FCC grants cellular carriers non-dominant tariff filing states

Mobile Phone News, March 8, 1993

The FCG Common Carrier Bureau has exempted cellular carriers, which are considered dominant carriers, from filing tariffs in accordance with dominant carrier interstate tariff rules. When filing tariffs with the FCC, dominant carriers--which are able to control prices in their service area--must adhere to detailed tariff requirements. They must justify service charges by providing extensive tariff information, including rate schedules and financial data.

The new ruling, which was in response to a Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) petition, allows cellular carriers to file tariffs using the simplified tariffing requirements applicable to non-dominant carriers. In a separate action, the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) has petitioned the FCC to change cellular carriers' status to nondominant. The FCC placed the issue on public notice Feb. 17, and companies have 30 days in which to comment. (FCC, 202/632-6387.)