Sec. 22.135  Settlement conference.

    Parties are encouraged to use alternative dispute resolution 
procedures to settle disputes (see subpart E of part 1 of this chapter). 
In any contested proceeding, the FCC, in its discretion, may direct the 
parties or their attorneys to appear before it for a conference.
    (a) The purposes of such conferences are:
    (1) To obtain admissions of fact or stipulations between the parties 
as to any or all of the matters in controversy;
    (2) To consider the necessity for or desirability of amendments to 
the pleadings, or of additional pleadings or evidentiary submissions;
    (3) To consider simplification or narrowing of the issues;
    (4) To encourage settlement of the matters in controversy by 
agreement between the parties; and
    (5) To consider other matters that may aid in the resolution of the 
contested proceeding.
    (b) Conferences are scheduled by the FCC at a time and place it may 
designate, to be conducted in person or by telephone conference call.
    (c) The failure of any party or attorney, following reasonable 
notice, to appear at a scheduled conference will be deemed a failure to 
prosecute, subjecting that party's application or petition to dismissal 
by the FCC pursuant to Sec. 22.128(c) or Sec. 22.130(c).