What have others said or recommended, as What have others said or recommended, as their part of “Participating in the Process?”their part of “Participating in the Process?”

A NPSTC Tutorial on Searching Comments, Replies A NPSTC Tutorial on Searching Comments, Replies and Other Documents in FCC Proceedingsand Other Documents in FCC Proceedings

I want to know what others think I want to know what others think about a particular issue, and about a particular issue, and

what they have told the FCC. what they have told the FCC.

Can I determine what others are Can I determine what others are telling the FCC (at least what telling the FCC (at least what they are officially telling the they are officially telling the

FCC) on a given issue? FCC) on a given issue?

I want to know what others think I want to know what others think about a particular issue, and about a particular issue, and

what they have told the FCC. what they have told the FCC.

Can I determine what others are Can I determine what others are telling the FCC (at least what telling the FCC (at least what they are officially telling the they are officially telling the

FCC) on a given issue? FCC) on a given issue?

“ “Finding what others have said.”Finding what others have said.”Determining what others have said or recommended often Determining what others have said or recommended often becomes a key part of participation in the FCC process.becomes a key part of participation in the FCC process.

At times (e.g.,At times (e.g., when preparing for a meeting with FCC officials, when preparing for a meeting with FCC officials, or when determining if reply comments should be submitted, or when determining if reply comments should be submitted, etc.) one needs to quickly determine what others have said to etc.) one needs to quickly determine what others have said to

the FCC on particular issues. This may be especially true the FCC on particular issues. This may be especially true when the period for submission of Replies is short and there when the period for submission of Replies is short and there have been comments made that one could particularly agree have been comments made that one could particularly agree

with or disagree with.with or disagree with.

The FCC The FCC Electronic Comment Filing SystemElectronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) provides (ECFS) provides a simple and effective way to determine what others have said a simple and effective way to determine what others have said

or recommended to the FCC in a rulemaking.or recommended to the FCC in a rulemaking.

There are two alternative ways for getting to the ECFS template There are two alternative ways for getting to the ECFS template to search for documents filed with the FCC.to search for documents filed with the FCC.

First, one can get to the “Search” templateFirst, one can get to the “Search” template

• By going to the ECFS Home Page By going to the ECFS Home Page http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/ecfs/ on the FCC site, and then clicking on the on the FCC site, and then clicking on the Search for Filed CommentsSearch for Filed Comments link under “ECFS Main Links” at the top of the column on the right link under “ECFS Main Links” at the top of the column on the right hand side of the ECFS Home Page.hand side of the ECFS Home Page.

OROR

Alternatively, one can get to the “Search” templateAlternatively, one can get to the “Search” template

• By typing the template URL By typing the template URL http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi or or http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi into your web browser.into your web browser.

Either method shown above will get you to the “Search” template Either method shown above will get you to the “Search” template in ECFSin ECFS

The template is illustrated in the next slide. Instructions and tips for completing the The template is illustrated in the next slide. Instructions and tips for completing the “Search” template follow the illustration.“Search” template follow the illustration.

“Finding what others have said.”Finding what others have said.”

ECFS “Search” TemplateECFS “Search” Template

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi

Search for Filed Comments

1. Proceeding (e.g. 00-221, RM-9920)

2. DA/FCC Number (e.g. DA 00-1673, 00-395)

3. Document Type

4. Filed on Behalf of

5. Law Firm (e.g. Apple & Bee, FCC, etc.)

6. Attorney Name

Search By Date Range Search By Specfic Date From: To:

7. Date Received/Adopted: (mm/dd/yyyy) 8. Date Posted Online: (mm/dd/yyyy) 9. Date Released/Denied: (mm/dd/yyyy)

10. File Number/Community

11. Ex Parte/Late Filed

12. City

13. State

14. Zip Code

15. Eliminate Brief Text Comments

Retrieve Document List Clear

“ “Search” Template CompletionSearch” Template Completion Instructions/Tips Instructions/Tips

Search for Filed Comments

1. Proceeding (e.g. 00-221, RM-9920)

2. DA/FCC Number (e.g. DA 00-1673, 00-395)

3. Document Type

4. Filed on Behalf of

5. Law Firm (e.g. Apple & Bee, FCC, etc.)

6. Attorney Name

Search By Date Range Search By Specfic Date From: To:

7. Date Received/Adopted: (mm/dd/yyyy) 8. Date Posted Online: (mm/dd/yyyy) 9. Date Released/Denied: (mm/dd/yyyy)

10. File Number/Community

11. Ex Parte/Late Filed

12. City

13. State

14. Zip Code

15. Eliminate Brief Text Comments

Retrieve Document List Clear

This is the only info you need to complete on This is the only info you need to complete on the ECFS “Search” template to search for the ECFS “Search” template to search for documents filed in a particular proceeding.documents filed in a particular proceeding.

