[Federal Register Volume 84, Number 250 (Tuesday, December 31, 2019)]
[Notices]
[Pages 72357-72360]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2019-28183]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[OMB 3060-0678 and OMB 3060-1167; FRS 16372]


Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval 
to Office of Management and Budget

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, 
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

[[Page 72358]]

take this opportunity to comment on the following information 
collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 
2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might ``further reduce 
the information collection burden for small business concerns with 
fewer than 25 employees.''
    The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of 
information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management 
and Budget (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.

DATES: Written comments should be submitted on or before January 30, 
2020. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments but find 
it difficult to do so with the period of time allowed by this notice, 
you should advise the contacts listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Nicholas A. Fraser, OMB, via 
email [email protected]; and to Cathy Williams, FCC, via 
email [email protected] and to [email protected]. Include in the 
comments the OMB control number as shown in the SUPPLEMENTARY 
INFORMATION below.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies 
of the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-
2918. To view a copy of this information collection request (ICR) 
submitted to OMB: (1) Go to the web page http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain, (2) look for the section of the web page called ``Currently 
Under Review,'' (3) click on the downward-pointing arrow in the 
``Select Agency'' box below the ``Currently Under Review'' heading, (4) 
select ``Federal Communications Commission'' from the list of agencies 
presented in the ``Select Agency'' box, (5) click the ``Submit'' button 
to the right of the ``Select Agency'' box, (6) when the list of FCC 
ICRs currently under review appears, look for the Title of this ICR and 
then click on the ICR Reference Number. A copy of the FCC submission to 
OMB will be displayed.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: As part of its continuing effort to reduce 
paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 
1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520), the FCC invited the general public and 
other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the 
following information collection. 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 estimates; (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 collection techniques or 
other forms of information technology. Pursuant to the Small Business 
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 
3506(c)(4), the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might ``further 
reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns 
with fewer than 25 employees.''
    OMB Control No.: 3060-0678.
    Title: Part 25 of the Commission's Rules Governing the Licensing 
of, and Spectrum Usage by, Satellite Network Stations and Space 
Stations.
    Form No: FCC Form 312, FCC Form 312-EZ, FCC Form 312-R and 
Schedules A, B and S.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities and Not-for-
profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents: 6,524 respondents; 6,573 responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.5-80 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion, one time, and annual reporting 
requirements; third-party disclosure requirement; recordkeeping 
requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The 
Commission has statutory authority for the information collection 
requirements under 47 U.S.C. 154, 301, 302, 303, 307, 309, 310, 319, 
332, 605, and 721.
    Total Annual Burden: 44,992 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: $16,612,586.
    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for 
confidentiality pertaining to the information collection requirements 
in this collection.
    Needs and Uses: On August 2, 2019, the Commission released a Report 
and Order, FCC 19-81, in IB Docket No. 18-86, titled ``Streamlining 
Licensing Procedures for Small Satellites'' (Small Satellite Report and 
Order). In this Report and Order, the Commission adopted a new 
alternative, optional licensing process for small satellites and 
spacecraft, called the ``Part 25 streamlined small satellite process.'' 
This new process allows qualifying applicants for small satellites and 
spacecraft to take advantage of an easier application process, a lower 
application fee, and a shorter timeline for review than currently 
exists for applicants under the Commission's existing Part 25 satellite 
licensing rules. The Commission limited the regulatory burdens borne by 
applicants, while promoting orbital debris mitigation and efficient use 
of spectrum. The Commission's action supports and encourages the 
increasing innovation in the small satellite sector and helps to 
preserve U.S. leadership in space-based services and operations. This 
information collection will provide the Commission and the public with 
necessary information about the operations of this growing area of 
satellite operations. While this information collection represents an 
overall increase in the burden hours, the increase is due to an 
anticipated overall increase in number of applications as a result of 
additional applications being filed under the streamlined process 
adopted in the Small Satellite Report and Order. This information 
collection represents a decrease in the paperwork burdens for 
individual operators of non-geostationary orbit (NGSO) satellites who 
may now qualify for streamlined processing as small satellites, and 
serves the public interest by streamlining the collection of 
information and allowing the Commission to authorize small satellites 
and spacecraft under the new process established in the Report and 
Order.
    Specifically, FCC 19-81 contains new or modified information 
collection requirements listed below:
    (1) Space station application requirements for qualifying small 
satellites and small spacecraft have been specified in new sections 
25.122 and 25.123, respectively. These new sections, including the 
certifications, incorporate some existing information requirements from 
other sections, but eliminate the need for small satellite and 
spacecraft applicants to provide much of the information that part 25 
space station applicants would typically be required to provide in 
narrative format under section 25.114(d). The new or modified 
informational requirements in sections 25.122 and 25.123 are listed as 
follows:
    a. For small satellite applications filed under section 25.122, a 
certification that the space stations will operate in non-geostationary 
orbit, or for small spacecraft applications filed under section 25.123, 
a certification that the space station(s) will operate and be disposed 
of beyond Earth's orbit.

