Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Submitted for Review to the Office of Management and Budget, Comments Requested, 52045-52046 [E8-20743]

Download as PDF mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 174 / Monday, September 8, 2008 / Notices Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities, CG Docket No. 03–123, Report and Order and Order on Reconsideration, 20 FCC Rcd 20577 (2005) (2005 TRS Report and Order), published at 70 FR 76208, December 23, 2005, which created another method for some Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) providers to become eligible to receive compensation from the Interstate TRS Fund (Fund). Specifically, the 2005 TRS Report and Order amended the TRS regulations to permit a common carrier seeking to offer Video Relay Service (VRS) or Internet Protocol (IP) Relay Service and receive compensation from the Fund to apply to the Commission for certification as an entity providing these services in compliance with the TRS rules, and therefore eligible to receive reimbursement from the Fund. In a subsequent declaratory ruling, the Commission also permitted entities desiring to provide IP captioned telephone service to seek certification from the Commission for eligibility to receive compensation from the Fund. Telecommunications Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; Internet-based Captioned Telephone Service, CG Docket No. 03– 123, Declaratory Ruling, 22 FCC Rcd 379 (2007), published at 72 FR 6960, February 14, 2007. In order to facilitate this certification process, the Commission adopted information collection requirements that include the following: (A) 47 CFR 64.606 (a)(2): Providing documentation detailing: (1) A description of the forms of TRS to be provided, (2) a description of how the provider will meet all non-waived mandatory minimum standards applicable to each form of TRS offered, (3) a description of the provider’s procedures for ensuring compliance with all applicable TRS rules, (4) a description of the provider’s complaint procedures, (5) a narrative describing any areas in which the provider’s service will differ from the applicable mandatory minimum standards, (6) a narrative establishing that services that differ from the mandatory minimum standards do not violate applicable mandatory minimum standards, (7) demonstration of status as a common carrier, and (8) a statement that the provider will file annual compliance reports demonstrating continued compliance with the rules; (B) 47 CFR 64.606 (c)(2): A provider may apply for renewal of its certification by filing documentation with the Commission, at least 90 days prior to expiration of certification, VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:59 Sep 05, 2008 Jkt 214001 containing the information described in 47 CFR 64.606 (a)(2); (C) 47 CFR 64.606 (e)(2): A provider must submit documentation demonstrating ongoing compliance with the Commission’s minimum standards if, for example, the Commission receives evidence that a certified provider may not be in compliance with the minimum standards and the Commission requests such information; (D) 47 CFR 64.606 (f)(2): Providers certified under this section must notify the Commission of substantive changes in their TRS programs, services, and features within 60 days of when such changes occur, and must certify that the interstate TRS provider continues to meet federal minimum standards after implementing the substantive change; and (E) 47 CFR 64.606 (g): Providers certified under this section shall file with the Commission, on an annual basis, a report providing evidence that they are in compliance with 47 CFR 64.604. In Telecommunication Relay Services and Speech-to-Speech Services for Individuals with Hearing and Speech Disabilities; Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, CG Docket No. 03–123, CC Docket No. 98–67, Second Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, 18 FCC Rcd 12379 (2003), published at 68 FR 50993, August 25, 2003, the Commission adopted additional requirements related to the substance and implementation of TRS mandatory minimum standards. In 47 CFR 64.604(a)(3), the Commission required TRS facilities to provide speed dialing functionality, which may entail providers maintaining a list of telephone numbers. In addition, the Commission bolstered the contact information requirements of 47 CFR 64.604(c)(2). Furthermore, the Commission required providers receiving waivers of some of these standards to submit to the Commission an annual waiver report that details (1) the technological changes with respect to the functionalities covered by the waivers; (2) the progress made; and (3) the steps taken to resolve the technological problems that prevent these providers from offering certain types of TRS calls and features. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–20741 Filed 9–5–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 52045 FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Submitted for Review to the Office of Management and Budget, Comments Requested August 25, 2008. 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(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501— 3520. 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 collection techniques or other forms of information technology. DATES: Written Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) comments should be submitted on or before October 8, 2008. If you anticipate that you will be submitting PRA comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the FCC contact listed below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Nicholas A. Fraser, Office of Management and Budget, (202) 395– 5887, or via fax at 202–395–5167 or via Internet at Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov and to Judith-B. Herman@fcc.gov, Federal Communications Commission, or an email to PRA@fcc.gov. To view a copy of this information collection request (ICR) submitted to OMB: (1) Go to the Web page https://reginfo.gov/public/do/ PRAMain, (2) look for the section of the Web page called ‘‘Currently Under Review’’, (3) click on the downwardpointing arrow in the ‘‘Select Agency’’ box below the ‘‘Currently Under Review’’ heading, (4) select ‘‘Federal Communications Commission’’ from the E:\FR\FM\08SEN1.SGM 08SEN1 mstockstill on PROD1PC66 with NOTICES 52046 Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 174 / Monday, September 8, 2008 / Notices list of agencies presented in the ‘‘Select Agency’’ box, (5) click the ‘‘Submit’’ button to the right of the ‘‘Select Agency’’ box, and (6) when the list of FCC ICRs currently under review appears, look for the title of this ICR (or its OMB Control Number, if there is one) and then click on the ICR Reference Number to view detailed information about this ICR. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies of the information collection(s), contact Judith B. Herman at 202–418–0214 or via the Internet at Judith-B.Herman@fcc.gov. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Control Number: 3060–0804. Title: Universal Service—Rural Health Care Program. Form Nos.: FCC Forms 465, 466, 466– A and 467. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Business or other forprofit, not-for-profit institutions, and state, local or tribal government. Number of Respondents: 6,494 respondents; 59,464 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 10–20 hours. Frequency of Response: On occasion, monthly, quarterly, annual, and onetime reporting requirements, and third party disclosure requirement. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201–205, 214, 254, and 403. Total Annual Burden: 67,468 hours. Total Annual Cost: N/A. Privacy Act Impact Assessment: N/A. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for confidentiality. However, respondents may request material or information submitted to the Commission be withheld from public inspection by requesting confidential treatment of their documents under 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission’s rules. Needs and Uses: The Commission submitted this information collection to the OMB as an emergency request and received OMB approved on January 17, 2008. The Commission is now submitting this information collection (IC) to the OMB as an extension (no change in reporting, recordkeeping and/ or third party disclosure requirements) during this comment period to obtain the full three-year clearance from them. Due to a mathematical error in the emergency request, the Commission is reporting a ¥952 hourly adjustment to the total annual burden. In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996 Act), Congress specifically sought to provide rural health care VerDate Aug<31>2005 17:59 Sep 05, 2008 Jkt 214001 providers with ‘‘an affordable rate for the services necessary for the provision of telemedicine and instruction relating to such services.’’ In 1997, the Commission implemented this statutory directive by adopting the current Rural Health Care support mechanism, which provides universal service support to ensure that rural health care providers pay no more than their urban counterparts for their telecommunications needs and Internet access in the provision of health care services. Despite the Commission’s efforts to increase the utility of the Rural Health Care support mechanism, the program has yet to fully achieve the benefits intended by the statute and the Commission. In particular, health care providers continue to lack access to the broadband facilities needed to support the types of advanced telehealth applications, like telemedicine, that are vital to bringing medical expertise and advantage of modern health technology to rural areas of the nation. In response, the Commission issued the 2007 Pilot Program Selection Order (WC Docket No. 02–60, FCC 07–198) which selected 69 participants for the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program (which was originally established by the Commission in September 2006). These 69 participants are eligible for up to 85 percent of the costs associated with: (1) The construction of state or regional broadband health care networks and with the advanced telecommunications and information services provided over those networks; (2) connecting to Internet 2 or National LambdaRail, which are both dedicated nationwide backbones; and (3) connecting to the public Internet. Approximately $417 million in universal service support over three years (or $139 million per funding year) will be available to participants. To minimize the burden on Pilot Program participants and to streamline the process, the Commission generally uses the same forms as the existing Rural Health Care support mechanism. For example, selected participants, in order to receive support, must submit FCC Form 465 (seeking bids), FCC Form 466 (funding request and certification), FCC Form 466–A (selection of service provider), and FCC Form 467 (notification of service initiation). Due to the unique structure of the Pilot Program, however, in the 2007 Pilot Program Selection Order, the Commission provides guidance regarding how these forms should be completed and additional information is required from selected participants, including proposed network costs PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 worksheets, certifications, letters of agency from each participating health care provider, invoices showing actual incurred costs, and if applicable, network design studies. The information collected provides the Commission with the necessary information to administer the existing program and the Pilot Program, determine the amount of support applicants are eligible to receive, and inform the Commission about the feasibility of revising its rules. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene H. Dortch, Secretary. [FR Doc. E8–20743 Filed 9–5–08; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [MB Docket No. 07–57; FCC 08–178] Applications for Consent to the Transfer of Control of Licenses, XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc., Transferor, to Sirius Satellite Radio Inc., Transferee Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice; approval of merger. AGENCY: SUMMARY: This document approves the consolidated application of Sirius Satellite Radio Inc. (‘‘Sirius’’) and XM Satellite Radio Holdings Inc. (‘‘XM’’; jointly, the ‘‘Applicants’’) for consent to the transfer of control of the licenses and authorizations held by Sirius and XM and their subsidiaries for the provision of SDARS in the United States and eliminates the prohibition on one licensee of satellite digital audio radio service (or ‘‘SDARS’’) acquiring control of the other SDARS licensee. DATES: The Commission’s action became effective July 25, 2008. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Marcia Glauberman, Industry Analysis Division, Media Bureau, at (202) 418– 7046, or Rebekah Goodheart, Industry Analysis Division, Media Bureau, at (202) 418–1438. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Federal Communications Commission’s Memorandum Opinion and Order and Report and Order (the ‘‘Order’’) in MB Docket No. 07–57; FCC 08–178, adopted July 25, 2008, and released August 5, 2008. The full text of this document is available for public inspection and copying during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Federal Communications Commission, 445 12th Street, SW., CY–A257, Washington, DC E:\FR\FM\08SEN1.SGM 08SEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 174 (Monday, September 8, 2008)]
[Notices]
[Pages 52045-52046]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20743]


-----------------------------------------------------------------------

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION


Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Submitted for 
Review to the Office of Management and Budget, Comments Requested

August 25, 2008.
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(s), as required by the Paperwork 
Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, 44 U.S.C. 3501--3520. 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 collection techniques or other forms of 
information technology.

