PUBLIC NOTICE Federal Communications Commission 445 12th St., S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 News Media Information 202 / 418-0513 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 DA 13-311 Released: February 28, 2013 WIRELINE COMPETITION BUREAU ADDS NEW DISCUSSION TOPIC TO CONNECT AMERICA COST MODEL VIRTUAL WORKSHOP WC Docket No. 10-90 On Tuesday, October 9, 2012, the Wireline Competition Bureau (Bureau) announced the commencement of a virtual workshop to solicit input and facilitate discussion on topics related to the development and adoption of the forward-looking cost model for Connect America Phase II. 1 To date, the Bureau has sought comment on 21 different topics in the virtual workshop.2 Today, the Bureau adds a new virtual workshop discussion topic, entitled “Rate of Return for Connect America Cost Model,” to seek public input on what cost of money should be utilized in the forward-looking cost model that will determine support levels that will be offered to price cap carriers in Phase II. Responses should be submitted in the virtual workshop no later than April 1, 2013. The Bureau may continue to add discussion topics or follow-up questions, which will be announced by Public Notice. Parties can participate in the virtual workshop by visiting the Connect America Fund webpage, http://www.fcc.gov/encyclopedia/connecting-america, and following the link to the virtual workshop. Comments from the virtual workshop will be included in the official public record of this proceeding. The Bureau will not rely on anonymous comments posted during the workshop in reaching decisions regarding the model. Participants should be aware that identifying information from parties that post material in the virtual workshop will be publicly available for inspection upon request, even though such information may not be posted in the workshop forums. Reasonable accommodations, including materials in accessible formats (Braille, large print, electronic files, and audio format) for people with disabilities are available upon request. Please include a description of the accommodation you will need, and tell us how to contact you if we need more information. Please make your request as early as possible. Last minute requests will be accepted but may be impossible to fill. Accommodation requests should be directed to Kelly Jones, at Kelly.Jones@fcc.gov, 202-418-7078 (voice), 202-418-1169 (TTY), or 845-474-0054 (video). For further information, please contact Katie King, 202-418-7491, Katie.King@fcc.gov or Ted Burmeister, 202-418-7389, Theodore.Burmeister@fcc.gov. - FCC - 1 Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Commencement of Connect America Phase II Cost Model Virtual Workshop, WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 05-337, Public Notice, 27 FCC Rcd 11977 (Wireline Comp. Bur. 2012). See also Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Connect America Phase II Cost Model Virtual Workshop, WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 05-337, Public Notice, 27 FCC Rcd 11056 (Wireline Comp. Bur. 2012). 2 On January 17, 2013, the Bureau announced the release of version two of the Connect America Cost Model. See Wireline Competition Bureau Announces Availability of Version Two of the Connect America Fund Phase II Cost Model, WC Docket No. 10-90, Public Notice, 28 FCC Rcd 280 (Wireline Comp. Bur. 2013).