>From the web page
http://www.fcc.gov/cib/handbook.html

FCC HANDBOOK

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Introduction- The FCC - What We're All About

We're About Cable - Cable Services Bureau

We're About Telephones - Common Carrier Bureau

We're About Keeping You Informed - Consumer Information Bureau

We're About Enforcing Our Rules and Regulations - Enforcement
Bureau

We're About International Communications - International Bureau

We're About Radio and Television - Mass Media Bureau

We're About Cellular, PCS Phones and Pagers - Wireless
Telecommunications Bureau

We're About - Having You Participate in the Rulemaking Process

We're About - Keeping You Up-to-Date

We're About - Ex Parte Procedures

Glossary of Telecommunications Terms

THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

WHAT WE'RE ALL ABOUT

We're about communications! Whether you are listening to the
radio, watching TV, talking on the phone, using your pager --
you're involved in communications. We, at the Federal
Communications Commission, are working to make sure that the
nation's communications systems are operating in your best
interest.

*********************************************

The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 as an
independent United States government agency directly responsible
to Congress. The Act, which has been amended over the years,
charges the Commission with establishing policies to govern
interstate and international communications by television,
radio, wire, satellite and cable. In February 1996, the
Telecommunications Act of 1996 was signed into law, representing
the first major overhaul of our nation's telecommunications
policies in over 60 years.

The law requires that our Commission be headed by five
Commissioners, each appointed by the President and confirmed by
the Senate, with one designated as the Chairman. Only three
Commissioners may be members of the same political party at any
given time.

HOW WE'RE ORGANIZED

The FCC is organized by function. We have seven operating
Bureaus and ten Offices. The Bureaus' responsibilities include:
processing applications for licenses and other filings;
analyzing complaints; conducting investigations; developing and
implementing regulatory programs; and taking part in hearings.
Our Offices provide support services. Even though the Bureaus
and Offices have their individual functions, they regularly join
forces and share expertise in addressing Commission issues.

The Bureaus

CABLE SERVICES BUREAU - serves as the single point-of-contact
for consumers, community officials and the industry for
cable-related issues.

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU - responsible for rules and policies
concerning telephone companies that provide interstate, and
under certain circumstances intrastate, telecommunications
services to the public through the use of wire-based
transmission facilities (i.e., corded/cordless telephones).

CONSUMER INFORMATION BUREAU - communicates information to the
public regarding Commission policies, programs and activities.
This Bureau is also charged with overseeing disability mandates.

ENFORCEMENT BUREAU - enforces the Communications Act, as well as
the Commission's rules, orders and authorizations.

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU - represents the Commission in satellite
and international matters .

MASS MEDIA BUREAU - regulates AM, FM radio and television
broadcast stations, as well as Multipoint Distribution (i.e.,
cable and satellite) and Instructional Television Fixed Services.

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU - oversees cellular and PCS
phones, pagers and two-way radios. This Bureau also regulates
the use of radio spectrum to fulfill the communications needs of
businesses, local and state governments, public safety service
providers, aircraft and ship operators, and individuals.

The Staff Offices

OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATIVE LAW JUDGES - presides over hearings,
and issues Initial Decisions.

OFFICE OF COMMUNICATIONS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES - provides
advice to the Commission on issues and policies concerning
opportunities for ownership and contracting by small, minority
and women-owned communications businesses.

OFFICE OF ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY - allocates spectrum for
non-Government use and provides expert advice on technical
issues before the Commission.

OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL - serves as chief legal advisor to
the Commission's various Bureaus and Offices.

OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL - conducts and supervises audits and
investigations relating to the operations of the Commission.

OFFICE OF LEGISLATIVE AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS - is the
Commission's main point of contact with Congress and other
governmental entities.

OFFICE OF THE MANAGING DIRECTOR - functions as a chief operating
official, serving under the direction and supervision of the
Chairman.

OFFICE OF MEDIA RELATIONS - informs the news media of FCC
decisions and serves as the Commission's main point of contact
with the media.

OFFICE OF PLANS AND POLICY - serves as the Commission's chief
economic policy advisor .

OFFICE OF WORK PLACE DIVERSITY - advises the Commission on all
issues related to workforce diversity, affirmative recruitment
and equal employment opportunity.

*********************************************

For additional information on any of the FCC's Bureaus and
Offices, issues or rulings, visit our web site at
http://www.fcc.gov/ or call our toll free number, 1-888-CALL-FCC
(voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY) .



WE'RE ABOUT CABLE

CABLE SERVICES BUREAU

The Cable Services Bureau (CSB) enforces regulations that were
designed to ensure competition among cable companies, satellite
companies and other entities that offer video programming
services to the general public.

The Bureau is responsible for several areas, including:

     mandatory carriage of television broadcast signals

     commercial leased access

     program access

     over-the-air reception devices

     open video systems

     commercial availability of set-top boxes

       * accessibility of closed captioning and video
         description on television programming

CSB also resolves appeals of local rate orders issued by
franchising authorities and addresses issues concerning the
computation of the franchise fee. It issues annual reports that
analyze trends and developments in the multichannel video
programming industry, including pricing and the state of
competition.

