[Federal Register Volume 63, Number 226 (Tuesday, November 24, 1998)]
[Notices]
[Pages 64963-64964]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 98-31277]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION


Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Submitted to OMB for 
Review and Approval

November 10, 1998.
SUMMARY: The Federal Communications Commission, 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 clarity 
of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of 
the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of 
automated

[[Page 64964]]

collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES: Written comments should be submitted on or before December 24, 
1998. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find 
it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, 
you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES: Direct all comments to Les Smith, Federal Communications 
Commission, Room 234, 1919 M St., N.W., Washington, DC 20554 or via the 
Internet to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies 
of the information collections contact Les Smith at 202-418-0217 or via 
the Internet at [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    OMB Approval Number: 3060-0774.
    Title: Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service, CC Doc. No. 
96-45 (47 C.F.R. Secs. 36.611-36.612 and 47 C.F.R. Part 54).
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit entities; Individuals 
or households; Not-for-profit institutions; and State, Local or Tribal 
Government.
    Number of Respondents: 5,565,451.
    Estimated Time per Response: 5 mins. up to 100 hours (0.3 hours on 
avg.).
    Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping; On occasion reporting 
requirements; Third party disclosure.
    Total Annual Burden: 1,785,570 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: None.
    Needs and Uses: Congress directed the Commission to implement a new 
set of universal service support mechanisms that are explicit and 
sufficient to advance the universal service principles enumerated in 
Section 254 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and such other 
principles as the Commission believes are necessary and appropriate for 
the protection of the public interest, convenience and necessity, and 
are consistent with the Act. In the Report and Order issued in CC 
Docket No. 96-45, the Commission adopts rules that are designed to 
implement the universal service provisions of Section 254. 
Specifically, the Order addresses: (1) Universal service principles; 
(2) services eligible for support; (3) affordability; (4) carriers 
eligible for universal service support; (5) support mechanisms for 
rural, insular, and high cost areas; (6) support for low-income 
consumers; (7) support for schools, libraries, and health care 
providers; (8) interstate subscriber line charge and common line cost 
recovery; and (9) administration of support mechanisms. The reporting 
and recordkeeping requirements contained in CC Docket No. 96-45 are 
designed to implement Section 254. The reporting and recordkeeping are 
necessary to ensure the integrity of the program. All the collections 
are necessary to implement the Congressional mandate for universal 
service. The reporting and recordkeeping requirements are necessary to 
verify that the carriers and other respondents are eligible to receive 
universal service support.

Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-31277 Filed 11-23-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P