[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 128 (Monday, July 6, 1998)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 36377]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-17747]
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Proposed Rules
Federal Register
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This section of the FEDERAL REGISTER contains notices to the public of
the proposed issuance of rules and regulations. The purpose of these
notices is to give interested persons an opportunity to participate in
the rule making prior to the adoption of the final rules.
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Federal Register / Vol. 63, No. 128 / Monday, July 6, 1998 / Proposed
Rules
[[Page 36377]]
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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
Rural Utilities Service
7 CFR Part 1755
RIN 0572-AB41
Special Equipment Specifications
AGENCY: Rural Utilities Service, USDA.
ACTION: Advanced notice of proposed rulemaking.
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SUMMARY: The Rural Utilities Service (RUS) is proposing to amend its
regulation on RUS Telecommunications Standards and Specifications for
Materials, Equipment and Construction to add to RUS Form 397, Special
Equipment Contract (including installation). This action will amend the
Special Equipment Specifications which include RUS Form 397b, Trunk
Carrier System Specifications; RUS Form 397c, Subscriber Carrier
Specifications; RUS Form 397d, Design Specifications for Point-to-Point
Microwave Radio Systems; RUS Form 397e, Design Specifications for
Mobile and Fixed Dial Radio Telephone Equipment; RUS Form 397g,
Performance Specifications for Line Concentrators; and RUS Form 397h,
Design Specifications for Digital Lightwave Transmission Systems.
Changes to the Special Equipment Specifications will incorporate the
latest technology, remove redundant or outdated requirements, and
simplify specification format.
DATES: Written comments must be received by RUS, or bear a postmark or
equivalent, no later than September 4, 1998.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be mailed to Gary B. Allan, Chief,
Transmission Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural
Utilities Service, STOP 1598, United States Department of Agriculture,
1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-1598. RUS requests
an original and three copies of all comments (7 CFR part 1700.4). All
comments received will be available for public inspection at room 2838
South Building (above address) during regular business hours (7 CFR
1.27 (b)).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Melanie L. Umstead, Transmission
Branch, Telecommunications Standards Division, Rural Utilities Service,
STOP 1598, United States Department of Agriculture, 1400 Independence
Avenue, SW, Washington, DC, 20250-1598, telephone number (202) 720-
0665, fax (202) 720-4099, e-mail mumstead@rus.usda.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
Background
RUS is considering replacing RUS Form 397b, Trunk Carrier System
Specifications; RUS Form 397c, Subscriber Carrier Specifications; RUS
Form 397d, Design Specifications for Point-to-Point Microwave Radio
Systems; RUS Form 397e, Design Specifications for Mobile and Fixed Dial
Radio Telephone Equipment; RUS Form 397g, Performance Specifications
for Line Concentrators; and RUS Form 397h, Design Specifications for
Digital Lightwave Transmission Systems with two (2) specifications.
One specification will address wireline systems and the other will
address wireless systems. The wireline systems specification will
address lightwave systems, digital and analog carrier systems,
concentrators and related wireline technologies. The wireless systems
specifications will address microwave radio systems, wireless local
loop systems and other wireless technologies. These specifications will
address the latest advances in telecommunications systems and recognize
new technologies. The specifications will also recognize established
industry standards by removing outdated requirements and incorporating
new relevant requirements. RUS is requesting comments from RUS
borrowers, consulting engineers, manufacturers and any other interested
bodies on recommended changes for special equipment specifications to
ensure rural telecommunications networks continue to provide reliable
and progressive telecommunications services without an undue burden to
the parties involved.
Dated: June 24, 1998.
Jill Long Thompson,
Under Secretary, Rural Development.
[FR Doc. 98-17747 Filed 7-2-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-15-P
