[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 66 (Thursday, April 6, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20519-20521]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-07147]



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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[OMB 3060-0357, OMB 3060-1028, OMB 3060-1029; FR ID 134829]


Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal 
Communications Commission

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, 
and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the 
Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the 
general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to 
comment on the following information collections. 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.
    The FCC 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 PRA comments should be submitted on or before June 5, 
2023. 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 PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email to 
[email protected] and to [email protected].

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the 
information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-2918.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 
    OMB Control No.: 3060-0357.
    Title: Recognized Private Operating Agency (RPOA), 47 CFR 63.701.
    Form Number: N/A.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit.
    Number of Respondents: 2 respondents; 3 responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 3-6 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.
    Obligation To Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The 
Commission has statutory authority for this collection pursuant to 
Sections 4(i), 4(j), 201-205, 214 and 403 of the Communications Act of 
1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(j), 201-25, 214 and 403.
    Total Annual Burden: 8 hours.
    Annual Cost Burden: $4,810.
    Needs and Uses: The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) 
is requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve 
a revision to OMB Control No. 3060-0357--Recognized Private Operating 
Agency--47 CFR 63.701. The Commission is developing revised and new 
electronic forms for this collection as part of the Commission's 
modernization of its online, web-based electronic filing system--the 
International Bureau filing system (IBFS). This Supporting Statement 
seeks approval for the new and revised forms for requests to be 
designated as a Recognized Operating Agency (ROA), and reflects changes 
in the costs and burdens associated with these applications.
    At the request of the U.S. Department of State (State Department), 
the Commission adopted a voluntary program by which companies that 
provide enhanced services could seek designation as a recognized 
private operating agency. The term recognized private operating agency 
was used in the International Telecommunication Convention, the 
international agreement that created the International 
Telecommunication Union (ITU), to refer to private-sector providers of 
international telecommunication services that had been ``recognized'' 
either by the government of the country in which they had been 
incorporated, or the country where they operated. Today, the term 
recognized private operating agency is interchangeable with the term 
recognized operating agency (ROA).
    Most providers of international telecommunications services to or 
from the U.S. hold either an authorization under section 214 of the 
Communications Act or a radio license under section 301 of the Act. The 
issuance of such authorizations or licenses is public evidence that the 
U.S. government ``recognizes'' the entities to which they are issued. 
However, providers of enhanced services are not licensed or authorized. 
They are permitted to begin operations without any formal applications 
or notifications. It is not, therefore, immediately apparent to foreign 
governments that a U.S. enhanced service provider has been 
``recognized'' within the meaning of the ITU Convention. As a 
consequence, such entities have sometimes found foreign governments 
unwilling to let them operate in those countries.
    As a result, providers requested that the Commission and the State 
Department develop a program whereby enhanced service providers could 
be formally designated as ROAs. The program that was developed calls 
for those entities wishing to obtain such a designation to submit an 
application to the Commission setting forth pertinent information about 
the provider and the services it proposes to provide and a pledge by 
the provider that it would abide by all international obligations to 
which the U.S. is a signatory. The Commission places the application on 
public notice and allows interested parties to comment on the 
application.
    The Commission then makes a recommendation, based on the 
application and comments, to the State Department either to grant or 
deny the request. The State Department then acts on the recommendation 
and notifies the ITU of any applications that it grants. ROA 
designation is voluntary. If an enhanced service provider does not find 
such designation necessary, it is not required to file an application.
    In order to implement this program, the Commission adopted 47 CFR 
63.701 to set forth the information that must be contained in an 
application for designation as an ROA. ROA designations do not have 
expiration dates. They continue indefinitely, unless revoked for cause. 
ROAs are not required to file any reports or other information with the 
Commission throughout their indefinite period of designation.
    Any party requesting designation as an ROA within the meaning of 
the International Telecommunication Convention must file a request for 
such designation with the Commission. This filing includes a statement 
of the nature of the services to be provided and a statement that the 
applicant is aware that it is obligated under Article 6 of the ITU to 
obey the mandatory provisions thereof, and all regulations promulgated 
there under, and a pledge that it will engage in no conduct or 
operations that contravene such mandatory provisions

