Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) wants to make sure that the way they collect information is helpful and not too hard for people, especially small business owners, to do. They are asking everyone to share their thoughts and suggestions by June 9, 2025, to help make this process better.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is inviting public comments on its information collection efforts under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995. The aim is to evaluate whether these collections are necessary, accurate, and clear, and to explore ways to minimize the burden, particularly for small businesses. The FCC requires comments to be submitted by June 9, 2025, and emphasizes that any collection effort must display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. The agency is extending a currently approved collection related to the interconnection of private and public communication systems, involving 100 respondents with no associated cost burden.
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 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 at hand is a notice from the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) concerning efforts to evaluate its information collection practices. As part of the requirements under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the FCC is inviting comments from the public and other federal agencies. The central aim of this invitation is to review whether these information collections are necessary, evaluate their accuracy, and explore ways to make them more efficient. Importantly, the agency is focused on minimizing the burden for respondents, particularly small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments on this matter are requested by June 9, 2025, and any collection must display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
General Summary
The FCC's notice addresses ongoing efforts to streamline its paperwork and information collection processes, seeking input on the necessity and clarity of such collections. The agency is revisiting an existing collection process related to the interconnection of private and public communication systems. This involves 100 respondents and is noteworthy for having no associated cost burden.
Significant Issues and Concerns
One significant issue with the document is the lack of detailed explanations or examples of the specific information collections under review. Without clear examples, potential reviewers might struggle to understand the exact purpose and value of the data being collected. Additionally, while there is a nod to concerns of small businesses, defined here as those with fewer than 25 employees, the document does not delve into broader implications for small entities. This leaves a gap in understanding how small businesses, perhaps larger than 25 employees, might be affected.
The document also does not specify any potential changes or amendments to existing collection procedures, which might leave stakeholders unclear on what alterations, if any, are being proposed. Furthermore, while the goal of minimizing the burden of information collection is stated, specific strategies or steps to achieve this are not outlined, which could lead to uncertainty about how this goal will be met.
The language used, particularly in terms such as "proper performance of the functions of the Commission" and "practical utility," lacks precise definitions, which could lead to differing interpretations about what qualifies as proper performance or utility.
Impact on the Public
Broadly speaking, the FCC's invitation to comment on information collection is an opportunity for the public to influence governmental processes related to communications data. The effort to reduce paperwork burden could lead to more efficient regulatory practices, potentially offering a more streamlined interaction with the FCC. However, without detailed information or examples, it's unclear how these initiatives will specifically improve public engagement or result in tangible benefits.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
For specific stakeholders, particularly small businesses, the notice could imply a positive shift towards reducing the administrative burden associated with compliance. However, the vague detailing of impacts and solutions might not provide enough certainty or reassurance for these businesses. Stakeholders looking for specific relief measures or detailed explanations may find the document's guidance lacking.
Overall, the Document calls for stakeholder engagement with room for improvement in clarity and details, especially regarding the small business community and potential procedural amendments.
Issues
• The document does not provide detailed explanations or examples of the types of information collections under review, which could lead to ambiguity in understanding the purpose and necessity of the data being collected.
• There is no specific mention of potential small business impact beyond acknowledging concerns for businesses with fewer than 25 employees, leaving a gap in understanding broader implications for small entities.
• The document lacks clarity on the specific amendments or changes being proposed, if any, to the existing information collection processes.
• While it mentions methods to 'minimize the burden of the collection of information,' there are no specific strategies or steps listed to achieve this goal.
• The language around 'proper performance of the functions of the Commission' and 'practical utility' could be considered vague as it does not define what constitutes proper performance or practical utility.