Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority, 7553-7555 [2020-02589]

Download as PDF jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 27 / Monday, February 10, 2020 / Notices Number of Respondents: 2,547 respondents; 2,547 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 to 1.75 hours. Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping requirement, on occasion reporting requirement, and periodic reporting requirement. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 154, 155, 158, 161, 301, 303(r), 308, 309, 310, and 332. Total Annual Burden: 2,872 hours. Total Annual Cost: $381,975. Privacy Impact Assessment: Yes. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: In general, there is no need for confidentiality with this collection of information. Needs and Uses: FCC Form 603 is a multi-purpose form that is used by radio services in Wireless Services within the Universal Licensing System (ULS). FCC 603 is composed of a main form that contains the administrative information and a series of schedules. These schedules are required when applying for Auctioned Services, Partitioning and Disaggregation, Undefined Geographical Area Partitioning, and Notification of Consummation or Request for Extension of Time for Consummation. Applicants/ licensees in the Public Mobile Services, Personal Communications Services, Private Land Mobile Radio Services, Broadband Radio Service, Educational Broadband Service, Maritime Services (excluding Ship), and Aviation Services (excluding Aircraft) use FCC Form 603 to apply for an assignment or transfer, to establish their parties’ basic eligibility and qualifications, to classify the filing, and/or to determine the nature of the proposed service. This form is also used to notify the FCC of consummated assignments and transfers of wireless licenses to which the Commission has previously consented or for which notification but not prior consent is required. Respondents are required to submit FCC Form 603 electronically, except in certain services specifically designated by the Commission. The data collected on FCC Form 603 include the FCC Registration Number (FRN), which serves as a ‘‘common link’’ for all filings an entity has with the FCC. The Debt Collection Improvement Act of 1996 required that those filing with the Commission to use an FRN, effective December 3, 2001. Records may include information about individuals or households, e.g., personally identifiable information or PII, and the use(s) and disclosure of this information are governed by the requirements of a system of records notice or ‘SORN’, FCC/WTB–1, ‘‘Wireless Services VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Feb 07, 2020 Jkt 250001 Licensing Records.’’ There are no additional impacts under the Privacy Act. On October 24, 2018, the Commission released a Report and Order, FCC 18– 149, in GN Docket No. 17–158, adopting limited changes to the rules governing Priority Access Licenses (PALs) in the 3550–3700 MHz (3.5 GHz) band, including larger license areas, longer license terms, renewability, and performance requirements. The Commission anticipated that the targeted changes made in its 2018 Report and Order will spur additional investment and broader deployment in the band, promote robust and efficient spectrum use, and help ensure the rapid deployment of advanced wireless technologies—including 5G—in the United States. The Commission seeks approval for revisions to its currently approved collection of information under OMB Control Number 3060–0800 to permit the collection of the additional information in connection with partial assignments of authorizations for geographic partitioning, spectrum disaggregation, or a combination of both, pursuant to the rules and information collection requirements adopted by the Commission 2018 Report and Order. Specifically, in the 2018 Report and Order, the Commission revised section 96.32(b) of its rules to allow Priority Access Licensees to partition their licenses or disaggregate their spectrum, and partially assign or transfer their licenses, pursuant to § 1.950 of the Commission’s rules. Because of the additional Priority Access Licensees, additional respondents may be filing FCC Form 603 for assignments or transfers of control of licenses. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–02585 Filed 2–7–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION [OMB 3060–0967; FRS 16471] Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Notice and request for comments. AGENCY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as SUMMARY: PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 7553 required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (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 comments should be submitted on or before April 10, 2020. 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 contacts below as soon as possible. ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email PRA@ fcc.gov and to Cathy.Williams@fcc.gov. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information about the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418–2918. