Identifying and Eliminating Market Entry Barriers for Small Businesses

The attached Notice of Inquiry (NOI) commences a proceeding to examine barriers to small business entry into the telecommunications marketplace. Section 101 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996 Telecommunications Act) adds new Section 257 to the Communications Act, which requires the Commission, within 15 months after enactment, to complete a proceeding to identify and eliminate market entry barriers for entrepreneurs and other small businesses in the provision and ownership of telecommunications services and information services, or in the provision of parts or services to providers of telecommunications services and information services. Through this NOI, the Commission initiates an omnibus Section 257 proceeding and will undertake specific initiatives that further the objective of reducing market entry barriers for small businesses. The record developed in connection with these intiatives also will, assist us in achieving our mandate under Section 309(j) of the Communications Act of 1934 to disseminate licenses for auctionable spectrum-based services to small businesses, rural telephone companies, and businesses owned by women and minorities, as well as in fulfilling our general obligation to serve the public interest.