Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC, a group that helps manage how we use communication things like phones and radios, wants people to suggest if they really need to collect some information, and how they can do it without making it hard for small businesses.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other federal agencies to comment on certain information collections as part of its effort to reduce paperwork, following the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. They want feedback on whether collecting this information is necessary for their tasks, how accurate their burden estimate is, and how it could be more useful and clear. They also seek ways to reduce the burden on small businesses using technology. Written comments should be submitted by February 18, 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 titled "Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission" represents the Federal Communications Commission's (FCC) ongoing efforts to alleviate paperwork burdens in accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. It invites feedback from the public and other federal agencies on information collection tasks undertaken by the FCC. This initiative aims to ensure that the collection of information is not only necessary but also efficient and useful, and seeks to alleviate undue burdens, especially on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
General Summary
The Federal Communications Commission is seeking comments on its proposed information collections to ensure these efforts serve the functions of the Commission effectively. They are focused on a variety of aspects, including the necessity and utility of the information collected, the accuracy of burden estimates, and strategies to enhance clarity and reduce the administrative load on small businesses. The document emphasizes that unless a collection displays a valid OMB control number, compliance isn't mandatory, protecting the public from penalties associated with unauthorized collections.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several issues arise from the document that warrant attention:
Complex Language: The document contains legal and technical jargon such as "constructive notification" and "performance benchmarks," which may be challenging for a general audience to comprehend. This complexity could potentially limit meaningful public engagement and feedback.
Lack of Cost Details: While the document does address estimated time burdens, it lacks detailed cost assessments, which could be essential in evaluating the overall financial impact of compliance, especially for small entities.
Criterion of 'Practical Utility': Although the document seeks comments on the 'practical utility' of the information collected, there is no clear guidance or criteria provided, which might leave stakeholders unsure about how to adequately address or critique this aspect.
Impact on Small Businesses: While the document mentions minimizing burdens on small businesses, it falls short in outlining specific strategies to achieve this, leaving ambiguity regarding the actual support or relief measures intended for businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
Impact on the Public
Broadly, this document impacts the public by inviting participation in regulatory processes that may affect communications policies and services. However, the complexity of the language and lack of comprehensive guidance could inhibit fully informed participation from all public stakeholders, particularly those without legal or technical backgrounds.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Businesses and Licensees: Entities, particularly those involved in the telecommunications sector, stand to be directly impacted by the FCC's regulations as they may face requirements related to license renewals, construction notifications, and service continuity certifications.
Small Businesses: These entities, especially those with fewer than 25 employees, are identified for relief from paperwork burdens. However, the vague description of measures to support these businesses might result in insufficient provision of tangible assistance, potentially affecting their operational capacities.
In closing, the document presents a crucial opportunity for public and agency engagement in refining FCC policy implementation. Nevertheless, addressing the document's accessibility and clarity issues would be necessary to facilitate more inclusive and productive participation. Additionally, understanding more about the economic implications of proposed data collections could assist stakeholders in providing more insightful feedback.
Issues
• The document does not provide details on the estimated costs or potential financial impacts associated with the information collection, which could be important for understanding the overall burden.
• Some language in the document may be overly complex or difficult for the general public to interpret, particularly the legal references (e.g., 'Sections 1.949 and 27.13 are being added to this collection to clarify that the filing of the construction notifications and renewal applications involves the interaction of two regulations').
• The document uses specific legal and technical language (e.g., 'H Block spectrum', 'construction notification', 'performance benchmarks') that may not be easily understood by all readers, especially those not familiar with telecommunications regulations.
• The document mentions the need to comment on the 'practical utility' of the information collection but does not elaborate on what criteria or measures of 'practical utility' should be considered.
• It is unclear how the FCC specifically plans to minimize the burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees beyond general statements on seeking to reduce paperwork burdens.