2016-28007. Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

AGENCY:

Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business with fewer than 25 employees.

The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid OMB control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.

DATES:

Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before January 23, 2017. If you anticipate that you will submit comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email [e-mail] and to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information about the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at [phone].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control Number: 3060-1211.

Title: Sections 96.17; 96.21; 96.23; 96.25; 96.33; 96.35; 96.39; 96.41; 96.43; 96.45; 96.51; 96.57; 96.59; 96.61; 96.63; 96.67, Commercial Operations in the 3550-3650 MHz Band.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved information collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities, state, local, or tribal government and not for profit institutions.

Number of Respondents: 110,782 respondents; 226,099 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: .25 to 1 hour.

Frequency of Response: One-time and on occasion reporting requirements; other reporting requirements—as-needed basis for equipment safety certification that is no longer in use, and consistently (likely daily) responses automated via the device.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for, these collections are contained in 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 154(i), 154(j), 155(c), 302(a), 303, 304, 307(e), and 316 of the Communications Act of 1934.

Total Annual Burden: 64,561 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $13,213,975.

Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s).

Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information.

Needs and Uses: The FCC adopted an Order on Reconsideration and Second Report and Order, FCC 16-55, that amends rules established in the First Report and Order, FCC 15-47, for commercial use of 150 megahertz in the 3550-3700 MHz (3.5 GHz) band and a new Citizens Broadband Radio Service, on April 28, 2016, published at 81 FR 49023 (July 26, 2016). The rule changes and information requirements contained in the First Report and Order are also approved under this Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number and have not changed since they were last approved by OMB.

The Commission seeks approval from OMB for the information collection requirements contained in FCC 16-55. The amendments contained in the Second Report and Order create additional capacity for wireless broadband by adopting a new approach to spectrum management to facilitate more intensive spectrum sharing between commercial and federal users and among multiple tiers of commercial users. The Spectrum Access System (SAS) will use the information to authorize and coordinate spectrum use for Citizen Broadband Radio Service Devices (CBSDs). The Commission will use the information to coordinate among the spectrum tiers and determine Protection Areas for Priority Access Licensees (PALs).

The following is a description of the information collection requirements for which the Commission seeks OMB approval:

Section 96.25(c)(1)(i) requires PALs to inform the SAS if a CBSD is no longer in use.

Section 96.25(c)(2)(i) creates a default protection contour for any CBSD at the outer limit of the PAL Protection Area, but allows a PAL to self-report a contour smaller than that established by the SAS.

These rules which contain information collection requirements are designed to provide for flexible use of this spectrum, while managing three tiers of users in the band, and create a low-cost entry point for a wide array of users. The rules will encourage innovation and investment in mobile broadband use in this spectrum while protecting incumbent users. Without this information, the Commission would not be able to carry out its statutory responsibilities.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary, Office of the Secretary.