01-22358. Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

August 28, 2001.

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 October 9, 2001. 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 Judy Boley, 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 Judy Boley at 202-418-0214 or via the Internet at [e-mail].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

 

OMB Control No.: 3060-0833.

Title: Implementation of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996: Complaint Filings/Designation of Agents.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Individuals or households, businesses or other for-profit, not-for-profit institutions, federal government, and state, local or tribal governments.

Number of Respondents: 8,677 respondents; 11,577 responses.

Estimated Time Per Response: .50—5 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion and one time reporting requirements, third party disclosure requirement, and recordkeeping requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 12,338 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $720,000.

Needs and Uses: This information collection includes rules governing the filing of complaints as part of the implementation of Section 255 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which seeks to ensure that telecommunications equipment and services are available to all Americans, including those individuals with disabilities. In particular, telecommunications service providers and equipment manufacturers will be asked for a one-time designation of an agent who will receive and promptly handle voluntary consumer complaints of accessibility concerns. As with any complaint procedure, a certain number of regulatory and information burdens are necessary to ensure compliance with FCC rules.

OMB Control No.: 3060-0874.

Title: Consumer Complaint Form.

Form No.: FCC Form 475.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Individuals or households, businesses or other for-profit, not-for-profit institutions, federal government, and state, local or tribal governments.

Number of Respondents: 58,772.

Estimated Time Per Response: .50 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirements, and third party disclosure requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 29,386 hours.

Total Annual Cost: N/A.

Needs and Uses: FCC Form 475 allows the Commission to collect detailed data from consumers on the practices of common carriers. The information contained in the collection will allow consumers to provide the Commission with the relevant information required to help consumers to develop a concise statement outlining the issue in dispute. The information will then be used to assist in the resolution of informal complaints and to collect data required to assess the practices of common carriers. FCC Form 475 was previously revised to consolidate and streamline information requirements and eliminate the FCC Form 476. This submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) is to seek an extension of OMB approval for three years.

Federal Communications Commission.

Magalie Roman Salas,

Secretary.