[Federal Register Volume 61, Number 54 (Tuesday, March 19, 1996)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 11163-11164]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 96-5188]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Chapter I
[FCC 96-37]
International Accounting Rates Reform
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Final rule; policy statement.
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SUMMARY: On January 31, 1996, the Federal Communications Commission
adopted a Policy Statement (FCC 96-37) which sets forth a shift in its
policies on international accounting rates. With these changes the
Commission seeks to encourage competition in the U.S. market for global
telecommunications services and technological innovation.
EFFECTIVE DATE: March 19, 1996.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Maureen C. McLaughlin, Attorney-
Advisor, Policy and Facilities Branch, Telecommunications Division,
International Bureau, (202) 418-1470.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Policy
Statement adopted and released on January 31, 1996. The full text of
this Policy Statement is available for inspection and copying during
normal business hours in the FCC's International Bureau's Public
Reference Center, Room 102 of the Federal Communications Commission,
2000 M Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554.
In light of this Policy Statement, the Commission also released a
Public Notice wherein requested the submission of supplemental comments
[[Page 11164]]
and reply comments. (FCC Public Notice, DA 96-105, released January 31,
1996.) (In response to requests for extension of time, the Commission
subsequently revised the supplemental comment and reply period. (FCC
Public Notice DA 96-177 and FCC Public Notice DA 96-291, published
elsewhere in this issue.)) In the Public Notice, the Commission
requested that these supplemental comments should be filed in CC Docket
No. 90-337, Phase II, In the Matter of Regulation of International
Accounting Rates (Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking) (58 FR
3522, Jan. 11, 1993).
Summary of Policy Statement
1. With this Policy Statement the Commission introduces flexibility
into its approach to the regulation of international accounting rates.
Specifically, the Commission is refocusing its regulatory approach to
accounting rates in three ways:
2. First, it will increase regulatory support for new services that
increase competitive pressure in the international market.
3. Second, it plans to tailor its accounting rates policies to
reflect different market conditions such as: 1) monopoly or highly
concentrated markets, 2) effectively competitive markets, and 3)
developing countries' markets. In countries where a monopoly supplier,
or supplier with significant market power, provides telecommunications
services, the Commission will strengthen its existing accounting rates
policies to encourage lower accounting rates. In countries with
effective competition, the Commission will give U.S. carriers the
flexibility to negotiate alternative settlement arrangements, even if
they require a waiver of traditional Commission accounting rate
policies. The Commission will also explore mechanisms specifically
designed to assist developing countries during the transition to more
competitive markets and lower accounting rates.
4. Finally it plans to restructure the benchmarks by which it
measures progress in this area and will invite carriers to identify
those foreign administrations most reluctant to lower accounting rates.
Ordering Clause
1. It is ordered that, pursuant to Sections 1, 4, 201-205, 211,
215, 218-220, and 303 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47
U.S.C. Sections 151, 154, 201-205, 211, 215, 218-220, and 303, this
Policy Statement is Adopted, and March 19, 1996.
Federal Communications Commission.
William F. Caton,
Acting Secretary.
[FR Doc. 96-5188 Filed 3-18-96; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
