Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Federal Communications Commission wants to know if the way they collect information, like how remote-control toys work, is helpful and not too hard for small businesses. They also want to hear if this information helps to make sure TV signals aren't messed up by other devices.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comments on its information collection practices as part of efforts to reduce paperwork burdens, in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. Feedback is requested on the necessity and utility of collecting this information, as well as suggestions for improving its quality and minimizing the burden on small businesses. Comments are due by February 21, 2025, and can be submitted via email to Nicole Ongele at the FCC. This notice specifically addresses requirements related to unlicensed devices in TV White Space Broadcast Bands, which help prevent interference with TV reception.
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.
Keywords AI
Sources
AnalysisAI
The document at hand is a notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), inviting public comments on its current information collection practices. This initiative is part of an effort to align with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, which aims to lessen the paperwork burden on the public. The notice specifically calls for feedback on the necessity of the described information collection methods and seeks ways to improve clarity and utility while minimizing impact, particularly on small businesses.
General Summary
The document outlines an FCC request for public engagement regarding the collection of information related to unlicensed devices operating in the TV White Space Broadcast Bands. These collections aim to prevent interference with regular TV reception. The feedback window spans until February 21, 2025, and suggestions should be directed to Nicole Ongele at the FCC. This process is crucial for ensuring that the data gathering does not impose excessive challenges on respondents but serves the essential functions of the Commission effectively.
Significant Issues or Concerns
Some issues arise from the document's lack of clarity and detail. For instance, there is no comprehensive breakdown of the $151,000 total annual cost, raising potential concerns about inefficient expenditure. Additionally, terms like "white space database" and technical jargon about "unlicensed devices" assume audience familiarity with FCC operations, which can be alienating for individuals not well-versed in these concepts. Moreover, while the document mentions obligations to respond to retain benefits, it notably fails to specify what those benefits entail, which could lead to misunderstandings.
Broader Public Impact
This notice has implications for how the public engages with FCC regulations and practices. By seeking input, the FCC opens the door for individuals and organizations to potentially influence policies that impact communication technologies—an area that affects millions of users daily. However, the technical complexity of the document and lack of explanation could limit effective public participation, as only those knowledgeable about FCC language might feel equipped to comment meaningfully.
Impact on Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders, such as small business owners and users of unlicensed devices, this notice holds particular significance. Positive impacts include the opportunity to voice concerns and suggestions that could result in more manageable compliance processes and reduced administrative burdens. However, the lack of detailed explanation regarding compliance obligations and benefits could potentially lead to confusion and misinterpretation, adversely affecting small businesses without the resources to fully understand the intricate regulatory landscape.
In conclusion, while the FCC’s invitation for public comment is a positive step towards transparency and collaboration, its effectiveness is somewhat hampered by language and structural barriers that may impede full public engagement.
Financial Assessment
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) document in review pertains to an information collection effort under the Paperwork Reduction Act. A specific financial detail highlighted within the document is the Total Annual Cost of $151,000. This figure is mentioned without further details, leading to potential questions regarding how this amount is allocated or spent.
The $151,000 is indicated as the total yearly cost associated with the continuation of this information collection initiative. Such a financial reference suggests that this amount encompasses expenses related to the collection, analysis, and management of data essential for the proper functioning of the FCC’s initiatives surrounding TV White Space Broadcast Bands.
However, the document lacks clarity regarding a few aspects tied to this financial reference. There is an opportunity for concern about possibly inefficient spending since explicit details on the allocation or breakdown of the $151,000 are absent. Without this clarity, stakeholders might question whether these funds are being utilized effectively and whether they fulfill the stated goals.
Additionally, the lack of specific information in relation to technical terms and statutory references could impact how the financial figure is understood. For instance, understanding the role of the “white space database” or “unlicensed devices” and how they relate to this financial obligation is unclear due to insufficient explanation. Such terms directly tie into the financial elements because they presumably contribute to the costs.
Overall, the document might benefit from elaborating on how the $151,000 is employed over time to enhance transparency and address potential concerns of wasteful allocation. Providing a detailed cost analysis or example expenditures could help bridge the gap, offering a clearer framework for stakeholders to understand the necessity and efficiency of the expenditure.
Issues
• The document does not provide specific details on how the $151,000 total annual cost is allocated, which could lead to concerns about potential wasteful spending.
• The term 'white space database' is used without a detailed explanation, which could be unclear to those not familiar with FCC terminology and processes.
• The document mentions obligations to respond to retain benefits, but it does not specify what those benefits are, leading to potential ambiguity.
• The document assumes knowledge of the significance of sections like 15.709, 15.713, and others, without providing a brief explanation, making it less accessible to laypersons.
• The document uses technical jargon such as 'unlicensed devices' and 'harmful interference' without sufficient context for general readers.