The Bureau's web page, www.fcc.gov/csb, provides the names and
telephone numbers of Bureau personnel, listed according to the
staff member's area of expertise. The site also contains several
fact sheets on topics that are of interest to consumers,
including: the receipt of local and distant broadcast television
signals on a satellite dish; the installation of video antennas;
and programming content issues. Finally, CSB's web page has a
list of pending and recently resolved issues of interest to
consumers. The Bureau welcomes the opportunity to respond to
inquiries and comments sent to its web site or by postal mail.



WE'RE ABOUT TELEPHONES

COMMON CARRIER BUREAU

The Common Carrier Bureau (CCB) is responsible for the FCC's
policies and rules concerning long distance and local wireline
telephone service to consumers. Telephone companies (referred to
as "common carriers") generally provide consumers with voice,
data and other telecommunication transmission services. The CCB
ensures that everyone has rapid, efficient, nationwide and
worldwide access to these services at reasonable rates.

The Bureau oversees programs that ensure all Americans have
universal access to telephone service. Among these programs are:

Lifeline and Linkup -- offers a discounted phone service for low
income residential consumers;

E-rate -- provides discounts on communications services and
access to the Internet for schools and libraries;

Rural Health Care -- funds telecommunications services for
not-for-profit health care organizations providing telemedicine;

High Cost Fund -- offers reasonable local phone rates to
customers living in high cost areas by providing financial
support to the carriers that serve them; and

Telecommunications Relay Services -- ensures that individuals
with hearing or speech disabilities have access to telephone
services which are functionally equivalent to voice services.

CCB is also responsible for consumer protection in
telecommunications. It develops rules and policies to protect
consumers from slamming and cramming, and ensures
Truth-in-Billing and Truth-in-Advertising.

The Bureau additionally takes measures to encourage the
development of competition for local and long distance services.
It works to help open local markets to competition by deciding
when and how companies' networks should interconnect and how
phone numbers should be allocated. CCB reviews proposed mergers
of telecommunications companies and determines when a local
telephone company has met the Congressional requirements that
will allow it to begin selling long distance services.



WE'RE ABOUT KEEPING YOU INFORMED

CONSUMER INFORMATION BUREAU

The Consumer Information Bureau (CIB) is a one-stop-shopping
place for information regarding FCC policies, programs and
activities. Through the Bureau's toll free numbers,
1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) and 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY), and website,
www.fcc.gov/cib, the public is given access to updated consumer
information. CIB includes the following:

       * Consumer Centers -- provide up-to-the-minute
         information about all issues
         regulated by the FCC. The Consumer Centers,
         located in Washington, D.C. and Gettysburg, PA,
         also help individuals file informal complaints on
         a variety of issues, including: slamming;
         cramming; confusing telephone bills; and
         disability access.

     Consumer Education Office (CEO)-- works with consumer
     organizations and government agencies concerned with
     FCC regulatory activities. CEO prepares informational
     materials and conducts forums to educate the public
     about important FCC regulatory programs and to solicit
     feedback on issues regulated by the Commission. This
     Office also arranges briefings and seminars for
     educational institutions, consumer organizations and
     other interested groups.

     Disabilities Rights Office (DRO)-- ensures that FCC
     actions and policies enable people with disabilities
     to have the same access as everyone else to
     telecommunications. Among other things, DRO helps to
     implement mandates for nationwide telephone relay
     services; access to telecommunications wireline and
     wireless products and services; televised emergency
     access; and closed captioning on television
     programming. If you have questions or concerns about
     disability issues or you wish to receive access
     information through DRO's e-mail list, DROInfo, you
     can contact the Office at access@fcc.gov.

     Strategic Information Office (SIO)-- coordinates with
     other Commission Bureaus and Offices in disseminating
     up-to-date informational materials through the
     Consumer Centers. SIO also analyzes complaints and
     inquiries to determine trends and to promote increased
     Commission understanding of the concerns and
     viewpoints of the public.

     Reference Information Center (RIC)-- serves as the
     official FCC records custodian. The public can come in
     and view FCC documents free of charge during the RIC's
     regular business hours, Monday through Friday from
     9:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The RIC also manages the
     Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS), which enables
     consumers to file comments with the FCC via the
     Internet. Finally, the RIC provides electronic access
     to the Commission's public information databases
     through which consumers can access data to: determine
     immediate status of filings; conduct research; and
     order printed copies of documents from the FCC's
     duplicating contractor. The Center can be reached
     through the Federal Relay number, 1-800-877-8339
     during business hours.



WE'RE ABOUT ENFORCING OUR RULES AND REGULATIONS

ENFORCEMENT BUREAU

The Enforcement Bureau (EB) is responsible for ensuring
compliance of numerous statutory and regulatory provisions
designed to protect consumers. There are four Divisions within
EB. They are:

     Telecommunications Consumers -- oversees the
     enforcement of consumer-related obligations of common
     carriers and other telephone-related matters, such as:
     prohibitions against slamming (the act of transferring
     a consumer to a different long distance telephone
     carrier without his or her consent); unsolicited
     faxes; truth-in-billing; truth in advertising for long
     distance services; and the accessibility of
     telecommunications services and equipment by persons
     with disabilities. Additionally, this Division tracks
     informal complaints handled by the Consumer
     Information Bureau, identifies targets for
     investigation and takes enforcement action against
     violators. It also handles formal complaints on these
     matters.

