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![handle is hein.gao/gaocrptajes0001 and id is 1 raw text is:
oComptroller General
of the United States
Washington, D.C. 20548
Decision
Matter of: Federal Communications Commission - Installation of Integrated
Services Digital Network Lines
File: B-280698
Date: January 12, 1999
DIGEST
Section 1348(a)(1) of title 31, United States Code, prohibits the use of appropriated
funds for the installation of telephones and for charges for telephone service from
private residences. We have not applied 31 U.S.C. § 1348 where the telephone
service is one of restricted use or involves adequate safeguards and the separate
service is essential. Accordingly, we would not object to the Federal
Communications Commission's (FCC) installation of dedicated Integrated Services
Digital Network (ISDN) lines to transmit data from computers in the private
residences of the FCC Commissioners to the agency's local area network. The FCC
has imposed adequate safeguards to prevent private use of separate ISDN lines and
to protect communications to and from the FCC Commissioners.
DECISION
The Managing Director, Federal Communications Commission (FCC), requests an
advance decision, under 31 U.S.C. § 3529(a), on whether the prohibition in 31 U.S.C.
§ 1348(a)(1) applies to the installation of dedicated Integrated Services Digital
Network (ISDN) lines1 in the residences of FCC Commissioners. Section 1348(a)(1)
prohibits the use of appropriations to install telephones in private residences or for
tolls or other charges for telephone service from private residences. For the
reasons set forth below, we conclude that section 1348(a)(1) does not apply to
FCC's proposed installation of dedicated ISDN lines in the Commissioners'
residences. Accordingly, we would not object to FCC's use of appropriated funds to
pay for the installation of the ISDN lines if FCC determines that it is a necessary
expense of its appropriation.
'A]n ISDN is a network which is designed and constructed to provide a wide
range of telecommunication and information services and to transport electrical
signals in digital, rather than analog, form. Integrated Services Digital Networks
(ISDN), 94 FCC 2d 1289 (1983).](ViewImageLocal?handle=hein.gao/gaocrptajes0001&div=1&collection=&method=preview&ext=.png&size=3)