03-8855. Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

April 1, 2003.

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 of 1995, Pub. L. 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 (PRA) 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 comments should be submitted on or before May 12, 2003. 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 comments to Judith B. Herman, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW., DC 20554 or via the Internet to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collection(s), contact Judith B. Herman at 202-418-0214 or via the Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control No.: 3060-0454.

Title: Regulation of International Accounting Rates.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 20 respondents; 760 responses (20 carriers will file information for 38 routes annually).

Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour.

Frequency of Response: On occasion, annual and one-time reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 760 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $7,000.

Needs and Uses: The Commission implemented rules to make it easier for U.S. carriers engaged in international telecommunications services to negotiate lower accounting rates. Reductions and changes are subject to the International Settlements Policy approach. The Commission uses the information as a method to monitor the international accounting rates to insure that the public interest is being served and also to enforce Commission policies and rules. The information enables the agency to preclude one-way bypass and safeguard of its international policy.

OMB Control No.: 3060-0859.

Title: Suggested Guidelines for Petitions for Ruling Under Section 253 of the Communications Act.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 80.

Estimated Time Per Response: 63-125 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 6,280 hours.

Total Annual Cost: N/A.

Needs and Uses: Section 253 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 253, requires the Commission, with certain important exceptions, to preempt the enforcement of any state or local statute or regulation, or other state or local legal requirement (to the extent necessary) that prohibits or has the effect of prohibiting the ability of any entity to provide any interstate or intrastate telecommunications service. The Commission's consideration of preemption begins with the filing of a petition by an aggrieved party. The petition is placed on public notice and commented on by others. The Commission's decision is based on the public record, generally composed of the petition and comments. The Commission has considered a number of preemption items since the passage of the Telecommunication Act of 1996, and believes it in the public interest to inform the public of the information necessary to support its full consideration of the issues likely to be involved in preemption actions.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.