Radio services, special: Private land mobile services— 87.9 MHz band; emergency signals transmission,

[Federal Register: November 4, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 213)]

[Proposed Rules]

[Page 60151]

From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

[DOCID:fr04no99-28]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 73 and 90

[RM-9719, DA 99-2351]

Transmission of Emergency Signals on Channel 200; Extension of Time for Reply Comments

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule; extension of comment period.

SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission extended the period for filing replies to comments filedin response to a petition for rulemaking requesting the Commission to amend its rules to allocate Channel 200 (87.9 MHz) for the use and operation of an Emergency Radio Data System.

DATES: Reply comments are due on or before November 8, 1999.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Catherine Fox of the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Policy and Rules Branch, (202) 418-0680. TTY: (202) 418-7233.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

1. On August 2, 1999, the Commission received a petition for rulemaking (Petition) filedby Federal Signal Corporation (Federal Signal) requesting that the Commission amend its rules to allocate Channel 200 (87.9 MHz) for the use and operation of an Emergency Radio Data System (ERDS) by public safety licensees. On September 14, 1999, the Commission issued a Public Notice instructing parties interested in commenting on Federal Signal's Petition to do so within thirty days (i.e., by October 14, 1999). Consequently, Federal Signal had until October 29, 1999, to file reply comments. On October 25, 1999, the Commission received a Motion for Extension of Time filedby Federal Signal.

2. Federal Signal requests that the Commission grant a ten day extension of time until November 8, 1999, for filing a reply to those comments filedin opposition to its Petition. Federal Signal maintains that several of the comments raise technical and engineering concerns that will require considerable preparation by its consulting engineers, and that an additional ten-days would afford it more adequate time to prepare a full and complete reply in order that the Commission may develop as complete a record as possible. In addition, Federal Signal only recently became apprised of comments which were filedwith the Commission, but not served on Federal Signal's counsel as required by Sec. 1.405(a) of the Commission's rules. Finally, Federal Signal indicates that no party will be prejudiced by grant of a ten-day extension.

3. It is the policy of the Commission that extensions of time are not routinely granted. Upon review, however, we agree that a ten-day extension, until November 8, 1999, would afford Federal Signal the necessary time to prepare and file a responsive and complete reply in this proceeding.

4. Accordingly, it is hereby ordered that, pursuant to Sec. 1.46 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR 1.46, the Motion for Extension of Time filedby Federal Signal on October 25, 1999, is granted. Parties shall file reply comments no later than November 8, 1999.

5. This action is taken under delegated authority pursuant to Secs. 0.131 and 0.331 of the Commission's rules.

Federal Communications Commission. Herb Zeiler, Deputy Chief, Public Safety and Private Wireless Division, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau.

[FR Doc. 99-28796Filed11-3-99; 8:45 am]

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