DATES: Written Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) comments should be 
submitted on or before October 8, 2008. If you anticipate that you will 
be submitting PRA comments, but find it difficult to do so within the 
period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the FCC 
contact listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Nicholas A. Fraser, Office of 
Management and Budget, (202) 395-5887, or via fax at 202-395-5167 or 
via Internet at Nicholas_A._Fraser@omb.eop.gov and to Judith-B. 
Herman@fcc.gov, Federal Communications Commission, or an e-mail to 
PRA@fcc.gov. To view a copy of this information collection request 
(ICR) submitted to OMB: (1) Go to the Web page https://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

[[Page 52046]]

list of agencies presented in the ``Select Agency'' box, (5) click the 
``Submit'' button to the right of the ``Select Agency'' box, and (6) 
when the list of FCC ICRs currently under review appears, look for the 
title of this ICR (or its OMB Control Number, if there is one) and then 
click on the ICR Reference Number to view detailed information about 
this ICR.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies 
of the information collection(s), contact Judith B. Herman at 202-418-
0214 or via the Internet at Judith-B.Herman@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    OMB Control Number: 3060-0804.
    Title: Universal Service--Rural Health Care Program.
    Form Nos.: FCC Forms 465, 466, 466-A and 467.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit, not-for-profit 
institutions, and state, local or tribal government.
    Number of Respondents: 6,494 respondents; 59,464 responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 10-20 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion, monthly, quarterly, annual, and 
one-time reporting requirements, and third party disclosure 
requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. 
Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 
U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201-205, 214, 254, and 403.
    Total Annual Burden: 67,468 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: N/A.
    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: N/A.
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: There is no need for 
confidentiality. However, respondents may request material or 
information submitted to the Commission be withheld from public 
inspection by requesting confidential treatment of their documents 
under 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission's rules.
    Needs and Uses: The Commission submitted this information 
collection to the OMB as an emergency request and received OMB approved 
on January 17, 2008. The Commission is now submitting this information 
collection (IC) to the OMB as an extension (no change in reporting, 
recordkeeping and/or third party disclosure requirements) during this 
comment period to obtain the full three-year clearance from them. Due 
to a mathematical error in the emergency request, the Commission is 
reporting a -952 hourly adjustment to the total annual burden.
    In the Telecommunications Act of 1996 (1996 Act), Congress 
specifically sought to provide rural health care providers with ``an 
affordable rate for the services necessary for the provision of 
telemedicine and instruction relating to such services.'' In 1997, the 
Commission implemented this statutory directive by adopting the current 
Rural Health Care support mechanism, which provides universal service 
support to ensure that rural health care providers pay no more than 
their urban counterparts for their telecommunications needs and 
Internet access in the provision of health care services. Despite the 
Commission's efforts to increase the utility of the Rural Health Care 
support mechanism, the program has yet to fully achieve the benefits 
intended by the statute and the Commission.
    In particular, health care providers continue to lack access to the 
broadband facilities needed to support the types of advanced telehealth 
applications, like telemedicine, that are vital to bringing medical 
expertise and advantage of modern health technology to rural areas of 
the nation. In response, the Commission issued the 2007 Pilot Program 
Selection Order (WC Docket No. 02-60, FCC 07-198) which selected 69 
participants for the universal service Rural Health Care Pilot Program 
(which was originally established by the Commission in September 2006). 
These 69 participants are eligible for up to 85 percent of the costs 
associated with: (1) The construction of state or regional broadband 
health care networks and with the advanced telecommunications and 
information services provided over those networks; (2) connecting to 
Internet 2 or National LambdaRail, which are both dedicated nationwide 
backbones; and (3) connecting to the public Internet. Approximately 
$417 million in universal service support over three years (or $139 
million per funding year) will be available to participants. To 
minimize the burden on Pilot Program participants and to streamline the 
process, the Commission generally uses the same forms as the existing 
Rural Health Care support mechanism. For example, selected 
participants, in order to receive support, must submit FCC Form 465 
(seeking bids), FCC Form 466 (funding request and certification), FCC 
Form 466-A (selection of service provider), and FCC Form 467 
(notification of service initiation). Due to the unique structure of 
the Pilot Program, however, in the 2007 Pilot Program Selection Order, 
the Commission provides guidance regarding how these forms should be 
completed and additional information is required from selected 
participants, including proposed network costs worksheets, 
certifications, letters of agency from each participating health care 
provider, invoices showing actual incurred costs, and if applicable, 
network design studies.
    The information collected provides the Commission with the 
necessary information to administer the existing program and the Pilot 
Program, determine the amount of support applicants are eligible to 
receive, and inform the Commission about the feasibility of revising 
its rules.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene H. Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. E8-20743 Filed 9-5-08; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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