     Investigations and Hearings -- responsible for, among
     other things, resolution of complaints against
     broadcast stations on matters, such as indecency,
     broadcast station content, broadcast of telephone
     calls and hoaxes.

     Technical and Public Safety -- administers the
     Emergency Alert System, which is used to notify the
     public of national, state and local emergencies. This
     Division also handles complaints of interference to
     public safety communications operations that can
     impact the ability of public safety entities, such as
     police and fire departments, to respond to emergencies.

     Market Disputes Resolution -- resolves complaints
     against common carriers by other carriers and
     resellers of telecommunication services involving
     market issues. Although this Division generally does
     not handle consumer-related complaints, its actions
     can have a significant impact on the ability of the
     public to benefit from competition through diverse
     choices in telecommunications services and products at
     reasonable rates.

The Enforcement Bureau also has several regional and district
field offices across the country. These offices conduct on-scene
investigations, inspections, and audits of possible FCC
violations at broadcast stations and other operations regulated
by the FCC. In addition, these offices are able to respond
immediately to life safety issues occurring in local areas all
over the country.



WE'RE ABOUT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNICATIONS

INTERNATIONAL BUREAU

The International Bureau (IB) serves as the focal point for
international activities and satellites services, and advises
the Commission on worldwide communications. Its mission is to
promote innovative, efficient, reasonably priced, widely
available, reliable, timely and high quality domestic and
international communications services for consumers. In
addition, the IB monitors the effects of significant
legislation, such as the World Trade Organization Agreement on
Basic Telecommunications Services, which helped decrease rates
paid by US consumers for international service, among other
benefits.

The Bureau also takes part in the World Radio Conference, a
group which was created under the auspices of the United Nations
to provide a forum for discussion on use of the radio spectrum.
The IB helps craft proposals to be considered at conference
meetings, the aim of which is to expand the provision of
telecommunications services to everyone worldwide.

The FCC's new technical assistance initiative, aimed at helping
developing countries to build independent regulatory regimes, is
another area in which the Bureau offers its expertise. This
initiative is designed to promote pro-competitive regulatory
policies so that consumers everywhere can have access to the
telecommunications revolution.

The IB consists of the following three Divisions:

     Planning and Negotiations -- directs and coordinates
     the Commission's negotiations with foreign countries
     regarding international agreements;

     Satellite and Radiocommunications Division -- overseas
     policies, rules, procedures and standards for
     licensing and regulating satellite space and earth
     station facilities, both domestic and international;
     and

     Telecommunications Division -- responsible for the
     authorization and regulation of international
     telecommunications facilities and services.

The International Bureau also administers the International
Visitors Program (IVP). This program enables foreign delegations
to interact in informal discussions with FCC personnel who
provide legal, technical and economic perspectives on a wide
range of communications issues.



WE'RE ABOUT RADIO AND TELEVISION

MASS MEDIA BUREAU

The Mass Media Bureau (MMB) ensures that consumers have access
to interference-free radio and television services that are in
the public interest. To achieve this, MMB issues licenses for
radio and television stations and establishes regulations to
make certain that these stations serve their local communities
through programming and advertising. Information about these
obligations and how broadcast stations are licensed is available
in a manual produced by MMB, called "The Public and
Broadcasting." This manual also describes the public inspection
file, which contains publicly available documents relevant to
the operations of all radio and TV stations. Additionally, the
public can access radio and television station information,
including station application and authorization information, at
the Bureau's Consolidated Database, (CDBS), which is available
on-line at www.fcc.gov/mmb.

Consumer input is vital to the FCC's license application
process. Broadcasters are required to file license renewal
applications every eight years. The public is encouraged to
bring concerns about a station's renewal to the Commission's
attention through an informal or formal objection. Each station
is required to broadcast announcements giving the date its
license will expire, the date a renewal application must be
filed, and the date formal petitions against it must be filed.
An informal objection can be filed at any time prior to the
Commission taking action on an application.

The public can also provide input to the FCC when a station:
files an application for consent to sell a station (an
assignment of the license); undergoes a major stock transfer (a
transfer of control of the license); or makes a major change in
the station's technical facilities. In each of these instances,
the station licensee must run a series of notifications in the
closest local newspaper informing the public about its
application. In addition, the Commission publishes a Public
Notice (also available through the MMB web site) which opens a
30 day period during which members of the public can file
petitions to deny these applications. As with renewal
applications, informal objections may also be filed at any time
prior to the FCC taking action on an application.

The Mass Media Bureau encourages the public to contact local
stations and, if necessary, the Commission regarding concerns
about the stations. Consumers can play a vital role in helping a
station serve its local community's needs.



WE'RE ABOUT CELLULAR, PCS PHONES and PAGERS

WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BU REAU

The Wireless Telecommunications Bureau (WTB) is responsible for
all FCC domestic wireless telecommunications programs and
policies, except those involving satellite communications or
broadcasting. Wireless communications services include: cellular
telephones; paging; personal communications services (PCS);
public safety; and other commercial and private communications
services. The Bureau is also responsible for spectrum auctions.

WTB's Internet site, www.fcc.gov/wtb, provides consumers easy
access to the information and services needed to understand and
take advantage of wireless communication technologies. This site
contains information on wireless communication services,
rulemaking proceedings, Bureau documents, forms and database
access. The site also meets information demands created in
supporting auctions, such as providing round results, bidder
information and auction statistical reports. Additionally,
consumers can use this site to file license applications and
comments on proposed rules.

