condition that GTE spin off its Internet backbone.  This became Genuity.  Rational was that Bell Atlantic did not have Sec. 271 to go into in region interlata service and therefore the long distance Internet backbone had to be spun off. More info.
706 Notice of Inquiry. CC Docket No. 98-146 whether advanced communications are being provided to all Americans in a reasonable and timely fashion Comments Due: March 20, 2000, Reply Comments Due: April 4, 2000
Ultra-wideband (UWB) Radio Systems ET Docket No. 98-153 See ITP Wireless Webpage.

FCC NPRM on comensation for interlata ISP-bound telecommunications traffic.SeeReciprocal Compensation Page. Proceeding remains open on other forms.
SBC Sec 271 Application to enter Interlata telecom service in Texas. Texas ISPs objected, commenting on SBC's anticompetitive behavior and record.
Mergers MCI WorldCom / Sprint Involved consideration of merger of two of the largest Internet backbones.  Merger was denied in part based on the consolidation in this market. Comments Due Feb 18, Replies Due March 20
Local Competition and Broadband Reporting, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CC Docket No. 99-301 (FCC #99-283)  Considered whether data would be gathered from Internet and IP telephony sources See WIP Broadband Webpage.
ATT & Media One Merger. Raised issues of cable open access.  FCC denied requests to impose open access obligations but indicated that it would be monitoring the situation closely. WIP Mergers Webpage
ITAA CIX Petition to Extend Sec 272 Sec. 272 prevented ILECs from entering into interlata information services (both the transport and the enhanced service together - ILECs can offer information services that cross lata boundries as long as the transport is purchased from a Global Service Provider - a third party).  FCC denied CIX petition.
Bell Atlantic DSL Tafiff.  Created wholesale tarrifs for which only the largest ESPs could qualify. See WIP DSL Page
Internet Ventures Petition Seeking  Declaratory Ruling That Internet Service Providers Are Entitled to  Commercial Leased Access to Cable Facilities under Section 612 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Amended.  DA No. 99-1104.  FCC concluded that cable is cable and Internet is not and therefore Internet does not qualify for rights to leased access channels on cable.
Responses Due to Petition:  July  13, 1999, Replies to Petitions Due:  July 28, 1999.  See WIPCable Page.
GTE TELEPHONE OPERATORS. Designated for investigation under Section 204(a) of the Communications Act the question of whether GTE's DSL service offering constitutes an interstate access service, and is subject to the Commission's jurisdiction. Dkt No.: CC- 98-79. Action by Bureau Chief. Adopted: August 20, 1998. by Order. (DA No. 98-1667). CCB.  Whether GTE DSL tariff was appropriately filed at the federal level as opposed to the state level.  FCC concluded that Internet traffic over DSL is interstate and therefore tarrif is properly filed before FCC. See WIP DSL Page.
Section 706 NOI, NPRM, Order, & Petitions of ILECs and ALTS. ILECs petitioned the FCC to be released of regulatory obligations to open their markets to competition before being permitted into long distance, Sec. 271.  ILECs argued under Sec 706 that the Internet backbone was on the verge of collapse and that they should be permitted into interlata data service to allieviate the alleged bandwidth shortage.  The FCC concluded that long distance bandwidth deployment is vigorous.  The FCC also concluded that a bit is a bit and long distance is long distance and ILECs are not permitted into it until they have had their Sec 271 applications approved. See ITP 706 webpage.
Policy and Rules Concering the Interstate, Interexchange  Marketplace/implementation of Section 254(g) of the Communications Act of  1934, as Amended/in 1998 Biennial Review -- Review of Customer Premises Equipment and Enhanced Services Unbundling Rules In.  The Interexchange, Exchange Access and Local Exchange Markets.Dkt No.: CC-96-61, CC-98-183.  Examine restrictions that limit a common carrier's ability to bundle certain goods and services together and offer such bundles to the public.  The goods and services include telecommunications services, enhanced services, and customer premises equipment (CPE).  Bundling means selling different goods and/or services together in a single package Adopted: October 1, 1998.  by Further NPRM.  (FCC No. 98-258).  CCB | Text | Wordperfect |
Comments Due:  November 23, 1998;
Reply Comments Due:  December 23, 1998.
Second Order on Reconsideration and Memorandum Opinion and Order (June 30, 1999) | Text | Wordperfect |
Comments of CIX (November 23, 1998)
Comments of ISP/C (November 23, 1998) pdf
E-rate Universal Service
Dkt No.: 97-21, 96-45
COMMON CARRIER BUREAU SEEKS COMMENT ON ADMINISTRATION OF FEDERAL UNIVERSAL SERVICE SUPPORT MECHANISMS. (DA No. 98-1336) Released: July 15, 1998. Public Notice Text | Adobe
See ITP Universal Service Page.
AT&T TCI Merger
CS DOCKET NO. 98-178
Raised Cable Open Access Issues.  FCC denied requests to impose open access obligations but indicated that it would be monitoring the situation closely. See ITP Cable Webpage:  Regulations.
Amendment of Parts 21 and 74 to Enable Multipoint Distribution Service and Instructional Television Fixed Service Licenses to Engage in Fixed Two-way Transmissions. Dkt No.: MM- 97-217 Amended Parts 21 and 74 of the Commission's Rules to provide Multichannel Multipoint Distribution Service and Instructional Television Fixed Service licensees with increased technical operational flexibility to facilitate the provision of a wide array of new, enhanced services including new digital and two-way communications services.  Action by the Commission. Adopted: September 17, 1998. by R&O. (FCC No. 98-231). MMB Press Release.
MCI / Worldcom Merger Raised issues of Internet backbone consolidation.  Merger was approved with condition that MCI spin off its Internet backbone.  This was acquired by Cable and Wireless.  WorldCom retained its Internet backbone UUNET. FCC Public Notice DA 97-2494.  See ITP Merger Page
ALTS Request for Clarification of Commission's Rules Regarding Reciprocal Compensation for ISP Traffic. DA 97-1543  ALTS petition was ultimately withdrawn.  It is believed that it might have been withdrawn based on the number of states that had come to resolve the issue in the favor of CLECs and ISPs (ruling that the traffic was local).  FCC proceeded to rule on the issue is a different proceeding. See ITP Reciprocal Compensation Page.
Petition for Partial Reconsideration and Clarification of the Local Competition Order (da 96-98)
See ITP Reciprocal Compensation webpage
Bellsouth Plan for Comparably Efficient Interconnection for Gateway Services.
Order DA 98-915 (Wordperfect) May 18, 1998.  ITP Computer III Webpage
Steven's Report to Congress on Universal Service Sen. Stevens from Alaska (a rural state that receives universal service subsidies) asked the FCC to provide a Report to Congress on why enhanced services are exempt from universal service obligations.  The Steven's Report became the FCC's best articulation of its policy concerning IP telephony. ITP School and Libraries Page
Technical Requirements to Enable Blocking of Video Programming based on Program Ratings: Implementation of Sections 551(c), (d) and (e) of the Telecommunications Act of 1996: ET Docket No. 97-206 Raised issues of whether the FCC would require v-chips for over the Internet broadcasts.  The FCC clarified that the v-chip rules did not apply to Internet broadcasts.
Access Charge Notice of Proposed Rulemaking Order continued Enhanced Service Provider status and exemption of ESPs from access charges. See FCC Information Page
SUPERNet / UNII Unlicensed Wireless Proceeding 1998 ET Docket No. 96-102, RM-8648, RM-8653 Created a band of spectrum that could be used without a license as long as part 15 rules were complied with.  Rationale was that this spectrum would benefit computer networks. See ITP:  Wireless Webpage.
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