04-3358. Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, Comments Requested

February 9, 2004.

SUMMARY:

The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, Public Law 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) 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.

DATES:

Written Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) comments should be submitted on or before April 19, 2004. If you anticipate that you will be submitting 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 Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) comments to Les Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-A804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collection(s), contact Les Smith at [phone] or via the Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control Number: 3060-0854.

Title: Truth-in-Billing Format, CC Docket No. 98-170.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.

Number of Respondents: 3,099.

Estimated Time per Response: 5 to 465 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; Third party disclosure.

Total Annual Burden: 1,565,775 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $9,000,000.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted rules to make consumers' telephone bills easier to read and understand. Telephone bills do not provide necessary information in a user-friendly format. As a result, consumers are experiencing difficulty in understanding their bills, in detecting fraud, in resolving billing disputes, and in comparing carrier rates to get the best values for themselves. Consumers use this information to help them understand their telephone bills. Consumers need this information to protect them against fraud and to help them resolve billing disputes if they wish.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.