Streamlined ARMIS 43-04 (Jurisdictional Separations) Report

AGENCY:

Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION:

Notice; comments requested.

SUMMARY:

In this document the Commission is seeking comment on streamlining ARMIS 43-04 Report. The Commission directed the Common Carrier Bureau to seek comment on the content of a streamlined Separations Report (ARMIS 43-04). The proposed ARMIS Report 43-04 would reduce the total number of pages in the report from 63 to seven pages.

DATES:

Written comments by the public are due on or before July 20, 2001, reply comments are due on or before August 6, 2001.

ADDRESSES:

Federal Communications Commission, 445-12th Street, SW, TW-A325, Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Andrew Mulitz, Accounting Safeguards Division, Common Carrier Bureau, at (202) 418-0827.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On May 22, 2001, the Commission adopted the recommendation of the Federal-State Joint Board to impose an interim freeze of certain jurisdictional cost categories and allocation factors. Specifically, the Commission adopted a freeze of all separations category relationships and allocation factors for price cap companies, and a freeze of all allocation factors for rate-of-return carriers. The Commission further concluded, however, that rate-of-return carriers shall also have a one-time option to freeze their category relationships if they determine that doing so is in their best interests based upon their individual investment patterns or plans. The Commission concluded that it could streamline its current separations reporting requirements, while receiving sufficient information to evaluate the freeze and consider further separations reform. The Commission directed the Common Carrier Bureau to seek comment on the content of a streamlined Separations Report (ARMIS 43-04). The proposed ARMIS Report 43-04 would reduce the total number of pages in the report from 63 to seven pages. We hereby seek comment on the attached proposed streamlined ARMIS Report 43-04.

Comments are due on the attached proposal insert date 20 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. Reply comments are due insert date 35 days after date of publication in the Federal Register. Comments may be filed using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies.

Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via the Internet to <http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html>. Generally, only one copy of an electronic submission must be filed. If multiple docket or rulemaking numbers appear in the caption of this proceeding, however, commenters must transmit one electronic copy of the comments to each docket or rulemaking number referenced in the caption. In completing the transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, Postal Service mailing address, and the applicable docket or rulemaking number. Parties may also submit an electronic comment by Internet e-mail. To get filing instructions for e-mail comments, commenters should send an e-mail to ecfs@fcc.gov, and should include the following words in the body of the message, “get form <your e-mail address.” A sample form and directions will be sent in reply.

Parties who choose to file by paper must file an original and four copies of each filing. If more than one docket or rulemaking number appear in the caption of this proceeding, commenters must submit two additional copies for each additional docket or rulemaking number. All filings must be sent to the Commission's Secretary, Magalie Roman Salas, Office of the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554.

Parties who choose to file by paper should also submit their comments on diskette. These diskettes should be submitted to: Ernestine Creech, Accounting Safeguards Division, Room 6 C-317, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554. Such a submission should be on a 3.5-inch diskette formatted in an IBM compatible format using Word or compatible software. The diskette should be accompanied by a cover letter and should be submitted in “read only” mode. The diskette should be clearly labeled with the commenter's name, proceeding (including the docket number, in this case CC Docket No. 80-286, type of pleading (comment or reply comment), date of submission, and the name of the electronic file on the diskette. The label should also include the following phrase “Disk Copy—Not an Original.” Each diskette should contain only one party's pleadings, preferably in a single electronic file. In addition, commenters must send diskette copies to the Commission's copy contractor, International Transcription Service, Inc., 1231 20th Street, NW., Washington, DC 20037.

Paperwork Reduction Act

As part of our continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, we invite the general public to take this opportunity to comment on information collections contained in this Document, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law No. 104-13. Public and agency comments are due at the same time as other comments on this Document. Comments should address: (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.