The types of licenses issued by the Bureau include those for
Amateur Radio Services, Private Land Mobile Radio Service,
Aviation and Marine and Commercial Mobile Radio Services. WTB
has introduced a new Universal Licensing System (ULS) that
allows individuals to apply for licenses using a web browser
from their own personal computer. ULS incorporates the latest
technical advances to provide wireless consumers with on-line
access to their FCC license records.

In order to acquaint the public with the ULS paperless
environment, the Bureau issues regular Public Notices and "ULS
Update" newsletters, which are available on the WTB web site,
www.fcc.gov/wtb/uls. This site also contains information on
recent developments, events and deadlines. The Bureau's
Technical Support Staff is available to answer questions at
202-414-1250 or through the above web site. The public can also
participate in a WTB-sponsored open workshop where the Bureau
walks consumers through the ULS system.

Through the FCC's hotline, 1-888-CALL-FCC, the public can
receive auction information, such as upcoming auction events,
seminar reservations, Public Notice clarification and bidder
information package requests. The hotline also provides
individuals with step-by-step guidance on completing electronic
or manually-filed ULS (and other) forms, as well as antenna
registration and assistance with application data content. To
obtain auction/ULS information, call 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) and
select option two (2) after the recorded message or call
1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).



WE'RE ABOUT HAVING YOU PARTICIPATE IN THE RULEMAKING PROCESS

Each time Congress enacts a law affecting telecommunications,
the FCC develops rules to implement the law. The Commission
takes various steps to develop these rules. Typically, these
steps offer consumers an opportunity to submit both comments and
reply comments to the FCC.

Are There Special Terms I Need to Know?

Yes. Knowing your "ABCs," or specifically, one's NOIs, NPRMs,
and R&Os is key to understanding the Commission's
decision-making process. Exactly what do these letters mean?
Below is a guide to understanding the "alphabets" of the FCC.

     Notice of Inquiry (NOI): The Commission releases an
     NOI for the purpose of gathering information about a
     broad subject or as a means of generating ideas on a
     specific issue. NOIs are initiated either by the
     Commission or an outside request.

     Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM): After reviewing
     comments from the public, the FCC may issue a Notice
     of Proposed Rulemaking. An NPRM contains proposed
     changes to the Commission's rules and seeks public
     comment on these proposals.

     Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM): After
     reviewing your comments and the comments of others to
     the NPRM, the FCC may also choose to issue an FNPRM
     regarding specific issues raised in comments. The
     FNPRM provides an opportunity for you to comment
     further on a related or specific proposal.

     Report and Order (R&O): After considering comments to
     a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (or Further Notice of
     Proposed Rulemaking), the FCC issues a Report and
     Order. The R&O may develop new rules, amend existing
     rules or make a decision not to do so. Summaries of
     the R&O are published in the Federal Register. The
     Federal Register summary will tell you when a rule
     change will become effective.

Changes after the R&O

     Petition for Reconsideration: If you are not satisfied
     with the way an issue is resolved in the R&O, you can
     file a Petition for Reconsideration within 30 days
     from the date the R&O appears in the Federal Register.

Memorandum Opinion and Order (MO&O): In response to the Petition
for Reconsideration, the FCC may issue a Memorandum Opinion and
Order (MO&O) or an Order on Reconsideration amending the new
rules or stating that the rules will not be changed.

Do I Need a Lawyer to File Comments?

No. When the Commission proposes new rules, a period of time is
established for the public to comment on the proposed rules.
Anyone can file comments. You don't need to be an attorney or to
hire one. Each of the Commission's documents containing proposed
rules clearly details the specific dates, deadlines and
locations for filing comments and reply comments.

Comments are just that. In your comments, you tell us what you
think about the subject topic and why you support or oppose the
Commission's proposals.

After initial comments are filed, there is an additional period
for responding to the first set of comments. During this second
phase, you can file reply comments. In your reply comments you
can review what others have said in their initial comments, and
then support or disagree.

Does My Filing Need to Include Specific Information?

Yes. The requirements differ, however, depending on whether you
file electronically or on paper. Here are some guidelines to
help make the paper filing process easier.

     Docket Number: Rulemaking proceedings at the
     Commission are assigned docket numbers. Each docket
     number lists a Bureau, a year and a specific number
     assigned to that proceeding (e.g., MM #99-001=3D 1999
     Mass Media Proceeding Number 1). If you are submitting
     a document that pertains to a docketed proceeding, you
     must put the docket number on your filing.

     Copies: Generally, you must file only one (1) original
     plus four (4) copies of comments, reply comments or
     petitions.  If you want all the Commissioners to
     receive copies, file one (1) original plus nine (9)
     copies. The original is always to be UNSTAPLED, while
     the copies should be STAPLED.  In addition, use the
     following guidelines for other types of proceedings:

          Ex Parte Presentations - Original and One
          (1) copy
          Informal Comments - Original and One (1) copy
          Pleadings, Briefs, Petitions, etc. -
          Original and Four (4) copies
          Table of Allotments - Original and Four (4)
          copies

          Other:
          Before Administrative Law Judges - Original
          and Six (6) copies
          Before Full Commission - Original and
          Fourteen (14) copies
          Depositions - Original and Three (3) copies
          Interrogatories - Original and Three (3)
          copies
          Notices of Appearance - Original and Two (2)
          copies

     Type Size: All filings must be in 10 or 12 point type,
     or legibly written.

