01-18293. Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission for Extension Under Delegated Authority; Comments Requested

July 13, 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 September 21, 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 Les Smith, Federal Communications Commissions, Room 1 A-804, 445 Twelfth Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to [e-mail].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Approval No.: 3060-0661.

Title: Section 21.931 Partitioning of BTAs.

Form No.: n/a.

Type of Review: Extension of currently approved collection.

Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 10.

Estimated Hours Per Response: 7 hours (1 hour respondent, 4 hours contract attorney, 2 hours contract engineer).

Frequency of Response: on occasion.

Cost to Respondents: $11,000.

Estimated Total Annual Burden: 10.

Needs and Uses: Section 21.931 permits a Basic Trading Area (BTA) to enter into contracts with eligible parties to partition any contiguous portion of its service area. Under Section 21.931(a)(2), applicants are required to submit partitioning contracts with the Commission within 30 days of the date the contracts are reached. These contracts will be submitted with one of the following: (1) An MDS long-form application; (2) an application for assignment or transfer; or (3) a statement of intention. These collections have separate OMB control numbers. These partitioning contracts will facilitate the development of successful wireless cable systems in rural areas and will make the most efficient use of the available spectrum. The contracts designate the specific geopolitical boundaries used to partition the BTA. The Commission will apply the same MDS technical rules to partitioned service areas.

Federal Communications Commission.

William F. Caton,

Deputy Secretary.