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and that it will otherwise obey the Convention and regulations in all 
respects. The applicant must also include a statement that it is aware 
that failure to comply will result in an order from the Commission to 
cease and desist from future violations of an ITU regulation and may 
result in revocation of its ROA status by the State Department .
    IBFS Modernization of ROA Electronic Forms. The Commission seeks 
OMB approval of revisions to its ROA application forms and the addition 
of new forms that will be electronically filed through IBFS. The new 
online forms will ensure the Commission collects the information 
required by the Commission's rules. The use of such online forms will 
reduce costs and administrative burdens on applicants, resulting in 
greater efficiencies, and improve transparency to the public. Once the 
Commission receives approval for the new forms from OMB, as required by 
section 1.10006 of the Commission's rules, we will announce the 
availability of mandated e-forms and their effective dates.
    OMB Control No.: 3060-1028.
    Title: International Signaling Point Code (ISPC).
    Form No.: N/A.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 11 respondents; 20 responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 hours-3 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; Third 
party disclosure requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The 
statutory authority for this collection is contained in Sections 1, 
4(i)-(j), 201-205, 211, 214, 219-220, 303(r), 309 and 403 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C 151, 154(i)-(j), 201-
205, 211, 214, 219-220, 303(r), and 403.
    Total Annual Burden: 15 hours.
    Annual Cost Burden: $13,300.
    Needs and Uses: The Federal Communications Commission (Commission) 
is requesting that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to approve 
a revision to OMB Control No. 3060-1028--International Signaling Point 
Code. The Commission is developing revised and new electronic forms for 
this collection as part of the Commission's modernization of its 
online, web-based electronic filing system--the International Bureau 
filing system (IBFS). This information collection seeks approval for 
the new and revised forms to request an International Signaling Point 
Code (ISPC), and reflects changes in the costs and burdens associated 
with these applications.
    An ISPC is a unique, seven-digit code used to identify the 
signaling network of each international carrier. The ISPC has a unique 
format that is used at the international level for signaling message 
routing and identification of signaling points in Signaling System 7 
networks. ISPC applications are filed through IBFS. After receipt of 
the ISPC application, the Commission assigns the ISPC code to each 
applicant (international carrier) free of charge on a first-come, 
first-served basis. The collection of this information is required to 
assign a unique identification code to each international carrier and 
to facilitate communication among international carriers by their use 
of the ISPC code on the shared signaling network. The Commission 
informs the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) of its 
assignment of ISPCs to international carriers on an ongoing basis.
    In 1987, the Commission assumed the responsibility as the 
Administrator for the U.S. of issuing ISPCs to international carriers 
based on an exchange of letters between AT&T, the Commission, and the 
International Telecommunications Union-Telecommunications 
Standardization (ITU-T). The ITU allocates a specific amount of ISPCs 
to member countries for assignment to carriers. ITU-T Recommendation 
Q.708 includes a list of criteria for assignment of signaling point 
codes.
    The ITU, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, is an international 
organization within the United Nations System where governments and the 
private sector coordinate global telecom networks and services. The 
ITU-T, which is one of three sectors of the ITU, has a continuing role 
in preparing the technical specifications for telecommunications 
systems, networks and services, including their operation, performance 
and maintenance. In addition, the ITU-T oversees the tariff principles 
and accounting methods used to provide international services.
    Pursuant to the ITU guidance contained in ITU-T Recommendation 
Q.708, the Commission must obtain certain information from an applicant 
requesting a new ISPC assignment. This information is used by the 
Commission to assess whether the applicant's use of the ISPC will be in 
compliance with ITU guidelines. The minimum information required is the 
name of the applicant and the name of the signaling point (typically 
the city where the ISPC will be located). ITU-T Recommendation Q.708 
states that administrators can request additional information from 
applicants, which may include applicant contact information; 
location(s) where the ISPC(s) will be implemented; description of the 
nature of the use of the ISPC(s) in the network; a statement regarding 
the signaling point manufacturer/type; and identification of at least 
one planned Message Transfer Part (MTP) signaling relation. Applicants 
must also make several certifications/acknowledgments regarding their 
obligations and rights associated with an ISPC assignment. Operators 
that have been assigned an ISPC must also notify the Commission when 
any parameters of their code assignment(s) have changed (i.e., 
modifications), such as a change in the location where the ISPC has 
been implemented. In the event that an assigned ISPC has undergone a 
transfer of control as a result of a merger, acquisition, divestiture, 
or formation of a joint venture, the ISPC operator must notify the 
Commission of the transfer and the identity of the new holder of the 
ISPC (along with relevant contact information).
    IBFS Modernization of ISPC Electronic Forms. The Commission seeks 
OMB approval of revisions to its ISPC application form and the addition 
of new forms that will be electronically filed through IBFS. The new 
online forms will ensure the Commission collects the information 
required by the Commission's rules. The use of such online forms will 
reduce costs and administrative burdens on applicants, resulting in 
greater efficiencies, and improve transparency to the public. Once the 
Commission receives approval for the new forms from OMB, as required by 
section 1.10006 of the Commission's rules, we will announce the 
availability of mandated e-forms and their effective dates.
    OMB Control No.: 3060-1029.
    Title: Data Network Identification Code (DNIC).
    Form No.: N/A.
    Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents: 1 respondent; 2 responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.5-4 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement.
    Obligation To Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The 
statutory authority for this collection is contained in Sections 1, 
4(i)-(j), 201-205, 211, 214, 219-220, 303(r), 309, and 403 of