     Contact Name: You must include a contact name, address
     and telephone number on your document.

     Signatures: You need to place an original signature
     above your typed or clearly printed name.

     Personal Hand Delivered Filings: You, or the person
     making the delivery, should remove the filing package
     from its box or envelope before submission. The
     Commission will either sign for receipt of the filing
     or provide a stamped receipt copy, BUT NOT BOTH. Hand
     delivered documents are accepted Monday through
     Friday, except legal holidays, during the hours of
     8:00 AM and 7:00 PM. You can direct questions to the
     Office of the Secretary by phone at 202-418-0300
     (voice), 202-418-2970 (TTY) or through their web site,
     www.fcc.gov/osec.

     Filings Sent by Mail: You can mail in your filing. If
     you want the FCC to acknowledge receipt of your
     package, include an extra copy of the first page of
     your filing and enclose a postage stamped,
     self-addressed envelope. The Commission will then
     stamp the page and return it you.

          Mail

               Secretary
               Federal Communications Commission
               445 12th Street, SW
               Room TW-204B
               Washington, D.C. 20554

          Hand Delivered

               Secretary
               Federal Communications Commission
               445 12th Street, SW
               Designated Counter at TW-325
               Washington, D.C. 20554

     Notations: If your document contains information you
     wish withheld from public inspection, you must write
     "Confidential, Not for Public Inspection" on the upper
     right hand corner of each page. The documents should
     then be placed in an envelope also marked
     "Confidential, Not for Public Inspection."

     You can also file documents with the FCC for all
     docketed and rulemaking proceedings through our
     Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) on the
     Internet at http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html, with
     the exception of Hearing Cases and Table of
     Allotments. However, you must first obtain the
     instructions for doing so by sending an e-mail to
     ecfs@fcc.gov with the following words noted in the
     body of the message: "get form <jsmith@domain.com>."
     ECFS accepts documents 24 hours a day with a midnight
     filing deadline. The official receipt for electronic
     filings will reflect Monday through Friday dates,
     except legal holidays.



WE'RE ABOUT KEEPING YOU INFORMED

Keeping you up-to-date is our priority. Below are several ways
for you to learn about the Commission's activities.

The FCC's Web Site: http://www.fcc.gov/

The Commission's web site provides one-stop-shopping for anyone
interested in our activities. It contains information about
FCC-proposed and final rules, reports, Public Notices and
virtually all of our proceedings. You can obtain all FCC
documents through this site free of charge. To find a document
on our web site, look under the Bureau to which you think the
document corresponds. The site also features special
topic-oriented pages, including those on: Indian issues; e-rate;
enhanced 911; home satellite dishes; and the V-chip.

If you cannot find a document, e-mail the FCC at fccinfo@fcc.gov
or call 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or 1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).

The Daily Digest

Another excellent way to keep informed about ongoing FCC
activities is by reading the Daily Digest. At approximately noon
each work day, the Digest provides a listing of every rulemaking
document, report, news release and Public Notice, as well as
Commission speeches. You can obtain a copy of the Daily Digest
via:

     Internet: The FCC can automatically send you the Daily
     Digest each day by e-mail. Simply log on to the
     Commission's home page, http://www.fcc.gov/, click on
     Daily Digest, and follow the instructions for using
     the "listserver." You can also download the Daily
     Digest from this same web site.

     In Person: Copies of the Daily Digest are available
     for viewing each day in the Office of Media Relations,
     445 12th Street, SW, Courtyard Level, Washington, D.C.

     For Purchase: The Daily Digest is also available for
     purchase from the Commission's duplicating contractor,
     International Transcription Services (ITS).

International Transcription Service
1231 20th Street, NW
Washington, D.C. 20026

202-857-3800 (voice) 202-293-8810 (TTY) 202-857-3807 (fax)

You can obtain most of the documents released by the Commission
and listed in the Daily Digest by accessing our web site,
http://www.fcc.gov/. Complete texts of the FCC's decisions are
available from ITS, and you can find summaries of FCC rulemaking
actions in the Federal Register.

All FCC documents are available in alternative formats for
persons with disabilities. These formats include documents in
large print, Braille and audiotapes. For more information about
alternative formats, please contact the FCC's Consumer
Information Bureau, Disabilities Rights Office at 202-418-2517
(voice), 202-418-1169 (TTY), or write us at 445 12th Street, SW,
Washington, D.C. 20554. You can also reach us by going to
fccinfo@fcc.gov or by calling 1-888-CALL-FCC (voice) or
1-888-TELL-FCC (TTY).

Open Meetings

A third way to stay informed of the FCC's activities is by
attending its open meetings. At these meetings, FCC
Commissioners discuss and vote upon various Commission matters.
The FCC announces open meetings seven days in advance in both
the Federal Register and under the heading "Sunshine Notice" in
the Daily Digest. Each Sunshine Notice contains an agenda of the
topics to be discussed at the upcoming meeting. Open meetings
are held once a month at the Commission's headquarters at 445
12th Street, SW, in Washington, D.C. A yearly schedule of open
meetings can be found on the FCC's web site, www.fcc.gov, under
"Agenda/Audio."

