[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.
[[Page 72359]]
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