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the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i)-(j), 
201-205, 211, 214, 219-220, 303(r), 309 and 403
    Total Annual Burden: 6.5 hours.
    Annual Cost Burden: $1,850
    Needs and Uses: The Federal Communications Commission 
(``Commission'') is requesting that the Office of Management and Budget 
(OMB) to approve a revision to OMB Control No. 3060-1029--Data Network 
Identification Code (DNIC). The Commission is developing revised and 
new electronic forms for this collection as part of the Commission's 
modernization of its online, web-based electronic filing system--the 
International Bureau filing system (IBFS). This Supporting Statement 
seeks approval for the new and revised forms to request an 
International Signaling Point Code (ISPC), and reflects changes in the 
costs and burdens associated with these applications.
    A Data Network Identification Code (DNIC) is a unique, four-digit 
number designed to provide discrete identification of individual public 
data networks. The DNIC is intended to identify and permit automated 
switching of data traffic to particular networks. The DNIC is the 
central device of the international data numbering plan developed by 
the International Telecommunications Union (ITU) and set forth in 
Recommendation X.121. Prior to the availability of electronic web-based 
application forms in 1999, the Commission used an informal process for 
assigning DNICs. In the informal system, a company desiring a code 
would notify the Commission that it wishes one assigned and demonstrate 
that it has the ability to originate and terminate international 
traffic (e.g,, by showing an interconnection arrangement with a U.S. 
international carrier) and the Commission would assign a DNIC. In 1986, 
the Commission established procedures for the assignment of DNICs to 
interested data network operators. Today, the operators of public data 
networks file an application for a DNIC in IBFS. The DNIC is obtained 
on a one-time only basis unless there is a change in ownership or the 
owner chooses to relinquish the code to the Commission.
    IBFS Modernization of DNIC Electronic Forms. The Commission seeks 
OMB approval of revisions to its DNIC application form and the addition 
of new forms that will be electronically filed through IBFS. The new 
online forms will ensure the Commission collects the information 
required by the Commission's rules. The use of such online forms will 
reduce costs and administrative burdens on applicants, resulting in 
greater efficiencies, and improve transparency to the public. Once the 
Commission receives approval for the new forms from OMB, as required by 
section 1.10006 of the Commission's rules, we will announce the 
availability of mandated e-forms and their effective dates.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-07147 Filed 4-5-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P