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    b. A certification that the total in-orbit lifetime for any 
individual space station will be six years or less.
    c. For small satellite applications filed under 25.122, a 
certification that the space station(s) will either be deployed at an 
orbital altitude of 600 km or below, or will maintain a propulsions 
system and have the ability to make collision avoidance and deorbit 
maneuvers using propulsion. This certification will not apply to small 
spacecraft applications filed under section 25.123.
    d. A certification that each space station will be identifiable by 
a unique signal-based telemetry marker distinguishing it from other 
space stations or space objects.
    e. A certification that the space station(s) will release no 
operational debris.
    f. A certification that the space station operator has assessed and 
limited the probability of accidental explosions resulting from the 
conversion of energy sources on board the space station(s) into energy 
that fragments the spacecraft.
    g. A certification that the probability of a collision between each 
space station and any other large object (10 centimeters or larger) 
during the orbital lifetime of the space station is 0.001 or less as 
calculated using current NASA software or other higher fidelity model.
    h. For small satellite applications filed under section 25.122, a 
certification that the space station(s) will be disposed of through 
atmospheric re-entry, and that the probability of human casualty from 
portions of the spacecraft surviving re-entry and reaching the surface 
of the Earth is zero as calculated using current NASA software or 
higher fidelity models. This certification will not apply to small 
spacecraft applications filed under section 25.123.
    i. A certification that operations of the space station(s) will be 
compatible with existing operations in the authorized frequency band(s) 
and will not materially constrain future space station entrants from 
using the authorized frequency bands.
    j. A certification that the space station(s) can be commanded by 
command originating from the ground to immediately cease transmissions 
and the licensee will have the capability to eliminate harmful 
interference when required under the terms of the license or other 
applicable regulations.
    k. A certification that each space station is 10 cm or larger in 
its smallest dimension.
    l. For small satellite applications filed under section 25.122, a 
certification that each space station will have a mass of 180 kg or 
less, including any propellant. For small spacecraft applications filed 
under section 25.123, a certification that each space station will have 
a mass of 500 kg of less, including any propellant.
    m. A description of means by which requested spectrum could be 
shared with both current and future operators (e.g., how ephemeris data 
will be shared, antenna design, earth station geographic locations) 
thereby not materially constraining other operations in the requested 
frequency bands.
    n. For space stations with any means of maneuverability, including 
both active and passive means, a description of the design and 
operation of maneuverability and deorbit systems, and a description of 
the anticipated evolution over time of the orbit of the proposed 
satellite or satellites.
    o. In any instances where spacecraft capable of having crew aboard 
will be located at or below the deployment orbital altitude of the 
space station seeking a license, a description of the design and 
operational strategies that will be used to avoid in-orbit collision 
with such crewed spacecraft shall be furnished at the time of 
application. This narrative requirement will not apply to space 
stations that will operate beyond Earth's orbit.
    p. A list of the FCC file numbers or call signs for any known 
applications or Commission grants related to the proposed operations 
(e.g., experimental license grants, other space station or earth 
station applications or grants).
    (2) The informational requirements listed in section 25.137 for 
requests for U.S.-market access through non-U.S.-licensed space 
stations were also modified to refer to sections 25.122 and 25.123, for 
those applicants seeking U.S. market access under the small satellite 
or spacecraft process.
    This collection is also used by staff in carrying out United States 
treaty obligations under the World Trade Organization (WTO) Basic 
Telecom Agreement. The information collected is used for the practical 
and necessary purposes of assessing the legal, technical, and other 
qualifications of applicants; determining compliance by applicants, 
licensees, and other grantees with Commission rules and the terms and 
conditions of their grants; and concluding whether, and under what 
conditions, grant of an authorization will serve the public interest, 
convenience, and necessity.
    As technology advances and new spectrum is allocated for satellite 
use, applicants for satellite service will continue to submit the 
information required in 47 CFR part 25 of the Commission's rules. 
Without such information, the Commission could not determine whether to 
permit respondents to provide telecommunication services in the United 
States. Therefore, the Commission would be unable to fulfill its 
statutory responsibilities in accordance with the Communications Act of 
1934, as amended, and the obligations imposed on parties to the WTO 
Basic Telecom Agreement.
    OMB Control Number: 3060-1167.
    Title: Accessible Telecommunications and Advanced Communications 
Services and Equipment.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Individuals or households; business or other for-
profit entities; not-for-profit institutions.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 3,541 respondents; 42,106 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: .50 hours (30 minutes) to 40 hours.
    Frequency of Response: Annual, one time, and on occasion reporting 
requirements; recordkeeping requirement; third-party disclosure 
requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Mandatory. Statutory authority for this 
information collection is contained in sections 1-4, 255, 303(r), 403, 
503, 716, 717, and 718 of the Communications Act, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 
151-154, 255, 303(r), 403, 503, 617, 618, and 619.
    Total Annual Burden: 120,999 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: $17,800.
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: Confidentiality is an issue 
to the extent that individuals and households provide personally 
identifiable information, which is covered under the FCC's system of 
records notice (SORN), FCC/CGB-1, ``Informal Complaints, Inquiries and 
Requests for Dispute Assistance,'' which became effective on September 
24, 2014. In addition, upon the service of an informal or formal 
complaint, a service provider or equipment manufacturer must produce to 
the Commission, upon request, records covered by 47 CFR 14.31(a) of the 
Commission's rules that are directly relevant to the equipment or 
service that is the subject of such complaint and may assert a 
statutory request for confidentiality for these records. All other 
information submitted to the Commission pursuant to Subpart D of Part 
14 of the Commission's rules or to any other request by the Commission 
may be submitted pursuant to a request for confidentiality in 
accordance with 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission's rules.