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: OMB Control No.: 3060–0967. Title: Section 79.2, Accessibility of Programming Providing Emergency Information, and Emergency Information; Section 79.105, Video Description and Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements for All Apparatus; Section 79.106, Video Description and Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements for Recording Devices. Form No.: N/A. Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection. Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-profit; Not-for-profit institutions; and State, local, or tribal governments. E:\FR\FM\10FEN1.SGM 10FEN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES 7554 Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 27 / Monday, February 10, 2020 / Notices Number of Respondents and Responses: 61 respondents; 161 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 to 5 hours. Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; Third party disclosure requirement. Obligation to Respond: Voluntary. The statutory authority for the collection is contained in the TwentyFirst Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Public Law 111–260, 124 Stat. 2751, and sections 4(i), 4(j), 303, 330(b), 713, and 716 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j), 303, 330(b), 613, and 617. Total Annual Burden: 175 hours. Annual Cost Burden: $15,300. 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 updated system of records notice (SORN), FCC/CGB–1, ‘‘Informal Complaints, Inquiries, and Requests for Dispute Assistance,’’ which became effective on September 24, 2014. The Commission believes that it provides sufficient safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals who file complaints alleging violations of the Commission’s televised emergency information rules, 47 CFR 79.2, and complaints alleging violations of the apparatus emergency information and video description requirements, 47 CFR 79.105–79.106. Privacy Act Impact Assessment: The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for Informal Complaints, Inquiries, and Requests for Dispute Assistance was completed on June 28, 2007. It may be reviewed at https://www.fcc.gov/omd/ privacyact/Privacy-ImpactAssessment.html. The Commission is in the process of updating the PIA to incorporate various revisions to it as a result of revisions to the SORN. Needs and Uses: In 2000, the Commission adopted rules to require video programming distributors (VPDs) to make emergency information provided in the audio portion of the programming accessible to viewers who have hearing disabilities. Second Report and Order, MM Docket No. 95–176, FCC 00–136. Later that year, to ensure that televised emergency information is accessible to viewers who are blind or visually impaired, the Commission modified its rules to require VPDs to make emergency information audible when provided in the video portion of a regularly scheduled newscast or a newscast that interrupts regular programming, and to provide an aural VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Feb 07, 2020 Jkt 250001 tone when emergency information is provided visually during regular programming (e.g., through screen crawls or scrolls). Report and Order, MM Docket No. 99–339, FCC 00–258. In 2013, the Commission adopted rules related to accessible emergency information and apparatus requirements for emergency information and video description. Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket Nos. 12–107 and 11–43, FCC 13–45. Specifically, the Commission’s rules require that VPDs and video programming providers (VPPs) (including program owners) make emergency information accessible to individuals who are blind or visually impaired by using a secondary audio stream to convey televised emergency information aurally, when such information is conveyed visually during programming other than newscasts. The Commission’s rules also require certain apparatus that receive, play back, or record video programming to make available video description services and accessible emergency information. Finally, in 2015, the Commission adopted rules to require the following: (1) Apparatus manufacturers must provide a mechanism that is simple and easy to use for activating the secondary audio stream to access audible emergency information; and (2) starting no later than July 10, 2017, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) must pass through the secondary audio stream containing audible emergency information when it is provided on linear programming accessed on second screen devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, laptops and similar devices) over their networks as part of their MVPD services. Second Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket No. 12–107, FCC 15–56. These rules are codified at 47 CFR 79.2, 79.105, and 79.106. Information Collection Requirements (a) Complaints alleging violations of the emergency information rules. Section 79.2(c) of the Commission’s rules provides