You don't have to be present to be part of an open meeting.

     LIVE TV COVERAGE: The Capitol Connection provides live
     television coverage of the FCC's open meetings. Its
     annual program fee entitles you to an unlimited number
     of TV outlets. The cost of installation is based on
     time and materials and free site surveys are provided.
     For further information contact:

The Capitol Connection
George Mason University
4400 University Drive/Kelley Drive
Mail Stop 1D2
Fairfax, VA 22030-4444
Phone: 703-591-4414
Fax: 703- 993-3115

     LIVE AUDIO: There are two ways you can access FCC
     proceedings and events via the telephone.

          =FA "Hearings on the Line" is a service of the
          National Narrowcast Network that provides
          live coverage over a telephone line. For
          more information call 202-966-2211 or fax
          202-966-1770.

          =FA "Conference Call USA" is available only
          outside the Washington, D.C. metropolitan
          area by calling 1-800-962-0044. There is a
          charge for this service from the Capitol
          Connection.

If you have any additional questions, call the FCC's television
staff at 202-418-0460. For questions concerning our audio web
site link, call 202-418-0507.

What Other FCC Resources are Available to the Public?

The FCC Library

The FCC Library contains a wide variety of legal and technical
information on telecommunications and related subjects. The
legal collection includes: federal and statutory histories;
reference works; treatises; loose-leaf services; and a
collection of cross-indexed legislative histories dating back to
the beginning of communications law.

Documents contained in the Library include: Code of Federal
Regulations, Title 47 (containing all FCC rules); FCC Annual
Reports; FCC Federal Court Briefs (selected); the FCC Record;
FCC Reports, First and Second Series; Federal Radio Commission
Annual Reports; Federal Registers,1934 to present (containing
the full text of FCC Report and Orders); Pike and Fisher Radio
Regulations, First and Second Series; Radio Act of 1927;
Communications Act of 1934, as amended; the Telecommunications
Act of 1996; as well as other proposed and/or enacted
legislation pertaining to communications, telecommunications,
broadcasting, administrative procedures, and independent agency
regulations.

The Library is located in Room TW-B505 at the Commission's
Headquarters, 445 12th Street, SW in Washington, D.C. It is open
to the public, Monday through Friday, from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
If you have any questions, please contact one of our librarians
at 202-418-0450 (voice), 202-418-2805 (fax), or call our toll
free TTY at 202-TELL-FCC.



OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION-GATHERING PROCEDURES

Ex Parte

There are ex parte rules that govern the manner in which you may
communicate with the Commission concerning the issues in its
proceedings. An ex parte presentation is any presentation (e.g.,
in person, by phone, fax, letter or e-mail) made to
decision-making personnel by one party to a proceeding when
other parties to that proceeding are not present or have not yet
been served. The ex parte rules apply to anyone who seeks to
influence the outcome of a particular proceeding, whether or not
that person is a party to the proceeding. There are two types of
proceedings: permit-but-disclose and restricted.

     Permit-But-Disclose: In permit-but-disclose
     proceedings -- such as most rulemakings -- ex parte
     presentations are generally permissible, but subject
     to disclosure. A person who makes a written ex parte
     presentation must, by the end of the day following the
     ex parte presentation, provide two copies of the
     presentation to the Commission for inclusion in the
     record of the proceeding. A person who makes an oral
     presentation must submit an original and one copy of a
     summary of any new data or argument presented. All ex
     parte presentations must be clearly marked "ex parte."

     Restricted: All proceedings, not specifically listed
     as "exempt proceedings" or "permit-but-disclose
     proceedings" -- such as proceedings designated for
     hearing -- are considered "restricted." Ex parte
     presentations to or by decision makers are prohibited
     in these proceedings. Any written presentation to FCC
     decision-making personnel must be served on all
     parties to the proceeding. Oral presentations may not
     be made unless all parties are given notice and an
     opportunity to be present. The prohibition stays in
     effect until the proceeding has been decided or a
     settlement has been approved by the FCC and the matter
     is no longer subject to reconsideration by the
     Commission or review by any court.

Freedom of Information (FOIA)

Congress enacted the Freedom of Information Act (F0IA) to give
the American public greater access to the federal government's
records. Since then, Congress amended the FOIA statute several
times. Most recently, the Electronic Freedom of Information Act
Amendments of 1996 (E-FOIA) expanded the scope of the FOIA to
include electronic records and to require the creation of
"electronic reading rooms" to make records more easily and
widely available to the public.

You do not have to file a FOIA request to obtain information
which is routinely available for public inspection, including
records from: docketed cases; broadcast applications and related
files; petitions for rulemakings; various legal and technical
publications; and legislative history compilations.

To make a FOIA request, fill out the E-FOIA request form and
submit it to us or write the FCC and include the following in
your correspondence: "Freedom of Information Act Request" on
both the outside envelope and letter; the date; your telephone
number and mailing address (in case we need to contact you); and
as much information as possible to assist us in identifying and
locating the documents you are seeking. Also, please specify the
maximum search fee that you are prepared to pay for this
request. Lastly, mail the original and two copies of your form
to:

Managing Director
Attention: FOIA Officer
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, SW, Room 1-A835
Washington, D.C. 20554

or send it by e-mail to: foia@fcc.gov or fax the request to
202-418-2826.