[[Page 72360]]

    Privacy Impact Assessment: The FCC completed a Privacy Impact 
Assessment (PIA) on June 28, 2007. The PIA may be reviewed at https://www.fcc.gov/general/privacy-act-information. The FCC is in the process 
of updating the PIA to incorporate various revisions made to the SORN.
    Needs and Uses: In 2011, in document FCC 11-151, the FCC adopted 
rules to implement sections 716 and 717 of the Communications Act of 
1934 (the Act), as amended, which were added to the Act by the Twenty-
First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010 
(CVAA). See Public Law 111-260, 104. Section 716 of the Act requires 
providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of 
equipment used for advanced communications services to make their 
services and equipment accessible to individuals with disabilities, 
unless doing so is not achievable. 47 U.S.C. 617. Section 717 of the 
Act established new recordkeeping requirements and enforcement 
procedures for service providers and equipment manufacturers that are 
subject to sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Act. 47 U.S.C. 618. 
Section 255 of the Act requires telecommunications and interconnected 
VoIP services and equipment to be accessible to individuals with 
disabilities, if readily achievable. 47 U.S.C. 255. Section 718 of the 
Act requires internet browsers built into mobile phones to be 
accessible to and usable by individuals who are blind or have a visual 
impairment, unless doing so is not achievable. 47 U.S.C. 619.
    In document FCC 11-151, the Commission adopted rules relating to 
the following:
    (a) Service providers and equipment manufacturers that are subject 
to sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Act must ensure that the 
information and documentation that they provide is accessible to 
individuals with disabilities.
    (b) Service providers and equipment manufacturers may seek waivers 
from the accessibility obligations of section 716 of the Act for 
services or equipment that are designed for multiple purposes, 
including advanced communications services, but are designed primarily 
for purposes other than using advanced communications services.
    (c) Service providers and equipment manufacturers that are subject 
to sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Act must maintain records of their 
efforts to implement those sections.
    (d) Service providers and equipment manufacturers that are subject 
to sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Act must certify annually to the 
Commission that records are kept in accordance with the recordkeeping 
requirements. The certification must include contact details of the 
person(s) authorized to resolve accessibility complaints and the agent 
designated for service of process.
    (e) The Commission established procedures to facilitate the filing 
of formal and informal complaints alleging violations of sections 255, 
716, or 718 of the Act. Those procedures include a nondiscretionary 
pre-filing notice procedure to facilitate dispute resolution, that is, 
as a prerequisite to filing an informal complaint, complainants must 
first request dispute assistance from the Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau's Disability Rights Office.
    In 2013, in document FCC 13-57, the FCC adopted rules to implement 
section 718 of the Act.
    In 2015, in document FCC 15-24, the FCC reclassified broadband 
internet access service (BIAS) as a telecommunications service that is 
subject to the Commission's regulatory authority under Title II of the 
Act and applying section 255 of the Act and the Commission's 
implementing rules to providers of BIAS and manufacturers of equipment 
used for BIAS. In 2017, in document FCC 17-166, the Commission 
reinstated the information service classification of BIAS.
    Therefore, the Commission extracted those burdens from the 
collection found in OMB control number 3060-1167.

Federal Communications Commission.
Cecilia Sigmund,
Federal Register Liaison Officer.
[FR Doc. 2019-28183 Filed 12-30-19; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6712-01-P