Intelligent Networks

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 64

[CC Docket No. 91-346; DA 95-1512]

Intelligent Networks

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed Rules; Extension of Time.

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SUMMARY: This order provides an extension of time for parties to file

comments and reply comments on the Intelligent Networks proceeding so

that parties can file more substantive responses.

DATES: Comment dates: The dates for filing comments and reply comments

are July 19, 1995 and August 2, 1995, respectively.

ADDRESSES: Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W.,

Washington, D.C. 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Rose Crellin, Policy and Program Planning Division, Common Carrier

Bureau (202) 418-1571.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission proposed to adopt rules on

intelligent networks in a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in this docket

(58 FR 48623, September 17, 1993). In a subsequent public notice,

released June 28, 1995, (not published in the Federal Register) the

Commission sought comment on a filing by Bell Atlantic, GTE, Pacific

Bell, Southwestern Bell, and five other local exchange carriers (LECs),

which presented an industry-wide collaborative proposal for an

intelligent network (IN) project (IN) project). In the IN project, the

LECs propose to explore the service creation capabilities of IN

platforms owned by LECs and third parties in connection with exchange

and exchange access services. The LECs propose laboratory tests and

field trials to obtain data regarding the requirements and issues

concerning mediated access in the IN. The proposed IN project would be

voluntary and may include LECs, interexchange carriers, enhanced

service providers, and other telecommunications providers. At the

completion of the 24-month IN project, the LECs propose to deliver a

final report to the industry and the Commission. The LECs recommend

that the Commission recognize the IN Project as the appropriate way to

proceed in the IN proceeding.

In addition, the public notice sought comment on a filing by

Ameritech on June 26, 1995, in which Ameritech provided an IN

competitive network report to the Common Carrier Bureau in which it

states that there has been increased competition and consumer choice in

access to and use of intelligent network capabilities.

Thus, Ameritech contends, there is no longer a need for the

Commission to mandate IN access as proposed in the Notice of Proposed

Rulemaking.

Adopted: July 5, 1995

Released: July 5, 1995

By the Chief, Policy and Program Planning Division, Common

Carrier Bureau:

1. On June 30, 1995, NYNEX Telephone Companies (NYNEX) requested an

extension of time to file comments and reply comments in the

Intelligent Networks (INs) proceeding. Comments are scheduled to be

filed by July 12, 1995 and replies by July 19, 1995.\1\ NYNEX seeks an

extension until July 26, 1995 for comments and August 9, 1995 for

replies.

\1\ Public Notice, Intelligent Networks Proceeding, CC Docket

91-346, DA 95-1456, released June 28, 1995.

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2. NYNEX gives three reasons for its request. First, NYNEX argues

that it has had difficulty in obtaining the two filings in the

proceedings on which the Commission seeks comment. Second, NYNEX argues

that the filings ``raise complex substantive matters'' that will

require additional time for adequate review. Third, NYNEX asserts that

additional time will enable more focused and thorough submissions.

3. We do not routinely grant extensions of time.\2\ In this case,

however, we are persuaded that because of the complexity of the issues

presented by the two filings that additional time will enable

commenting parties to develop more substantive responses. In the Public

Notice, the Commission sought comment on the collaborative proposal for

market trials and laboratory tests for intelligent network services

filed by Bell Atlantic, GTE, Pacific Bell, Southwestern Bell and five

other supporting local exchange carriers (LECs). The LECs presented the

proposal as the method for the Commission to proceed on INs rather than

the mediated access proposed in the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking

(NPRM) in CC Docket No. 91-346 (58 FR 48623, September 17, 1993). The

Public Notice also sought comment on the report filed by Ameritech

regarding competitively provided INs. Ameritech contends that there has

been increased competition and consumer choice in access to and use of

IN capabilities since the release of the NPRM. Thus, Ameritech contends

that the Commission should not mandate third party access.

\2\ 47 C.F.R. 1.46(a).

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4. Because of the complex technology and competitive issues

presented by these filings, we conclude that parties should have

additional time to develop their responses. Although it is important to

provide parties sufficient time to more fully respond to the two

filings, we decline to provide the full period requested by NYNEX

because it would result in delays in the proceeding. We conclude that

an additional week for the comment and reply periods will provide

parties with sufficient time to prepare responses. Therefore, we grant

all parties an extension of time for the filing of comments from July

12, 1995 to July 19, 1995 and for the filing of reply comments from

July 19, 1995 to August 2, 1995.

4. Accordingly, it is ordered that the NYNEX Request for Extension

of Time is granted to the extent provided herein, and otherwise is

denied.\3\

\3\ This action is taken pursuant to Sections 4(j) and 5(c) of

the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. Secs. 154(j)

and 155(c), and authority delegated thereunder pursuant to Sections

0.91 and 0.291 of the Commission's Rules, 47 C.F.R. 0.91 and 0.291.

Federal Communications Commission.

James D. Schlichting,

Chief, Policy and Program Planning Division, Common Carrier Bureau.

[FR Doc. 95-17790 Filed 7-18-95; 8:45 am]

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