If you have questions about how to file your FOIA request or to
obtain an E-FOIA request form, call us at 202-418-0440. For more
information about FOIA, visit our web site at www.fcc.gov .



GLOSSARY OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS TERMS

ACCESS CHARGE - A fee charged subscribers or other telephone
companies by a local exchange carrier for the use of its local
exchange networks.

ANALOG SIGNAL - A signaling method that uses continuous changes
in the amplitude or frequency of a radio transmission to convey
information.

BANDWIDTH - The capacity of a telecom line to carry signals. The
necessary bandwidth is the amount of spectrum required to
transmit the signal without distortion or loss of information.
FCC rules require suppression of the signal outside the band to
prevent interference.

BROADBAND - Broadband is a descriptive term for evolving digital
technologies that provide consumers a signal switched facility
offering integrated access to voice, high-speed data service,
video-demand services, and interactive delivery services.

CALLING PARTY PAYS - A billing method in which a wireless phone
caller pays only for making calls and not for receiving them.
The standard American billing system requires wireless phone
customers to pay for all calls made and received on a wireless
phone.

CELLULAR TECHNOLOGY - This term, often used for all wireless
phones regardless of the technology they use, derives from
cellular base stations that receive and transmit calls. Both
cellular and PCS phones use cellular technology.

CLOSED CAPTIONING - A service for persons with hearing
disabilities that translates television program dialog into
written words on the television screen.

COMMERCIAL LEASED ACCESS - Manner through which independent
video producers can access cable capacity for a fee.

COMMON CARRIER - In the telecommunications arena, the term used
to describe a telephone company.

COMMUNICATIONS ASSISTANT - A person who facilitates telephone
conversation between text telephone users, users of sign
language or individuals with speech disabilities through a
Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS). This service allows a
person with hearing or speech disabilities to communicate with
anyone else via telephone at no additional cost.

COMMUNITY ANTENNA TELEVISION (CATV) - A service through which
subscribers pay to have local television stations and additional
programs brought into their homes from an antenna via a coaxial
cable.

CRAMMING - A practice in which customers are billed for enhanced
features such as voice mail, caller-ID and call-waiting that
they have not ordered.

DIAL AROUND - Long distance services that require consumers to
dial a long-distance provider's access code (or "10-10" number)
before dialing a long-distance number to bypass or "dial around"
the consumer's chosen long-distance carrier in order to get a
better rate.

DIGITAL TELEVISION (DTV) - A new technology for transmitting and
receiving broadcast television signals. DTV provides clearer
resolution and improved sound quality.

DIRECT BROADCAST SATELLITE (DBS/DISH) - A high-powered satellite
that transmits or retransmits signals which are intended for
direct reception by the public. The signal is transmitted to a
small earth station or dish (usually the size of an 18-inch
pizza pan) mounted on homes or other buildings.

E-MAIL - Also called electronic mail, refers to messages sent
over the Internet. E-mail can be sent and received via newer
types of wireless phones, but you generally need to have a
specific e-mail account.

ENHANCED SERVICE PROVIDERS - A for-profit business that offers
to transmit voice and data messages and simultaneously adds
value to the messages it transmits. Examples include telephone
answering services, alarm/security companies and transaction
processing companies.

EN BANC - An informal meeting held by the Commission to hear
presentations on specific topics by diverse parties. The
Commissioners, or other officials, question presenters and use
their comments in considering FCC rules and policies on the
subject matter under consideration.

FREQUENCY MODULATION (FM) - A signaling method that varies the
carrier frequency in proportion to the amplitude of the
modulating signal.

GLOBAL POSITIONING SYSTEM (GPS) - A US satellite system that
lets those on the ground, on the water or in the air determine
their position with extreme accuracy using GPS receivers.

HIGH DEFINITION TELEVISION (HDTV) - An improved television
system which provides approximately twice the vertical and
horizontal resolution of existing television standards. It also
provides audio quality approaching that of compact discs.

INTERACTIVE VIDEO DATA SERVICE (IVDS) - A communication system,
operating over a short distance, that allows nearly
instantaneous two-way responses by using a hand-held device at a
fixed location. Viewer participation in game shows, distance
learning and e-mail on computer networks are examples.

INSTRUCTIONAL TELEVISION FIXED SERVICE (ITFS) - A service
provided by one or more fixed microwave stations operated by an
educational organization and used to transmit instructional
information to fixed locations.

LANDLINE - Traditional wired phone service.

LAND MOBILE SERVICE - A public or private radio service
providing two-way communication, paging and radio signaling on
land.

LOW POWER FM RADIO (LPFM) - A broadcast service that permits the
licensing of 50-100 watt FM radio stations within a service
radius of up to 3.5 miles and 1-10 watt FM radio stations within
a service radius of 1 to 2 miles.

LOW POWER TELEVISION (LPTV) - A broadcast service that permits
program origination, subscription service or both via low
powered television translators. LPTV service includes the
existing translator service and operates on a secondary basis to
regular television stations. Transmitter output is limited to
1,000 watts for normal VHF stations and 100 watts when a VHF
operation is on an allocated channel.

