The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking for public comments about their information collection efforts as part of reducing paperwork, in line with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995. This includes feedback on the necessity and accuracy of the FCC's data collection, how to improve the process, and how to lessen its burden on small businesses. The information collection focuses on the E-Rate program, which helps schools and libraries receive discounts on communication services. The FCC has revised the forms used in this program to ensure compliance and prevent fraud, increasing the expected public burden to 195,615 hours annually.
Simple Explanation
The FCC is asking people for ideas on how to make collecting information less work, especially to help schools and libraries get discounts on their internet needs. They want to make sure collecting this information is necessary and useful, but they also need to figure out why it's taking more time than before and how to make it easier, especially for small businesses.