2023-05996. Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority

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 of 1995 (PRA), 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 concerns with fewer than 25 employees.

The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (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 May 22, 2023. 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 PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email to [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: 3060-0055.

Title: Application for Cable Television Relay Service Station License, FCC Form 327.

Form Number: FCC Form 327.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 400 respondents; 400 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 3.166 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; Every 5 years reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 1,266 hours.

Total Annual Costs: $98,000.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Sections 154(i), 308 and 309 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Needs and Uses: This filing is the application for a Cable Television Relay Service (CARS) microwave radio license. Franchised cable systems and other eligible services use the 2, 7, 12 and 18 GHz CARS bands for microwave relays pursuant to part 78 of the Commission's Rules. CARS is principally a video transmission service used for intermediate links in a distribution network. CARS stations relay signals for and supply program material to cable television systems and other eligible entities using point-to-point and point-to-multipoint transmissions. These relay stations enable cable systems and other CARS licensees to transmit television broadcast and low power television and related audio signals, AM and FM broadcast stations, and cablecasting from one point ( e.g., on one side of a river or mountain) to another point ( e.g., the other side of the river or mountain) or many points (“multipoint”) via microwave. The filing is done for an initial license, for modification of an existing license, for transfer or assignment of an existing license, and for renewal of a license after five years from initial issuance or from renewal of a license. Filing is done in accordance with Sections 78.11 to 78.40 of the Commission's Rules. The form consists of multiple schedules and exhibits, depending on the specific action for which it is filed. Initial applications are the most complete, and renewal applications are the most brief. The data collected is used by Commission staff to determine whether grant of a license is in accordance with Commission requirements on eligibility, permissible use, efficient use of spectrum, and prevention of interference to existing stations.

OMB Control Number: 3060-0310.

Title: Section 76.1801, Registration Statement; Community Cable Registration, FCC Form 322.

Form Number: FCC Form 322.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities; Not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 601 respondents and 601 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 hours.

Frequency of Response: One time and on occasion reporting requirements.

Total Annual Burden: 301 hours.

Total Annual Costs: $36,060.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Sections 154(i), 303, 308, 309 and 621 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended.

Needs and Uses: Cable operators are required to file FCC Form 322 with the Commission prior to commencing operation of a community unit. FCC Form 322 identifies biographical information about the operator and system as well as a list of broadcast channels carried on the system. This form replaces the requirement that cable operators send a letter containing the same information.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene Dortch,

Secretary, Office of the Secretary.