International Settlements Policy and associated filing requirements; countries exempt from ISP requirements, list,

[Federal Register: August 16, 1999 (Volume 64, Number 157)]

[Notices]

[Page 44524-44525]

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

[DOCID:fr16au99-84]

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[DA 99-1510]

List of International Routes That Satisfy Criteria for Relief From the International Settlements Policy and Associated Filing Requirements

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Public Notice.

SUMMARY: This document contains a list of international routes that satisfy criteria for relief from the International Settlements Policy (ISP) and associated filing requirements. This list contains countries that currently meet the standard adopted in the Commission's International Settlement Rates proceeding, IB Docket No. 96-261. With this action, the Commission provides carriers with a list to determine which countries are exempt from the ISP requirements.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Lisa Choi or Jackie Ruff, Attorney- Advisors, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418- 1470.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Commission announced today the international routes that qualify for relief from the international settlements policy and associated filing requirements. In 1998 Biennial

[[Page 44525]]

Regulatory Review: Reform of the International Settlements Policy, IB Docket No. 98-148, CC Docket 90-337 (Phase II), IB Docket 95-22, Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, FCC 99-73 (rel. May 6, 1999) (ISP Reform Order), (64 FR 34734, June 29, 1999), the Commission modified its international settlements policy to no longer apply to arrangements for the exchange of international traffic on routes where U.S. carriers are able to terminate at least 50 percent of U.S.-billed traffic at rates that are at least 25 percent below the benchmark settlement rate adopted for that country in International Settlement Rates, IB Docket 96-261, Report and Order, 12 FCC Rcd 19,806, 62 FR 45758 (August 29, 1997). The countries that currently meet this standard, based on information on file with the Commission, are listed below. This list will be posted on the International Bureau's web page (www.fcc.gov/ib) and will be updated by notice in the Federal Register and on the web as new countries are added to the list. A party that seeks to add a foreign market to the list or remove a foreign market from the list may do so by filing a Petition for Declaratory Ruling, along with the appropriate supporting documentation. See 47 CFR 43.51(g)(2) as amended in the ISP Reform Order. These countries are Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, The Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, and United Kingdom.

For additional information, please contact Lisa Choi or Jackie Ruff, Telecommunications Division, International Bureau, (202) 418- 1460.

Federal Communications Commission. Magalie Roman Salas, Secretary.

[FR Doc. 99-20693Filed8-13-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6712-01-P