that a complaint alleging a violation of § 79.2 of its rules, may be transmitted to the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau by any reasonable means, such as the Commission’s online informal complaint filing system, letter, facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/ TTY), internet email, audio-cassette recording, Braille, or some other method that would best accommodate the complainant’s disability. After the Commission receives the complaint, the Commission notifies the VPD or VPP of PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 4703 the complaint, and the VPD or VPP has 30 days to reply. (b) Complaints alleging violations of the apparatus emergency information and video description requirements. Complaints alleging violations of the rules containing apparatus emergency information and video description requirements, 47 CFR 79.105–79.106, may be transmitted to the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau by any reasonable means, such as the Commission’s online informal complaint filing system, letter in writing or Braille, facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/TTY), email, or some other method that would best accommodate the complainant’s disability. Given that the population intended to benefit from the rules adopted will be blind or visually impaired, if a complainant calls the Commission for assistance in preparing a complaint, Commission staff will document the complaint in writing for the consumer. The Commission will forward such complaints, as appropriate, to the named manufacturer or provider for its response, as well as to any other entity that Commission staff determines may be involved, and may request additional information from any relevant parties when, in the estimation of Commission staff, such information is needed to investigate the complaint or adjudicate potential violations of Commission rules. (c) Requests for Commission determination of technical feasibility of emergency information and video description apparatus requirements. The requirements pertaining to apparatus designed to receive or play back video programming apply only to the extent they are ‘‘technically feasible.’’ Parties may raise technical infeasibility as a defense when faced with a complaint alleging a violation of the apparatus requirements or they may file a request for a ruling under section 1.41 of the Commission’s rules as to technical infeasibility before manufacturing or importing the product. (d) Requests for Commission determination of achievability of emergency information and video description apparatus requirements. The requirements pertaining to certain apparatus designed to receive, play back, or record video programming apply only to the extent they are achievable. Manufacturers of apparatus that use a picture screen of less than 13 inches in size and of recording devices may petition the Commission, pursuant to 47 CFR 1.41, for a full or partial exemption from the video description and emergency information requirements before manufacturing or E:\FR\FM\10FEN1.SGM 10FEN1 jbell on DSKJLSW7X2PROD with NOTICES Federal Register / Vol. 85, No. 27 / Monday, February 10, 2020 / Notices importing the apparatus. Alternatively, manufacturers may assert that a particular apparatus is fully or partially exempt as a response to a complaint, which the Commission may dismiss upon a finding that the requirements of this section are not achievable. A petition for exemption or a response to a complaint must be supported with sufficient evidence to demonstrate that compliance with the requirements is not achievable (meaning with reasonable effort or expense), and the Commission will consider four specific factors when making such a determination. (e) Petitions for purpose-based waivers of emergency information and video description apparatus requirements. The Commission may waive emergency information and video description apparatus requirements for any apparatus or class of apparatus that is (a) primarily designed for activities other than receiving or playing back video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound, or (b) designed for multiple purposes, capable of receiving or playing video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound but whose essential utility is derived from other purposes. The Commission will address any requests for a purpose-based waiver on a case-by-case basis, and waivers will be available prospectively for manufacturers seeking certainty prior to the sale of a device. (f) Submission and review of consumer eligibility information pertaining to DIRECTV, LLC’s (DIRECTV’s) waiver for provision of aural emergency information during The Weather Channel’s programming. The Commission granted DIRECTV a waiver with respect to the set-top box models on which it is not able to implement audio functionality for emergency information, but conditioned such relief by requiring DIRECTV to provide, upon request and at no additional cost to customers who are blind or visually impaired, a set-top box model that is capable of providing aural emergency information. DIRECTV may require customers who are blind or visually impaired to submit reasonable documentation of disability to DIRECTV as a condition to providing the box at no additional cost. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2020–02589 Filed 2–7–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712–01–P VerDate Sep<11>2014 16:58 Feb 07, 2020 Jkt 250001 FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Change in Bank Control Notices; Acquisitions of Shares of a Bank or Bank Holding Company The notificants listed below have applied under the Change in Bank Control Act (Act) (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)) and § 225.41 of the Board’s Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.41) to acquire shares of a bank or bank holding company. The factors that are considered in acting on the applications are set forth in paragraph 7 of the Act (12 U.S.C. 1817(j)(7)). The applications listed below, as well as other related filings required by the Board, if any, are available for immediate inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The applications will also be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the standards enumerated in paragraph 7 of the Act. Comments regarding each of these applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors, Ann E. Misback, Secretary of the Board, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551–0001, not later than February 24, 2020. A. Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta (Kathryn Haney, Assistant Vice President) 1000 Peachtree Street NE, Atlanta, Georgia 30309. Comments can also be sent electronically to Applications.Comments@atl.frb.org: 1. The William T. Taylor Revocable Trust, Merritt Island, Florida; The Ruby Scott Watson Revocable Trust, Merritt Island, Florida; William T. Taylor, Merritt Island, Florida, individually, and as trustee of William T. Taylor Revocable Trust and The Ruby Scott Watson Revocable Trust; and Erna Taylor, Melbourne, Florida; as members of a group acting in concert to retain voting shares of CBOS Bankshares, Inc., and thereby indirectly retain voting shares of Community Bank of the South, both of Merritt Island, Florida. B. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (Dennis Denney, Assistant Vice President) 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64198–0001: 1. Emily Crouse and Sam Crouse, both of Basin, Wyoming; Ian Crouse and Dylan Crouse, both of Billings, Montana; Jordan Crouse and Stacee Crouse, both of Firestone, Colorado; and Thayer Crouse, Sandy, Utah; as members of the Crouse Family Group acting in concert to retain voting shares of Financial Security Corporation, and indirectly retain shares Security State Bank, both in Basin, Wyoming. PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4703 Sfmt 9990 7555 Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, February 4, 2020. Yao-Chin Chao, Assistant Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. 2020–02522 Filed 2–7–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P FEDERAL RESERVE SYSTEM Notice of Proposals To Engage in or To Acquire Companies Engaged in Permissible Nonbanking Activities The companies listed in this notice have given notice under section 4 of the Bank Holding Company Act (12 U.S.C. 1843) (BHC Act) and Regulation Y, (12 CFR part 225) to engage de novo, or to acquire or control voting securities or assets of a company, including the companies listed below, that engages either directly or through a subsidiary or other company, in a nonbanking activity that is listed in § 225.28 of Regulation Y (12 CFR 225.28) or that the Board has determined by Order to be closely related to banking and permissible for bank holding companies. Unless otherwise noted, these activities will be conducted throughout the United States. Each notice is available for inspection at the Federal Reserve Bank indicated. The notice also will be available for inspection at the offices of the Board of Governors. Interested persons may express their views in writing on the question whether the proposal complies with the standards of section 4 of the BHC Act. Unless otherwise noted, comments regarding the applications must be received at the Reserve Bank indicated or the offices of the Board of Governors, Ann E. Misback, Secretary of the Board, 20th Street and Constitution Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20551–0001, not later than February 28, 2020. A. Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City (Dennis Denney, Assistant Vice President) 1 Memorial Drive, Kansas City, Missouri 64198–0001: 1. Security Bancshares Inc., Scott City, Kansas; through its subsidiary Stoney Brook Homes II, LLC, also of Scott City, Kansas, to engage in community development activities pursuant to section 4(c)(8) of the BHC Act. Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System, February 4, 2020. Yao-Chin Chao, Assistant Secretary of the Board. [FR Doc. 2020–02513 Filed 2–7–20; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE P E:\FR\FM\10FEN1.SGM 10FEN1

