[Federal Register Volume 62, Number 54 (Thursday, March 20, 1997)] [Notices] [Page 13377] From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] [FR Doc No: 97-7010] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collections being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission March 14, 1997. SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commissions, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarify of the information collected; and (d) 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. DATES: Persons wishing to comment on this information collection should submit comments May 19, 1997. ADDRESSES: Direct all comments to Dorothy Conway, Federal Communications Commissions, Room 234, 1919 M St., NW., Washington, DC 20554 or via internet to [email protected]. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies of the information collections contact Dorothy Conway at 202-418-0217 or via internet at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Approval Number 3060-0757. Title: Auctions Customer Survey. Type of Review: Extension of an existing collection. Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit entities. Number of Respondents: 45,000. Estimated Time for Response: .25 hours. Total Annual Burden: 11,250 hours (.25 x 45,000 responses). Total Cost to Respondents: 0. Needs and Uses: Section 309(j)(3) of the Communications Act requires the Commission to establish a competitive bidding methodology for each class of licenses or permits that the Commission grants through the use of a competitive bidding system. The Commission is further directed to test alternative methodologies under appropriate circumstances in order to promote, among other things, ``the development and rapid deployment of new technologies, products, and services for the benefit of the public, including those residing in rural areas, without administrative or judicial delays.'' The Commission is directed likewise to promote ``economic opportunity and competition and ensuring that new and innovative technologies are readily accessible to the American people by avoiding excess concentration of licenses and by disseminating licenses among a wide variety of applicants, including small businesses, rural telephone companies and businesses owned by members of minority groups and women,'' and by encouraging ``efficient and intensive use of the electromagnetic spectrum.'' In addition, Section 309(j)(12) requires the Commission to evaluate the methodologies established by the Commission for conducting competitive bidding, comparing the advantages and disadvantages of such methodologies in terms of attaining these objectives. The FCC Auctions Customer Survey is an important step in meeting these congressional requirements. By seeking input from auction participants, the Commission is gathering information to evaluate the effectiveness of competitive bidding methodologies used to date, and to improve the competitive bidding methodologies used in future auctions. Finally, the Auctions Customer Survey provides useful feedback in determining the extent to which the Commission is meeting its goal of providing participants in competitive bidding with the highest level of customer satisfaction through information dissemination and the responsiveness of the Commission staff to customer inquiries. Federal Communications Commission. William F. Caton, Acting Secretary. [FR Doc. 97-7010 Filed 3-19-97; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-F