Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC wants to make sure that filling out their forms isn't too hard, especially for small businesses, so they are asking people to share their ideas on how to make this easier by January 3, 2025. They need a special number to keep collecting this information, which helps them keep track of internet services and make sure they're doing a good job.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments as part of its efforts to reduce paperwork, particularly the burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is part of a requirement by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, and no new data collection can proceed without a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. Comments on the proposed information collection about broadband location reporting are due by January 3, 2025, and the FCC seeks ways to improve the collection process and reduce the burden on respondents. The information collected is crucial to monitor broadband deployment and ensure it aligns with public interest and support obligations.
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might "further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees." The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (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
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AnalysisAI
The document from the Federal Register outlines a request for public comment by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This follows efforts to reduce the paperwork burden, especially on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The objective behind collecting public input is to refine the current information collection processes related to broadband location reporting and ensure compliance with existing public interest and support obligations.
General Summary
The FCC is interested in understanding how its data collection efforts can be optimized to minimize the burden on businesses while maintaining the quality and utility of the information collected. This is part of a broader obligation to ensure that the information collected aligns with the public interest and aids in effective broadband deployment monitoring. Feedback is particularly sought on whether these collections are indispensable for the FCC's functions, their accuracy, and how they can potentially be improved.
Significant Issues or Concerns
One concern regarding the document is its use of complex language and references that might be challenging for the general public to grasp. For those unfamiliar with the specific FCC orders or its operational framework, the text can be seen as dense and opaque, making public participation in the commenting process more difficult.
Another notable issue is the significant annual burden estimate of 86,263 hours related to compliance, with no referenced cost implications. This raises questions about the overall efficiency of the information collection process and whether the time commitment justifies the benefits derived from it, especially in light of the Paperwork Reduction Act, which aims to mitigate such burdens.
Furthermore, while the document indicates an interest in reducing paperwork for small businesses, it lacks specificity in detailing which entities might gain or lose more noticeably from these proposed changes. This absence could lead to perceptions of potential favoritism or unequal impacts across businesses of varying sizes.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, the document affects the public by potentially influencing the level of transparency and accountability in how broadband services are reported and monitored across the country. As broadband service remains a critical component of modern infrastructure, ensuring its efficient deployment is crucial.
For the general public, this document also signals an opportunity to engage with the policymaking process by submitting comments, which can influence how the FCC and associated entities approach data collection and reporting requirements moving forward.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For small businesses and other stakeholders with fewer than 25 employees, these changes in paperwork requirements could mean less administrative hassle if the FCC identifies and implements effective burden reductions. On the other hand, entities involved in broadband deployment might face new requirements necessitating adjustments to their reporting processes to comply with enhanced accuracy and transparency objectives.
Moreover, organizations tasked with monitoring and deploying broadband could benefit from streamlined processes that maximize efficiency and minimise redundant efforts while enhancing the quality of information available for public oversight.
In conclusion, while the FCC's intention to refine and possibly reduce the paperwork burden is commendable, the execution and communication of these intentions could be improved for broader understanding and participation. The opportunity for public comment represents a valuable chance for stakeholders to shape policies that directly impact the telecommunications landscape and the broader objective of accessible, robust broadband infrastructure.
Issues
• The document contains complex language and legal references that might be difficult for the general public to understand without specialized knowledge.
• There is no clear breakdown of the anticipated costs associated with the information collection process, which may raise concerns about potential wasteful spending.
• The document does not specify any particular agency or small business that might benefit disproportionately from the reduced paperwork burdens, leaving room for potential favoritism.
• The duplicative nature or overlap of existing and new reporting requirements could potentially lead to inefficiencies or unnecessary burden on respondents.
• The mention of various FCC orders and their specific requirements could create ambiguity for those unfamiliar with these documents or the FCC's framework.
• The total annual burden estimate is high (86,263 hours) with no cost implications, which might warrant further explanation or justification, especially considering the Paperwork Reduction Act's goals.