2015-24347. 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 concerns 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 November 24, 2015. 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 [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: 3060-0718.

Title: Part 101 Rule Sections Governing the Terrestrial Microwave Fixed Radio Service.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

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

Number of Respondents: 9,500 respondents; 27,342 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: .25-3 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion and every 10 year reporting requirements, third party disclosure requirement, and recordkeeping requirement.

Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits or retain benefits. Voluntary in case of Rural Microwave Flexibility Policy. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 301, 303(f), 303(g), 303(r), 307, 308, 309, 310, and 316.

Total Annual Burden: 36,223 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $1,534,725.

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 Commission will submit this information collection to the Office of Management and Budget for a three-year extension of OMB Control Number 3060-0718. Part 101 rule sections require respondents to report or disclose information to the Commission or third parties, respectively, and to maintain records. These requirements are necessary for the Commission staff to carry out its duties to determine technical, legal and other qualifications of applicants to operate and remain licensed to operate a station(s) in the common carrier and/or private fixed microwave services. In addition, the information is used to determine whether the public interest, convenience, and necessity are being served as required by 47 U.S.C. 309 and to ensure that applicants and licenses comply with ownership and transfer restrictions imposed by 47 U.S.C. 310. Without this information, the Commission would not be able to carry out its statutory responsibilities.

In November 2012, FCC modified this collection to include the voluntary requirements of the Rural Microwave Flexibility Policy that were adopted by the FCC on August 3, 2012, the FCC adopted and released a Backhaul Second Report and Order, FCC 12-87, WT Docket No. 10-153. This Policy directs the Wireless Telecommunication Bureau to favorably consider waivers of the requirements for payload capacity of equipment. The voluntary requirements will continue with this PRA collection. There is no change in the third party disclosure requirements.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene H. Dortch,

Secretary.