Me. PUC opened docket to consider replacing current nonoptional extended local calling plans with optional programs customers can select. Currently, extended local calling surcharges become mandatory if majority of local customers want expansion and PUC approves. PUC said Tues. it was considering replacing current system with either selective extended calling, where customer may add one or more distant exchanges to local area for flat monthly fee per exchange or contiguous extended calling, where customer can add groups of contiguous distant exchanges for flat monthly fees. PUC will hold Jan. 31 workshop with industry to address implementation issues such as intercarrier compensation, specific rates and terms for customers, whether extended calling should be time-unlimited.

National Exchange Carrier Assn. (NECA) files revisions in its average schedule formulas that will result in combined increase of 2.49% in common line and traffic-sensitive settlements. Those “settlements” are like interstate access charges for small rate- of-return carriers that don’t conduct their own cost studies. NECA said new formulas would go into effect July 1 if FCC approved them.

Wash. Utilities & Transportation Commission (WUTC) is implementing new colocation rules setting deadlines for incumbents to complete CLEC colocation orders. Under new rules, incumbents have 45 days to complete CLEC colocation orders, provided colocation site was included in CLEC’s quarterly demand forecast and CLEC puts up 50% of nonrecurring installation charges when order is placed. For any other colocation order, incumbents have 90 days from date of order for completion. CLECs will be entitled to partial or full refunds of installation charges for failure to meet either deadline unless incumbent can prove delay was caused by CLEC self-provisioning activities. If an incumbent claims space problems will prevent honoring colocation request, it must notify CLEC within 10 days and petition WUTC for waiver of deadlines.

Cablevision Systems reportedly has placed its Rainbow Media Holdings programming group up for sale after first planning to spin off unit as separate tracking stock. N.Y. Times said Cablevision, which had been considering move for weeks (CD Dec 22 p6), already had contacted USA Networks, NBC, Comcast and Liberty Media Group, 4 most likely suitors. Cablevision reportedly is seeking $5-$6 billion for Rainbow. Companies have until Jan. 16 to submit bids. Move came as UBS Warburg downgraded rating on Cablevision stock to buy from strong buy Tues. because Rainbow sale would “remove a major catalyst for the stock.”

Rep. Tauzin’s (R-La.) selection as next chmn. of House Commerce Committee was all but official Tues., well-placed sources told us, after House Rules Committee released long-rumored proposal to create expanded Financial Services Committee. New panel is expected to be headed by Rep. Oxley (R-O.), Tauzin’s rival to succeed former Commerce Committee Chmn. Bliley (R-Va.). Full House will vote today (Wed.) on committee changes, and Republican leadership will choose committee heads Thurs.

Ohio Gov. Bob Taft (R) appointed Cleveland transit executive Clarence Rogers to PUC seat of Craig Glazer, who resigned; if confirmed, Rogers’ terms would end in 2006… Changes at Global Crossing: Co-COO David Walsh promoted to COO and co-COO Gary Cohen named COO, Global Crossing Solutions; Wally Dawson, CEO, Atlantic Crossing, appointed exec. vp-Global Network; Wim Huisman, CEO, Europe, retires, Carl Grivner, COO, N. America, assumes his duties; James Demitrieus, ex-pres., IXnet, named COO, N. America. Promoted to exec. vps: Daniel Cohrs, CFO; James Gorton, gen. counsel; John Comparin, human resources; Joseph Perrone, finance… Stephen Knup, ex-Coopers & Lybrand, named pres.-COO, Superior TeleCom… John DuBois, ex-Redback Networks, appointed CEO, Nx Networks… Nextel’s Richard Lefave elected to Mi8 board.

FCC told Congress in report Tues. it wouldn’t make recommendations on specific measures to facilitate provision of local signals to subscribers in rural markets by direct-to-home (DTH) satellite and multichannel video programming operators because licensing process hadn’t been completed and it would be premature to make recommendations before licensing. Under requirement of Rural Local Broadcast Signal Act, Commission must inform Congress of ways its licensing and authorizations have helped provide local signals to satellite TV subscribers in remote areas.

Satellite Bcstg. & Communications Assn. (SBCA) finished 1999 $127,000 in red after donations dipped and expenses rose slightly, according to 1999 Form 990 tax returns. Total revenue was $5.1 million, down from $5.3 million in 1999, but expenses edged up to $5.3 million from $5.28 million. Membership dues dipped to $2.1 million from $2.2 million, but still were over $1.6 million in 1998. Revenue from annual convention was $1.87 million, Sky Trends $350,000, Sky Forum $325,000. Pres. Charles Hewitt received $422,311 in salary plus $50,000 in benefits.

Telemonde and Global Crossing renegotiated $52 million agreement over transatlantic capacity. In Dec. 29 SEC filing, Telemonde said it issued 5 million shares of convertible preferred stock at 1 cent par value to Global Crossing and agreed to purchase $8 million in services from company in next 5 years. In exchange, Global Crossing released Telemonde from outstanding commitment to buy almost $43 million of transatlantic capacity. Just under $12 million of Telemonde debt is rescheduled, at 7% interest, with final payment due Nov. 2002.

FCC was poised at our deadline to release proposed frequencies that carriers could use for new 3rd-generation (3G) services. Agency source said Commission already had approved notice of proposed rulemaking but hadn’t released it. White House had asked FCC to make proposal by end of year. Item is expected to look at several potential bands including 2 in 1700-MHz and 2400-MHz that NTIA also is looking at as part of President Clinton’s 3G initiative. Clinton urged FCC and NTIA to work with wireless industry to select frequencies as quickly as possible so U.S. wouldn’t lose its edge.