Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC wants to know if the forms they ask people to fill out are really needed and helpful. They're asking for ideas to make the forms clearer and easier, especially for small businesses, and you can tell them what you think until February 10, 2025.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on an information collection effort aimed at reducing paperwork burdens, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This collection involves evaluating whether the information gathered is necessary and useful for the FCC's functions, and seeks feedback on improving the quality and clarity of information while reducing the burden, especially on small businesses. The initiative relates to the Connect America Fund and involves respondents from businesses who, in exchange for support, must meet specific service obligations to provide broadband in rural areas. The FCC is accepting written comments until February 10, 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 the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. 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 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
Keywords AI
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AnalysisAI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is moving forward with a new information collection initiative aimed at reducing paperwork burdens, as mandated by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This effort's primary focus is on gathering input from the public and other federal agencies regarding the Connect America Fund, which supports the deployment of broadband in rural areas. The deadline for submitting written comments is February 10, 2025.
General Summary
This document outlines the FCC's intent to collect information relevant to the Connect America Fund, a program designed to foster broadband network deployment in rural areas by providing model-based support to carriers. The FCC seeks feedback on various aspects, including the utility of the information collected, methods to enhance its quality, and strategies to minimize the burden on respondents, particularly small businesses. Moreover, the FCC emphasizes that this collection effort cannot proceed without a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number, protecting respondents from penalties for non-compliance otherwise.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from the document that may need further clarification:
Accuracy of Burden Estimate: The estimated total annual burden of 700 hours is stated, but the document does not provide specifics on how this figure was calculated. This omission might lead to skepticism about the estimate's accuracy.
Clarity of Requirements: There is a lack of detail regarding what specific information carriers need to submit. This absence could lead to confusion and inefficiency in compliance among respondents.
Complex Language: The description of the "voluntary pathway to model-based support" appears technical and may be overly complex for many stakeholders, particularly smaller businesses unfamiliar with FCC jargon.
Insufficient Context: The document references numerous legal authorities and docket numbers, which might be daunting or obscure to individuals not well-versed in FCC regulations and procedures.
Feedback Mechanism: There is no clear mention of how feedback from the public will be processed or utilized, which might lead to concerns over transparency in the FCC's review process.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, particularly those residing in rural areas, this document represents a potential step towards improved broadband infrastructure. By supporting carriers financially through model-based arrangements, the FCC aims to incentivize the expansion of broadband services, thereby enhancing connectivity in underserved regions.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Businesses and Carriers: Businesses, especially smaller entities with fewer than 25 employees, might face challenges in complying with the information collection requirements due to a lack of clarity and potential complexity in understanding what is expected. However, successful compliance could result in obtaining financial support for broadband projects, which is beneficial.
Small Businesses: The document acknowledges the need to reduce the burden on small businesses, yet how this goal will be achieved without clear guidelines and simplified language remains uncertain.
Overall, while the FCC's initiative holds potential benefits in promoting broadband access in rural areas, clearer information and enhanced transparency in the process could improve stakeholder engagement and compliance. The document sets a stage for improvements but requires careful attention to stakeholder concerns to achieve its objectives effectively.
Issues
• The document does not provide a detailed breakdown of how the total annual burden of 700 hours was calculated, which could raise questions about the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate.
• The document lacks clarity on what specific information carriers need to submit to comply with the information collection requirement, potentially leading to confusion among respondents.
• The language regarding the 'voluntary pathway to model-based support' could be simplified to ensure that all stakeholders, especially small businesses, understand what is expected of them.
• The document mentions several legal authorities and docket numbers without sufficient context or explanation, which might be difficult for readers unfamiliar with FCC regulations to understand.
• There is no mention of any feedback mechanism or public engagement strategy following the submission of comments, which could be seen as a lack of transparency in the review process.