Overview
Title
Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC is asking people to help them make their paperwork easier to understand and less time-consuming. They want feedback about how useful and clear their forms are and how they can make things easier, especially for tiny businesses.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other federal agencies for feedback on its information collections, as part of efforts to reduce paperwork burdens in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The FCC is particularly interested in the usefulness and accuracy of these collections, how to make them clearer and more efficient, and how to lessen the impact on small businesses. They welcome comments by April 28, 2025, and specific contact information is provided for sending feedback. This request is necessary because the FCC must display a valid OMB control number to sponsor these collections.
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), 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 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
Sources
AnalysisAI
This document from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is essentially a call for feedback from the public and other federal agencies on various information collections that the FCC conducts. Under the Paperwork Reduction Act, the FCC seeks to streamline its paperwork processes and ensure that the information it gathers is necessary for its operations, clear, and not burdensome, especially to small businesses.
General Summary
In its notice, the FCC is requesting comments on whether the collection of information is essential for its functions, and if so, whether it is being collected in the most efficient way. The notice specifies that comments are due by April 28, 2025, and provides contact details for submissions. Furthermore, it outlines several specific information collection scenarios, including those related to station operations, cable television relay stations, and compatibility with consumer electronics.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One noticeable challenge in the document is its use of technical language and references to specific legal and procedural elements, such as sections of the Communications Act and OMB Control Numbers. This might not be easily understandable for those without specialized knowledge. Moreover, the document details obligations as "Required to obtain or retain benefits," which could be ambiguous without further clarification.
Additionally, while the document outlines time estimates and burden assessments for respondents, there is a lack of context or comparison to help readers assess the fairness or difficulty of these requirements. The absence of a clear explanation of penalties for non-compliance may leave some respondents unsure about the implications of not adhering to these regulations.
Impact on the Public
This document may broadly affect how information is collected by the FCC, potentially influencing the efficiency and clarity with which federal regulations are enforced. For the general public, understanding these collections might seem daunting due to the intricate legal language and lack of simplified instructions. However, engagement with this process offers an opportunity to influence the reduction of paperwork and improve transparency.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For small businesses, particularly those with less than 25 employees, the document highlights an effort to reduce the information collection burden. The FCC is keen on finding ways to make compliance less demanding for smaller entities, potentially freeing up resources for these businesses.
Furthermore, businesses and local governments required to respond might find greater clarity or efficiency in the revised procedures, should the FCC implement any feedback they receive. However, until changes are realized, some stakeholders might feel the strain of current compliance requirements, particularly if they lack the resources to navigate complex regulations.
Overall, while this document may initially appear complex, it represents an important part of regulatory processes aimed at fostering efficiency and responsiveness in federal oversight. By soliciting input, the FCC is taking an active step toward more effective communication and operation strategies, striving to balance the need for information with the realities faced by those who must provide it.
Financial Assessment
The document from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) under review by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) includes references to financial costs associated with compliance for specific sections of the Communications Act and relates to various information collections managed by the Commission.
Financial References in the Document
The document specifies two main financial references:
Total Annual Costs: $600
This figure is associated with the requirements for cable television relay station operators to file requests for special temporary authority (STA) under 47 CFR 78.33. These requests allow operators to use equipment in a different manner than originally authorized and to conduct related tests. The annual cost represents expenses incurred by the respondents to comply with this requirement.Total Annual Cost: $1,550
This cost is linked to the requirements in Section 76.630(a) regarding compatibility with consumer electronic equipment. This section mandates that cable system operators should not encrypt channels in the basic service tier without a waiver. The stated cost presumably covers the process of notifying subscribers about waiver requests and any administrative costs associated with this obligation.
Relationship to Identified Issues
The document mentions several issues related to the financial references:
Complexity and Clarity: The technical references and acronyms, such as specific sections of the act and OMB control numbers, may not be easily understandable to a general audience. This complexity can hinder comprehension of the financial obligations and costs, making it difficult for respondents to assess their financial impact. Simplification and explanation are needed to clarify these costs and obligations for a wider audience.
Understanding of Obligations: The phrase "Required to obtain or retain benefits" associated with each financial cost implies that compliance is necessary to maintain advantageous positions or services. However, the document does not clearly outline the potential financial consequences of non-compliance, leaving respondents uncertain about the stakes involved.
Burden Assessment: For both financial references, the document specifies an estimated time per response and total annual hours of burden (12 hours and 853 hours, respectively). Without additional context, it is challenging for readers to determine whether these figures are reasonable, especially when compounded with the associated costs. Providing comparative benchmarks or examples could help respondents understand whether these are typical burdens.
Practical Implications: The document's lack of illustrative scenarios makes it difficult for respondents to foresee the financial impacts of these requirements in practice. More real-world examples would assist in visualizing how expenses like the reported $600 and $1,550 are incurred as part of compliance.
In summary, while the document outlines specific financial requirements for compliance with FCC regulations, greater clarity and context regarding these monetary obligations would enhance understanding and facilitate compliance among a broader audience.
Issues
• The document contains technical references, such as specific sections of the Communications Act and OMB Control Numbers, which may not be easily understandable to the general public without specialized knowledge.
• The obligation to respond is marked as 'Required to obtain or retain benefits', which may require further clarification to ensure respondents understand the implications.
• There could be more simplification or explanation of the processes mentioned, such as the filing of FCC Form 601 or the process for submitting comments, to make it more accessible to non-professionals.
• The document mentions a variety of estimated time per response and annual burdens, but without context or comparison, readers might find it difficult to assess whether these are reasonable or problematic figures.
• There is no explanation of the potential consequences or penalties for non-compliance with the requirements, which might leave respondents unsure about the seriousness of the obligations.
• There are no specific examples or scenarios provided to illustrate the practical implications of these information collection requirements, which could aid in understanding their impact.
• The document contains multiple acronyms and technical terms without a glossary or explanation for readers who may not be familiar with FCC procedures or legal terminology.