Agencies

[Federal Register Volume 85, Number 27 (Monday, February 10, 2020)]
[Notices]
[Pages 7553-7555]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2020-02589]


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

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[OMB 3060-0967; FRS 16471]


Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal 
Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Notice and request for comments.

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

SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, 
and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (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 comments should be submitted on or before April 10, 
2020. 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 contacts below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to Cathy Williams, FCC, via email 
[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.: 3060-0967.
    Title: Section 79.2, Accessibility of Programming Providing 
Emergency Information, and Emergency Information; Section 79.105, Video 
Description and Emergency Information Accessibility Requirements for 
All Apparatus; Section 79.106, Video Description and Emergency 
Information Accessibility Requirements for Recording Devices.
    Form No.: N/A.
    Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
    Respondents: Individuals or households; Business or other for-
profit; Not-for-profit institutions; and State, local, or tribal 
governments.

[[Page 7554]]

    Number of Respondents and Responses: 61 respondents; 161 responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 to 5 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement; Third 
party disclosure requirement.
    Obligation to Respond: Voluntary. The statutory authority for the 
collection is contained in the Twenty-First Century Communications and 
Video Accessibility Act of 2010, Public Law 111-260, 124 Stat. 2751, 
and sections 4(i), 4(j), 303, 330(b), 713, and 716 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j), 303, 
330(b), 613, and 617.
    Total Annual Burden: 175 hours.
    Annual Cost Burden: $15,300.
    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 updated 
system of records notice (SORN), FCC/CGB-1, ``Informal Complaints, 
Inquiries, and Requests for Dispute Assistance,'' which became 
effective on September 24, 2014. The Commission believes that it 
provides sufficient safeguards to protect the privacy of individuals 
who file complaints alleging violations of the Commission's televised 
emergency information rules, 47 CFR 79.2, and complaints alleging 
violations of the apparatus emergency information and video description 
requirements, 47 CFR 79.105-79.106.
    Privacy Act Impact Assessment: The Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) 
for Informal Complaints, Inquiries, and Requests for Dispute Assistance 
was completed on June 28, 2007. It may be reviewed at https://www.fcc.gov/omd/privacyact/Privacy-Impact-Assessment.html. The 
Commission is in the process of updating the PIA to incorporate various 
revisions to it as a result of revisions to the SORN.
    Needs and Uses: In 2000, the Commission adopted rules to require 
video programming distributors (VPDs) to make emergency information 
provided in the audio portion of the programming accessible to viewers 
who have hearing disabilities. Second Report and Order, MM Docket No. 
95-176, FCC 00-136. Later that year, to ensure that televised emergency 
information is accessible to viewers who are blind or visually 
impaired, the Commission modified its rules to require VPDs to make 
emergency information audible when provided in the video portion of a 
regularly scheduled newscast or a newscast that interrupts regular 
programming, and to provide an aural tone when emergency information is 
provided visually during regular programming (e.g., through screen 
crawls or scrolls). Report and Order, MM Docket No. 99-339, FCC 00-258.
    In 2013, the Commission adopted rules related to accessible 
emergency information and apparatus requirements for emergency 
information and video description. Report and Order and Further Notice 
of Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket Nos. 12-107 and 11-43, FCC 13-45. 
Specifically, the Commission's rules require that VPDs and video 
programming providers (VPPs) (including program owners) make emergency 
information accessible to individuals who are blind or visually 
impaired by using a secondary audio stream to convey televised 
emergency information aurally, when such information is conveyed 
visually during programming other than newscasts. The Commission's 
rules also require certain apparatus that receive, play back, or record 
video programming to make available video description services and 
accessible emergency information.
    Finally, in 2015, the Commission adopted rules to require the 
following: (1) Apparatus manufacturers must provide a mechanism that is 
simple and easy to use for activating the secondary audio stream to 
access audible emergency information; and (2) starting no later than 
July 10, 2017, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs) must 
pass through the secondary audio stream containing audible emergency 
information when it is provided on linear programming accessed on 
second screen devices (e.g., tablets, smartphones, laptops and similar 
devices) over their networks as part of their MVPD services. Second 
Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, MB 
Docket No. 12-107, FCC 15-56.
    These rules are codified at 47 CFR 79.2, 79.105, and 79.106.

