The FCC looks set to make a decision by Jan. 21 on whether access...

The FCC looks set to make a decision by Jan. 21 on whether access charges should apply to switched-IP traffic. That’s the commission’s deadline to answer a forbearance request on the question by Feature Group IP. Last week, the FCC circulated two draft orders on the Feature Group petition, which asked the commission to declare that switched-IP traffic isn’t subject to access charges applying to switched traffic. Chairman Kevin Martin put out versions of the order granting and refusing relief, an FCC official said. Feature Group is a competitive local exchange carrier that provides service to VoIP companies. If the FCC doesn’t answer the petition by Jan. 21, it will be deemed granted under the statutory forbearance rules. A commission spokeswoman declined to comment. Meanwhile, the FCC is likely to extend the due date on a contrary forbearance petition by Embarq, which asked the FCC to declare that access charges do apply to switched-IP traffic, two FCC officials said. The 12-month deadline for the Embarq petition is Sunday, but nothing has been circulated, they said.