FCC is seeking comment on petitions filed by entities that seek d...

FCC is seeking comment on petitions filed by entities that seek declaratory ruling under Sec. 310(b) of Communications Act that it would be in public interest to allow Deutsche Telekom (DT) to have indirect ownership interest of greater than 25%. Indirect ownership interest would be result of consummation of proposed merger of VoiceStream and DT that’s pending before Commission. Petitions include one filed by Cook Inlet/VoiceStream GSM ventures on giving DT indirect ownership of up to 49.9%. Cook Inlet/VS GSM IV PCS and Cook Inlet/VS GSM V filed petition last fall. Petition also was filed by various Cook Inlet and Omnipoint entities. Third petition, by Wireless Alliance, said it would be in public interest that DT have indirect ownership interest of up to 30%. Similar filing was made by Iowa Wireless Services Holding proposed indirect DT ownership interest of 38%. Final petition, by Eliska Wireless Ventures License Subsidiary, proposed 49.9% indirect equity interest. FCC said it already had granted petitions for declaratory ruling for 2 petitioners -- Cook Inlet/VoiceStream PCS and Eliska and wasn’t seeking comment on those cases. Comments are due Feb. 22, replies March 8.