Overview
Title
Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
Agencies
ELI5 AI
The FCC wants people to tell them if they really need to collect certain information and if it's too hard for small businesses. They want ideas to make this easier, like using computers to help out.
Summary AI
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is requesting public comments on an information collection as part of its ongoing efforts to minimize paperwork and comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The public is invited to share their thoughts on whether the collection is necessary, its accuracy, and how it can be improved or made less burdensome, especially for small businesses. This information collection pertains to the implementation of the local competition provisions in the Telecommunications Act of 1996, which involves incumbent local exchange carriers providing certain services to new market entrants at reasonable prices. Comments are due by June 17, 2025, and should be sent to Nicole Ongele at the FCC.
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 Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice to invite public comments on an information collection related to the implementation of local competition provisions from the Telecommunications Act of 1996. This initiative is part of the FCC's efforts to reduce paperwork and comply with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. The FCC seeks input from the general public and federal agencies on several aspects of the collection process.
General Summary
This document outlines the FCC's plan to gather information to ensure the proper performance of its functions related to local competition in telecommunications. The agency is particularly interested in public comments on the necessity, utility, and burden of the proposed information collection process, with a special focus on its impact on small businesses. The deadline for submitting comments is June 17, 2025, and feedback should be directed to Nicole Ongele at the FCC.
Significant Issues and Concerns
The document highlights several areas that could benefit from clarification or additional detail:
Estimation of Time per Response: The estimated time per response ranges between 1 and 500 hours, which appears quite broad and potentially vague. A more precise breakdown would help in understanding the scale of commitment required from respondents.
Impact on Small Businesses: While the document mentions reducing the burden on small businesses, it does not provide specific strategies or methods to achieve this goal. This lack of detail could leave small businesses uncertain about how they will be affected.
Calculation of Annual Burden: The total annual burden is estimated at 37,390 hours. However, without a detailed explanation of how this figure was derived, it is difficult to assess its accuracy.
Methods for Enhancement: The document expresses a desire to improve the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected but does not provide tangible examples or proposed methods for achieving these improvements.
Obligation to Respond: The phrase "required to obtain or retain benefits" lacks specificity. Clarifying what benefits are contingent upon responding could provide a clearer incentive for participation.
Annual Cost Analysis: Although the document states there is no annual cost, it does not discuss how this conclusion was reached or whether there are indirect costs involved, potentially leaving stakeholders unclear.
Use of Technology: There is mention of using automated techniques or information technology to reduce the burden on respondents, but the specific technologies or methods expected to be deployed are not described.
Complex Language: The document uses complex language in citing statutory authority, which might be challenging for those without expertise in telecommunications legislation to fully understand.
Impact on the Public
This call for comments directly engages the public in the regulatory process, giving citizens the opportunity to influence how local telecommunications competition is managed. However, the document could be improved by providing more context and elaboration on how the feedback will be utilized to address stakeholder concerns, particularly those of small businesses.
Impact on Specific Stakeholders
General Public: The notice allows individuals to voice their opinions on how telecommunications regulations affect them, potentially influencing policy decisions.
Small Businesses: While the document acknowledges the importance of reducing burdens on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, it lacks concrete measures to ensure this. Small businesses could benefit from greater detail on how the FCC specifically plans to support them.
Telecommunications Companies: For incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs), the information collection may require adjustments in how they provide services to new entrants. The possibility of increased competition could incentivize innovation but might also demand more robust compliance efforts.
This notice reflects the FCC's efforts to balance regulatory compliance with reducing unnecessary burdens. By seeking public input, the FCC demonstrates a commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement, although more detailed guidance could enhance the effectiveness and clarity of this initiative.
Issues
• The language regarding the estimation of time per response ('1-500 hours') is vague and could be made more precise to enhance clarity.
• The document lacks specific information on how the FCC plans to minimize the burden of information collection on small businesses, particularly those with fewer than 25 employees.
• There is no clear explanation of the methodology used to arrive at the total annual burden of 37,390 hours, which could help in understanding its accuracy.
• The document does not provide detailed examples or methods for how the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected can be enhanced.
• The phrase 'required to obtain or retain benefits' in the 'Obligation to Respond' section is somewhat vague without specifying what those benefits might be.
• Although the document mentions no cost for total annual cost, it does not explain the basis upon which this conclusion was reached, or if there are indirect costs.
• The document mentions 'automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology' but does not specify what these methods might be or how they will reduce the burden on respondents.
• The language used in citing statutory authority is complex, which might not be easily understood by non-experts or individuals not familiar with telecommunications legislation.