Implementation of the Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of Consumers' Long Distance Carriers.

AGENCY:

Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION:

Final rule; announcement of effective date.

SUMMARY:

This document announces the effective date of certain sections of the Commission's rules regarding unauthorized changes of consumers' preferred telecommunications service providers. Certain sections of the rules contained information collection requirements that required the approval of the Office of Management and Budget (“OMB”) before they could become effective. Those sections have been approved by OMB.

DATES:

The amendments to 47 CFR sections 64.1120(c)(3)(iii), 64.1130(j), 64.1150(b), 64.1160(g), 64.1170(g), 64.1180, to the requirements concerning local exchange carrier verification of in-bound carrier changes, and to certifications to exempt carriers from the drop-off requirement, released by the Commission on March 17, 2003, and a summary of which was published at 68 FR 19152, April 18, 2003, will become effective on July 21, 2003.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

Perlesta Hollingsworth of the Policy Division, Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-7383, TTY (202) 202 418-7365 (tty).

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

On March 17, 2003, the Commission released the Third Order on Reconsideration and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (Order). The Order revised and clarified certain rules to implement section 258 of the Communications Act. The rules and requirements implementing section 258 can be found primarily at 47 CFR Part 64. The modifications and additions adopted in the Order will improve the carrier change process for consumers and carriers, while making it more difficult for unscrupulous carriers to perpetrate slams. The Commission released the Order on March 17, 2003. In addition, a summary of the Order was published in the Federal Register at 68 FR 19152, April 18, 2003. On July 1, 2003, the Commission received approval for the information collection requirements, Implementation of Subscriber Carrier Selection Changes Provisions of the Telecommunications Act of 1996; Policies and Rules Concerning Unauthorized Changes of Consumers' Long Distance Carriers, OMB Control Number 3060-0787, contained in the Order pursuant to the “emergency processing” provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (5 CFR 1320.13). Questions concerning OMB control numbers and expiration dates should be directed to Les Smith, Federal Communications Commission, (202) 418-0217 or via the Internet to leslie.smith@fcc.gov.