Information Collection Requirements

    (a) Complaints alleging violations of the emergency information 
rules.
    Section 79.2(c) of the Commission's rules provides that a complaint 
alleging a violation of Sec.  79.2 of its rules, may be transmitted to 
the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau by any reasonable means, 
such as the Commission's online informal complaint filing system, 
letter, facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/TTY), internet 
email, audio-cassette recording, Braille, or some other method that 
would best accommodate the complainant's disability. After the 
Commission receives the complaint, the Commission notifies the VPD or 
VPP of the complaint, and the VPD or VPP has 30 days to reply.
    (b) Complaints alleging violations of the apparatus emergency 
information and video description requirements.
    Complaints alleging violations of the rules containing apparatus 
emergency information and video description requirements, 47 CFR 
79.105-79.106, may be transmitted to the Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau by any reasonable means, such as the Commission's online 
informal complaint filing system, letter in writing or Braille, 
facsimile transmission, telephone (voice/TRS/TTY), email, or some other 
method that would best accommodate the complainant's disability. Given 
that the population intended to benefit from the rules adopted will be 
blind or visually impaired, if a complainant calls the Commission for 
assistance in preparing a complaint, Commission staff will document the 
complaint in writing for the consumer. The Commission will forward such 
complaints, as appropriate, to the named manufacturer or provider for 
its response, as well as to any other entity that Commission staff 
determines may be involved, and may request additional information from 
any relevant parties when, in the estimation of Commission staff, such 
information is needed to investigate the complaint or adjudicate 
potential violations of Commission rules.
    (c) Requests for Commission determination of technical feasibility 
of emergency information and video description apparatus requirements.
    The requirements pertaining to apparatus designed to receive or 
play back video programming apply only to the extent they are 
``technically feasible.'' Parties may raise technical infeasibility as 
a defense when faced with a complaint alleging a violation of the 
apparatus requirements or they may file a request for a ruling under 
section[thinsp]1.41 of the Commission's rules as to technical 
infeasibility before manufacturing or importing the product.
    (d) Requests for Commission determination of achievability of 
emergency information and video description apparatus requirements.
    The requirements pertaining to certain apparatus designed to 
receive, play back, or record video programming apply only to the 
extent they are achievable. Manufacturers of apparatus that use a 
picture screen of less than 13 inches in size and of recording devices 
may petition the Commission, pursuant to 47 CFR 1.41, for a full or 
partial exemption from the video description and emergency information 
requirements before manufacturing or

[[Page 7555]]

importing the apparatus. Alternatively, manufacturers may assert that a 
particular apparatus is fully or partially exempt as a response to a 
complaint, which the Commission may dismiss upon a finding that the 
requirements of this section are not achievable. A petition for 
exemption or a response to a complaint must be supported with 
sufficient evidence to demonstrate that compliance with the 
requirements is not achievable (meaning with reasonable effort or 
expense), and the Commission will consider four specific factors when 
making such a determination.
    (e) Petitions for purpose-based waivers of emergency information 
and video description apparatus requirements.
    The Commission may waive emergency information and video 
description apparatus requirements for any apparatus or class of 
apparatus that is (a) primarily designed for activities other than 
receiving or playing back video programming transmitted simultaneously 
with sound, or (b) designed for multiple purposes, capable of receiving 
or playing video programming transmitted simultaneously with sound but 
whose essential utility is derived from other purposes. The Commission 
will address any requests for a purpose-based waiver on a case-by-case 
basis, and waivers will be available prospectively for manufacturers 
seeking certainty prior to the sale of a device.
    (f) Submission and review of consumer eligibility information 
pertaining to DIRECTV, LLC's (DIRECTV's) waiver for provision of aural 
emergency information during The Weather Channel's programming.
    The Commission granted DIRECTV a waiver with respect to the set-top 
box models on which it is not able to implement audio functionality for 
emergency information, but conditioned such relief by requiring DIRECTV 
to provide, upon request and at no additional cost to customers who are 
blind or visually impaired, a set-top box model that is capable of 
providing aural emergency information. DIRECTV may require customers 
who are blind or visually impaired to submit reasonable documentation 
of disability to DIRECTV as a condition to providing the box at no 
additional cost.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2020-02589 Filed 2-7-20; 8:45 am]
 BILLING CODE 6712-01-P


This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.