03-13465. Public Information Collection(s) Requirement Submitted to OMB for Emergency Review and Approval

May 22, 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, 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 (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 June 30, 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 contacts listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all comments to Kim A. Johnson, Office of Management and Budget, Room 10236 NEOB, Washington, DC 20503, [phone] or via Internet at [e-mail], and Les Smith, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-A804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via Internet to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collections contact Les Smith at 202-418-0217 or via Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The Commission has requested emergency OMB review of this collection with an approval by April 14, 2003.

OMB Control Number: 3060-1038.

Type of Review: New collection.

Title: Digital Television Transition Information Questionnaires.

Form Number: N/A.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.

Number of Respondents: 844.

Estimated Time per Response: 4 to 24 hours.

Frequency of Response: One-time reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 4,823 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $251,400.

Needs and Uses: In the Telecommunications Act of 1996, Congress directed that every broadcaster be given a second channel for digital operations. At the end of the transition, broadcasters' analog channels will be returned to the government. Congress set a target date of December 31, 2006 for the end of the transition, although that date can be extended if 85% of viewers in a particular market do not have access to the digital signals. In addition, at the end of the transition the broadcast spectrum will contract from channels 2-69 to channels 2-51. This 108 MHz of spectrum (channels 52-69) can then be used by advanced wireless services and public safety authorities. There are several key building blocks to a successful transition. First, content—consumers must perceive something significantly different than what they have in analog. Second, distribution—the content must be delivered to consumers in a simple and convenient way. Third, equipment—equipment must be capable, affordable and consumer-friendly. And fourth, education—consumers must be educated about what digital television is, and what it can do for them. These information requests are designed to gather data in these key areas.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.