Maybe you know the correct Proceeding Maybe you know the correct Proceeding number, but, if not, where do you get the number, but, if not, where do you get the Proceeding number? Some suggestions:Proceeding number? Some suggestions:

• On the FCC “Public Notice” announcing the On the FCC “Public Notice” announcing the Proceeding, Proceeding, oror• In the FCC Daily Digest, where the “Notice” was In the FCC Daily Digest, where the “Notice” was published, published, oror• Ask a Public Safety communications colleague, Ask a Public Safety communications colleague, oror• Ask a Radio Manufacturer contact you know, Ask a Radio Manufacturer contact you know, oror• Ask a NPSTC contact you know, orAsk a NPSTC contact you know, or• Contact the NPSTC support office.Contact the NPSTC support office.

NOTE: FCC proceeding numbers appear in NOTE: FCC proceeding numbers appear in the format similar to WT96-86, WT99- the format similar to WT96-86, WT99- 87, WT 02-55, PS 06-229. When 87, WT 02-55, PS 06-229. When entering the Docket number into the entering the Docket number into the search template DO NOT include thesearch template DO NOT include the two-letter identifier. Simply enter the two-letter identifier. Simply enter the numbers and the “-” associated with numbers and the “-” associated with the two letter identifier, e.g. “06-229.”the two letter identifier, e.g. “06-229.”

NOTE: FCC proceeding numbers appear in NOTE: FCC proceeding numbers appear in the format similar to WT96-86, WT99- the format similar to WT96-86, WT99- 87, WT 02-55, PS 06-229. When 87, WT 02-55, PS 06-229. When entering the Docket number into the entering the Docket number into the search template DO NOT include thesearch template DO NOT include the two-letter identifier. Simply enter the two-letter identifier. Simply enter the numbers and the “-” associated with numbers and the “-” associated with the two letter identifier, e.g. “06-229.”the two letter identifier, e.g. “06-229.”

“ “Search” Template CompletionSearch” Template Completion Instructions/Tips Instructions/Tips

Search for Filed Comments

1. Proceeding (e.g. 00-221, RM-9920)

2. DA/FCC Number (e.g. DA 00-1673, 00-395)

3. Document Type

4. Filed on Behalf of

5. Law Firm (e.g. Apple & Bee, FCC, etc.)

6. Attorney Name

Search By Date Range Search By Specfic Date From: To:

7. Date Received/Adopted: (mm/dd/yyyy) 8. Date Posted Online: (mm/dd/yyyy) 9. Date Released/Denied: (mm/dd/yyyy)

10. File Number/Community

11. Ex Parte/Late Filed

12. City

13. State

14. Zip Code

15. Eliminate Brief Text Comments

Retrieve Document List Clear

You can also obtain the Proceeding number You can also obtain the Proceeding number by clicking on the by clicking on the ProceedingProceeding link on the link on the ECFS “Search” template. Clicking on the ECFS “Search” template. Clicking on the ProceedingProceeding link will take you to an additional link will take you to an additional search tool that may be helpful in identifying search tool that may be helpful in identifying the appropriate Proceeding number for the the appropriate Proceeding number for the ECFS “Search” template.ECFS “Search” template.

The Proceeding number search tool is The Proceeding number search tool is illustrated on the next slide.illustrated on the next slide.

Proceeding Number “Search” TemplateProceeding Number “Search” Template

Directions: Enter the proceeding you are searching for then click Search For Proceedings. Ex: To view all proceedings with a '96' in them -- enter 96 then push Search For Proceedings.

To view all of the proceedings in ECFS -- enter an asterick ( * ) then push Search For Proceedings.

Search For Proceedings:

Return to ECFS Home Page

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/comsrch_v2.cgi?ws_mode=proc_name

Follow the “Directions:” to search for proceeding numbers.Follow the “Directions:” to search for proceeding numbers.

NOTE: To successfully search you should have some prior knowledge, NOTE: To successfully search you should have some prior knowledge, for example, the year the particular proceeding was started by the FCC for example, the year the particular proceeding was started by the FCC so you can enter the last two digits of the year to initiate a search. so you can enter the last two digits of the year to initiate a search. Entering an asterisk (*) and starting a search will provide a listing Entering an asterisk (*) and starting a search will provide a listing several thousand items in length. several thousand items in length.

Even entering the last two digits of the CORRECT year will result in a Even entering the last two digits of the CORRECT year will result in a listing several hundred items in length that must then be manually listing several hundred items in length that must then be manually searched to identify the correct Proceeding number. searched to identify the correct Proceeding number.

WC 06-232 Enter More Search Criteria Application filed for the transfer of control of Arrival Communications, Inc., and U.S.Telepacific Corp.

WT 06-231 Enter More Search Criteria Comments on Ronan Telephone Company request for Three additional years to meet Tribal lands bidding credit constuction requirement.