MUST-CARRY (Retransmission) - A 1992 Cable Act term requiring a
cable system to carry signals of both commercial and
noncommercial television broadcast stations that are "local" to
the area served by the cable system.

NETWORK - Any connection of two or more computers that enables
them to communicate. Networks may include transmission devices,
servers, cables, routers and satellites. The phone network is
the total infrastructure for transmitting phone messages.

NUMBER PORTABILITY - A term used to describe the capability of
individuals, businesses and organizations to retain their
existing telephone number(s) -- and the same quality of service
-- when switching to a new local service provider.

OPEN VIDEO SYSTEMS - An alternative method to provide cable-like
video service to subscribers.

OPERATOR SERVICE PROVIDER (OSP) - A common carrier that provides
services from public phones, including payphones and those in
hotels/motels.

PAGING SYSTEM - A one-way mobile radio service where a user
carries a small, lightweight miniature radio receiver capable of
responding to coded signals. These devices, called "pagers,"
emit an audible signal, vibrate or do both when activated by an
incoming message.

PERSONAL COMMUNICATIONS SERVICE (PCS) - Any of several types of
wireless, voice and/or data communications systems, typically
incorporating digital technology. PCS licenses are most often
used to provide services similar to advanced cellular mobile or
paging services. However, PCS can also be used to provide other
wireless communications services, including services that allow
people to place and receive communications while away from their
home or office, as well as wireless communications to homes,
office buildings and other fixed locations.

PRESCRIBED INTEREXCHANGE CHARGE (PICC) - The charge the local
exchange company assesses the long distance company when a
consumer picks it as his or her long distance carrier.

ROAMING - The use of a wireless phone outside of the "home"
service area defined by a service provider. Higher per-minute
rates are usually charged for calls made or received while
roaming. Long distance rates and a daily access fee may also
apply.

SATELLITE - A radio relay station that orbits the earth. A
complete satellite communications system also includes earth
stations that communicate with each other via the satellite. The
satellite receives a signal transmitted by an originating earth
station and retransmits that signal to the destination earth
station(s). Satellites are used to transmit telephone,
television and data signals originated by common carriers,
broadcasters and distributors of cable TV program material.

SATELLITE HOME VIEWER IMPROVEMENT ACT OF 1999 (SHVIA) - An Act
modifying the Satellite Home Viewer Act of 1988, SHVIA permits
satellite companies to provide local broadcast TV signals to all
subscribers who reside in the local TV station's market. SHVIA
also permits satellite companies to provide "distant" network
broadcast stations to eligible satellite subscribers.

SATELLITE MASTER ANTENNA TELEVISION (SMATV) - A satellite dish
system used to deliver signals to multiple dwelling units (e.g.,
apartment buildings and trailer parks).

SCANNER - A radio receiver that moves across a wide range of
radio frequencies and allows audiences to listen to any of the
frequencies.

SERVICE PLAN - The rate plan you select when choosing a wireless
phone service. A service plan typically consists of a monthly
base rate for access to the system and a fixed amount of minutes
per month.

SERVICE PROVIDER - A telecommunications provider that owns
circuit switching equipment.

SLAMMING - The term used to describe what occurs when a
customer's long distance service is switched from one long
distance company to another without the customer's permission.
Such unauthorized switching violates FCC rules.

SPECTRUM - The range of electromagnetic radio frequencies used
in the transmission of sound, data and television.

SUBSCRIBER LINE CHARGE (SLC) - A monthly fee paid by telephone
subscribers that is used to compensate the local telephone
company for part of the cost of installation and maintenance of
the telephone wire, poles and other facilities that link your
home to the telephone network. These wires, poles and other
facilities are referred to as the "local loop." The SLC is one
component of access charges.

TARIFF - The documents filed by a carrier describing their
services and the payments to be charged for such services.

TELEPHONE RELAY SERVICE (TRS) - A free service that enables
persons with TTYs, individuals who use sign language and people
who have speech disabilities to use telephone services by having
a third party transmit and translate the call.

TELEPHONY - The word used to describe the science of
transmitting voice over a telecommunications network.

TTY - A type of machine that allows people with hearing or
speech disabilities to communicate over the phone using a
keyboard and a viewing screen. It is sometimes called a TDD.

UNBUNDLING - The term used to describe the access provided by
local exchange carriers so that other service providers can buy
or lease portions of its network elements, such as
interconnection loops, to serve subscribers.

UNIVERSAL SERVICE - The financial mechanism which helps
compensate telephone companies or other communications entities
for providing access to telecommunications services at
reasonable and affordable rates throughout the country,
including rural, insular and high costs areas, and to public
institutions. Companies, not consumers, are required by law to
contribute to this fund. The law does not prohibit companies
from passing this charge on to customers.

VERY HIGH FREQUENCY (VHF) - The part of the radio spectrum from
30 to 300 megahertz, which includes TV Channels 2-13, the FM
broadcast band and some marine, aviation and land mobile
services.

VIDEO DESCRIPTION - An audio narration for television viewers
who are blind or visually disabled, which consists of verbal
descriptions of key visual elements in a television program,
such as settings and actions not reflected in dialog. Narrations
are inserted into the program's natural pauses, and are
typically provided through the Secondary Audio Programming
channel.

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End of Document




