Implementation of Section 273 of the Communications Act of 1934, as Amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996

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The Commission is issuing this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to initiate a proceeding concerning the Bell Operating Companies' (BOCs') manufacture of telecommunications equipment and customer premises equipment (CPE) pursuant to Section 273 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the Telecommunications Act of 1996. In general, under Section 273, a BOC may provide telecommunications equipment and may manufacture both telecommunications equipment and CPE once the Commission authorizes the BOC to provide in-region, interLATA services pursuant to Section 271. The Commission seeks comment on procedures governing collaboration, research and royalty agreements, nondiscrimination standards, and the reporting and disclosure of protocols and other technical requirements for connecting to the BOC's network. Section 273 also limits the manufacturing activities of Bellcore and other entities that develop industry-wide standards or generic requirements, or conduct certification activities. The Commission seeks comment on proposed measures to implement these provisions of Section 273. In addition, the Commission seeks comment on the effects of the BOCs' proposed sale of Bellcore o