WC 06-230 Enter More Search Criteria Application for the transfer of control of Curtis Telephone Company and Total Communications Inc. to Consolidated Companies, Inc..

IB 06-23 Enter More Search Criteria New Skies satellites Holdings ltd. and SES Global S.A. seek consent to transfer control of authorizations held by New Skies Networks, Inc. ....

PS 06-229 Enter More Search Criteria In the Matter of Implementing a nationwide, Broadband, Interoperable Public Safety Network in the 700 MHz Band. Development of Operational, Technical and Spectrum Requirements for Meeting Federal, State and Local Public Safety Communication .

WC 06-228 Enter More Search Criteria Application filed for the transfer of control of Lightyear Network Solutions, LLC, First Communications, LLC, and Xtension Services, Inc. to First Communications, Inc. ..

WC 06-227 Enter More Search Criteria Application filed for the transfer of control of Norlight Telecommunications, Inc. from Journal Communications, Inc. to Q-Comm Corporation. .

A small part of the Proceeding Number search results when “06” entered into the tool

06

If you do not know the Proceeding number, asking If you do not know the Proceeding number, asking somebody what number is correct will probably be somebody what number is correct will probably be

less cumbersome than using the Proceeding number less cumbersome than using the Proceeding number search tool.search tool.

If you do not know the Proceeding number, asking If you do not know the Proceeding number, asking somebody what number is correct will probably be somebody what number is correct will probably be

less cumbersome than using the Proceeding number less cumbersome than using the Proceeding number search tool.search tool.

When all required/desired criteria have been entered, click on the Retrieve Document List

button to obtain the ECFS documents.

Search for Filed Comments

1. Proceeding (e.g. 00-221, RM-9920)

2. DA/FCC Number (e.g. DA 00-1673, 00-395)

3. Document Type

4. Filed on Behalf of

5. Law Firm (e.g. Apple & Bee, FCC, etc.)

6. Attorney Name

Search By Date Range Search By Specfic Date From: To:

7. Date Received/Adopted: (mm/dd/yyyy) 8. Date Posted Online: (mm/dd/yyyy) 9. Date Released/Denied: (mm/dd/yyyy)

10. File Number/Community

11. Ex Parte/Late Filed

12. City

13. State

14. Zip Code

15. Eliminate Brief Text Comments

Retrieve Document List Clear

“ “Search” Template CompletionSearch” Template Completion Instructions/Tips Instructions/Tips

Regardless of the method used to enter a Regardless of the method used to enter a proceeding number, you can narrow down the proceeding number, you can narrow down the results of your search by entering additional results of your search by entering additional search criteria. search criteria.

• Clicking on this menu button will provide a listing of Clicking on this menu button will provide a listing of two letter identifiers for different types of documents two letter identifiers for different types of documents filed. Common identifiers of interest are:filed. Common identifiers of interest are:

• CO – CommentsCO – Comments• LT – LetterLT – Letter• NO – Notice (e.g. Ex Parte Notice)NO – Notice (e.g. Ex Parte Notice)• RC – Reply to CommentsRC – Reply to Comments

• If you know the If you know the exactexact name of the person/organization name of the person/organization filing the comments, and/or the filing the comments, and/or the exactexact name of the Law name of the Law Firm doing the filing, and/or the Attorney’s Firm doing the filing, and/or the Attorney’s exactexact name, name, you can enter that information here.you can enter that information here.• If you are only interested in documents filed during a If you are only interested in documents filed during a certain part of a proceeding, e.g., after the Notice of certain part of a proceeding, e.g., after the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was released and the Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) was released and the present date you can enter those dates on one of the present date you can enter those dates on one of the lines here.lines here.

06-229

Be wary about entering additional search criteria, Be wary about entering additional search criteria, except maybe dates, because the “Search” results except maybe dates, because the “Search” results will only include EXACT matches with the criteria will only include EXACT matches with the criteria entered. All document filers may not characterize entered. All document filers may not characterize their documents the way you think they should be their documents the way you think they should be

characterized, etc. characterized, etc.

Be wary about entering additional search criteria, Be wary about entering additional search criteria, except maybe dates, because the “Search” results except maybe dates, because the “Search” results will only include EXACT matches with the criteria will only include EXACT matches with the criteria entered. All document filers may not characterize entered. All document filers may not characterize their documents the way you think they should be their documents the way you think they should be

characterized, etc. characterized, etc.

