Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC wants to hear what people think about their plan to collect information and make sure they’re not making things too hard or confusing. They want ideas on how they can do this in a way that's less work, especially for smaller businesses.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting public comments on their efforts to collect information, as part of their ongoing mission to reduce paperwork, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Feedback is specifically sought on whether the information collection is vital for the FCC's functions, its accuracy, and its impact on small businesses. The FCC highlights the obligations under certain sections of the Communications Act, detailing requirements for toll-free numbers and pay-per-call services, to protect consumer rights and ensure clear billing information. Public comments should be sent by February 3, 2025.
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 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.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register, issued by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), is a request for public comments regarding its information collection practices. This effort is part of the FCC's ongoing mission to reduce paperwork burdens under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The document seeks feedback on the necessity of the information collection for the FCC's functions, its accuracy, and the impact on small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 25 employees.
General Summary
The FCC invites the public and other federal agencies to comment on specific information collections the commission undertakes. These collections pertain to various regulations concerning toll-free numbers and pay-per-call services. The focus is to ensure that these processes are efficient, practical, and not unduly burdensome. The document sets out a deadline for written comments by February 3, 2025, providing contact details for submitting feedback.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Several issues arise from this document. Firstly, it does not specify any potential financial costs associated with the information collection, leaving respondents uncertain about possible expenses. Additionally, the technical language used to describe regulations and requirements may be difficult for the general public to understand without a legal background.
Another concern is the wide range of estimated time per response, from 2 to 260 hours, making it difficult to gauge the average burden on respondents. The document also fails to detail why certain information is necessary, potentially leading to questions about its practical utility. Moreover, while it mentions automation and technology as means to reduce the burden, it lacks specific measures tailored for small businesses.
Furthermore, the document cites rule 47 CFR 64.1504 but does not explain in detail how the FCC will enforce compliance. Lastly, it lacks a discussion regarding feedback mechanisms or actions to be taken after the comment submission period, which could leave stakeholders uncertain about the next steps following their input.
Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, this document seeks to engage the public in a regulatory process that aims to make information collection more efficient and transparent. However, the technical nature and potential costs involved might deter some individuals or small businesses from participating or complying fully.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For businesses, particularly small ones, the document could represent both an opportunity and a challenge. It offers a platform to voice concerns and suggest improvements in information collection processes that affect them. However, the lack of clear cost details and the technical language may pose significant hurdles. On the positive side, if the FCC incorporates public feedback effectively, it could lead to more streamlined communication procedures, benefiting businesses and consumers alike by ensuring clear billing practices and protecting consumer rights.
Overall, while the FCC's intent to reduce paperwork and improve processes is appreciated, the document could benefit from clearer communication and detailed explanations regarding the implications and processes involved.
Issues
• The document does not specify any estimated financial cost associated with the information collection, which could leave uncertainty about potential expenses incurred by the respondents.
• The language used in sections describing the regulations and requirements is technical and may be difficult for the general public to understand without a legal background.
• The range of estimated time per response (2 to 260 hours) is very wide, making it challenging to assess the average burden on respondents.
• There is no breakdown of why certain information is necessary, which could lead to questions about the practical utility of the collection.
• No specific measures are mentioned to minimize the paperwork burden on small businesses beyond general statements about automation and technology.
• The document mentions a rule (47 CFR 64.1504), but it does not sufficiently explain how the FCC will enforce whether carriers comply with these disclosure requirements.
• The document lacks discussion of any feedback mechanisms or follow-up actions post the comment submission period, potentially leaving stakeholders uncertain about the steps following their input.