FR 2024-28385

The document under review invites the public and federal agencies to comment on a proposed information collection by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). As part of its efforts to reduce paperwork burdens, the FCC has introduced a new form, FCC Form 184, for entities wishing to participate in a 5G Fund auction. This initiative aligns with the goals of the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 and the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, particularly focusing on easing burdens for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.

The FCC seeks input on several aspects of this collection, including whether the information gathered is necessary and if the burden on respondents can be minimized. The agency has extended an invitation to provide comments and recommendations by January 3, 2025.

Significant Issues and Concerns

The proposal, while an effort to streamline participation in the 5G Fund auction, raises some concerns. Firstly, the criteria for determining whether an applicant is "legally, technically, and financially qualified" remain unclear in the document. This lack of clarity may lead to confusion or apprehension among potential applicants.

Additionally, the estimated time to complete each response is approximately seven hours. For small businesses, this could represent a considerable investment of time and resources, presenting a significant burden which the FCC seeks to mitigate. While the document asserts there are no direct costs associated with the application, there could be indirect costs involved for applicants in preparing their submissions which are not clearly outlined.

The document references specific FCC orders—such as the "5G Fund Report and Order" and the "5G Fund Second Report and Order"—without summarizing their content. This lack of context could lead to misunderstandings about the regulatory and procedural requirements.

Impact on the Public and Stakeholders

From a broader perspective, the document may impact various entities differently. For larger companies or institutions, the compliance requirements and the detailed information gathered through FCC Form 184 could represent an additional step in their operational procedures but may not be overly burdensome. They are better positioned to absorb the time and potential indirect costs associated with the process.

However, smaller businesses, particularly those with fewer than 25 employees, might face challenges. Despite the intention to reduce their informational burden, the complexity of navigating the requirements and gathering the necessary documentation could still pose significant challenges and hinder participation from these stakeholders.

Potential Positive and Negative Impacts

Positively, the initiative embodies a structured approach to ensure only qualified entities attempt to participate in the crucial 5G Fund auctions, which aim to expand high-speed mobile service to underserved areas. This focus is crucial for modernizing communication infrastructure, particularly in rural and high-cost areas.

On the downside, without clear explanations or simplified processes, the document could unintentionally exclude smaller entities from participation, which runs counter to the objectives of the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act. Such entities may find the complexity and effort required daunting, potentially missing out on valuable opportunities that the 5G rollout could represent.

Overall, the document's efforts to solicit feedback and reduce burdens indicate a positive step towards inclusive policymaking. However, the concerns outlined highlight the need for clearer communication and more accessible processes to truly make an impact on the intended stakeholders.