Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC is asking people to say what they think about how it collects information to make sure everything is fair and useful. They promise not to make anyone collect information without a special number that shows it's approved.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice inviting public comments on its data collection efforts as part of the Paperwork Reduction Act. The aim is to assess the necessity and practical utility of the information collected, the accuracy of the burden estimates, and the means to enhance and simplify the collection process. The FCC emphasizes that no information collection should happen without a valid Office of Management and Budget control number, protecting respondents from penalties. Comments should be submitted by May 16, 2025, to help further improve FCC's documentation and information collection processes.
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
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a request for public comments on its current information collection processes. This call for feedback is part of an ongoing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA). The FCC is specifically looking to gather opinions on the necessity and practical utility of the information gathered, as well as the accuracy of their burden estimates. Moreover, the FCC is interested in suggestions to enhance the quality and clarity of the information collected, and in finding ways to minimize the burden on respondents, especially for small businesses. Importantly, the FCC emphasizes that any collection of information should have a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number to protect respondents from penalties.
Significant Issues and Concerns
Several concerns arise from this document. Firstly, it does not specify the types of organizations or individuals that would benefit from the information collection, which might lead to concerns about favoritism if not correctly managed. Additionally, the document references specific technical standards such as IEC 61097-17 and RTCM 11000, which may not be widely understood by the general public. This reliance on technical jargon could cause confusion among those unfamiliar with such standards.
Furthermore, the language used, especially in the "Needs and Uses" section, is quite technical and could be challenging for non-experts to comprehend fully. There is also a lack of detailed guidance on minimizing the information collection burden, even though the FCC is soliciting comments on how to achieve this goal. Lastly, the document does not provide clarity on how public comments will be evaluated or utilized in making final decisions regarding these information collections.
Impact on the Public
For the general public, this call for comments represents an opportunity to influence the FCC's data collection processes. However, the effectiveness of public engagement may be limited if individuals find the document's language impenetrable or struggle to understand its implications due to technical complexities. Small businesses may find particular interest in this opportunity as it addresses specific efforts to reduce the burden on enterprises with fewer than 25 employees.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
Stakeholders in the telecommunications industry, particularly manufacturers of emergency radio beacons and related equipment, stand directly affected by these guidelines. The requirements for compliance with international technical standards could ensure that marine safety devices meet rigorous safety and performance criteria. However, the cost of compliance might be a concern, although the FCC indicates no direct annual cost for this information collection process.
In summary, while the FCC's initiative addresses critical areas such as reducing paperwork burdens and enhancing data collection processes, it raises issues regarding accessibility and clarity for the general public and industry participants. Stakeholders are encouraged to participate through comments, yet they require a clear understanding of the technical details discussed to do so effectively.
Issues
• The document does not specify the exact types of organizations or individuals likely to benefit from the information collection, which could raise concerns about favoritism if not properly managed.
• The document relies on technical standards (IEC 61097-17, RTCM 11000, COSPAS-SARSAT C/S T.001, etc.) that might not be widely understood by general readers, potentially leading to ambiguity or confusion.
• The language used in some parts, such as the 'Needs and Uses' section, is quite technical and could be difficult for people not familiar with the subject matter to fully understand.
• The document does not provide specific examples of how the information collection burden could be minimized further, despite calling for comments on how to achieve this.
• There is a lack of detail on how public comments will be evaluated or how they might influence the final decision-making process regarding the information collection.