ECFS “Search” Results FormatECFS “Search” Results Format

696 Record(s) Found For Proceeding:99-87 Record 1 through 20 displayed

Proceeding: 99-87 Type Code: LT Date Received/Adopted: 01/24/08 Date Released/Denied: Document Type: LETTER Total Pages: 4 File Number/Community: DA/FCC Number: Filed on Behalf of: Land Mobile Communications Council Filed By: Attorney/Author Name: Date Posted Online: 01/24/08 Complete Mailing Address: 8484 Westpark Drive, Suite 630 McLean, VA 22102 LETTER

Proceeding: 99-87 Type Code: NO Date Received/Adopted: 11/21/07 Date Released/Denied: Document Type: NOTICE Total Pages: 60 File Number/Community: DA/FCC Number: Filed on Behalf of: Wiley Rein LLP Filed By: Attorney/Author Name: Catherine M. Hilke Date Posted Online: 11/23/07 Complete Mailing Address: 1776 K Street, NW Washington, DC 20006 OTHER Proceeding: 99-87 Type Code: NO Date Received/Adopted: 08/27/07 Date Released/Denied: Document Type: NOTICE Total Pages: 470 File Number/Community: DA/FCC Number: Filed on Behalf of: Icom, Inc. Filed By: Shulman Rogers Gandal Pordy & Ecker, P.A. Attorney/Author Name: Alan S. Tilles, Esquire Date Posted Online: 08/27/07 Complete Mailing Address: 11921 Rockville Pike Third Floor Rockville, MD 20852 NOTICE OF EXPARTE

This is a part of a representative “Search” This is a part of a representative “Search” results listing. The listing from a search can results listing. The listing from a search can consist of a few documents or many hundreds consist of a few documents or many hundreds of documents depending on the criteria of documents depending on the criteria entered on the “Search” template before the entered on the “Search” template before the Retrieve Document List was activated.Retrieve Document List was activated.

Simply scroll through the listing reviewing Simply scroll through the listing reviewing each entry to identify documents that are of each entry to identify documents that are of interest.interest.

When documents of interest are identified When documents of interest are identified click on the link at the end of the listing entry click on the link at the end of the listing entry to download the document. Then read and/or to download the document. Then read and/or save the document to a location of your save the document to a location of your choosing.choosing.

NPSTC recommends frequent ECFS NPSTC recommends frequent ECFS documents searches, particularly when documents searches, particularly when

deciding to submit or when preparing Reply deciding to submit or when preparing Reply Comments in a proceeding. Reply Comments Comments in a proceeding. Reply Comments should address issues and proposals raised should address issues and proposals raised

during the Comment phase(s) of a proceeding. during the Comment phase(s) of a proceeding. There is no more efficient way to determine There is no more efficient way to determine what is being said/proposed other than by what is being said/proposed other than by

conducting good ECFS document searches conducting good ECFS document searches

NPSTC recommends frequent ECFS NPSTC recommends frequent ECFS documents searches, particularly when documents searches, particularly when

deciding to submit or when preparing Reply deciding to submit or when preparing Reply Comments in a proceeding. Reply Comments Comments in a proceeding. Reply Comments should address issues and proposals raised should address issues and proposals raised

during the Comment phase(s) of a proceeding. during the Comment phase(s) of a proceeding. There is no more efficient way to determine There is no more efficient way to determine what is being said/proposed other than by what is being said/proposed other than by

conducting good ECFS document searches conducting good ECFS document searches

RECAPRECAP

Gosh, searching the FCC Gosh, searching the FCC Document Filing system may be Document Filing system may be

more trouble that it is worth. more trouble that it is worth.

Not True!!Not True!!

Gosh, searching the FCC Gosh, searching the FCC Document Filing system may be Document Filing system may be

more trouble that it is worth. more trouble that it is worth.

Not True!!Not True!!

Knowing what others are saying to the FCC Knowing what others are saying to the FCC enables you to completely and clearly focus enables you to completely and clearly focus

your ideas and recommendations to the FCC your ideas and recommendations to the FCC to those areas that are MOST important to you.to those areas that are MOST important to you.

Your inputs will rise above “the noise level” Your inputs will rise above “the noise level” assuring you will be heard by the FCC and you assuring you will be heard by the FCC and you

will definitely be “Part of the Solution.” will definitely be “Part of the Solution.”

Knowing what others are saying to the FCC Knowing what others are saying to the FCC enables you to completely and clearly focus enables you to completely and clearly focus

your ideas and recommendations to the FCC your ideas and recommendations to the FCC to those areas that are MOST important to you.to those areas that are MOST important to you.

Your inputs will rise above “the noise level” Your inputs will rise above “the noise level” assuring you will be heard by the FCC and you assuring you will be heard by the FCC and you

will definitely be “Part of the Solution.” will definitely be “Part of the Solution.”

ECFS “Searching” RECAPRECAP

The ECFS “Search” tool is easily located and easy to use. The ECFS “Search” tool is easily located and easy to use.

The only thing you actually need to know going in is the The only thing you actually need to know going in is the proceeding number and that shouldn’t be hard to proceeding number and that shouldn’t be hard to

determine.determine.