Practice and Procedure, CORES Registration System, 59858-59868 [2021-20544]

Agencies

• FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

[Federal Register Volume 86, Number 207 (Friday, October 29, 2021)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 59858-59868]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2021-20544]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 1

[MD Docket No. 10-234; FCC 21-79; FR ID 46781]


Practice and Procedure, CORES Registration System

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission 
(Commission) adopts a Report and Order to require entities and 
individuals doing business with the Commission to provide a valid email 
address when they register for FCC Registration Numbers (FRNs) and to 
keep the email information current along with other information used to 
register.

DATES: Effective November 29, 2021. The non-substantive change to an 
information collection effected by the revision to Sec.  1.8002(b)(2) 
of the Commission's rules was approved by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) on August 11, 2021.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Hua Lu, Financial Systems Operations

[[Page 59859]]

Group, Office of Managing Director, [email protected]; 202.418.2424.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Report 
and Order, in MD Docket No. 10-234, FCC 21-79, adopted on June 21, 2021 
and released on June 22, 2021. The full text of this document is 
available for public inspection and copying during normal business 
hours in the FCC Reference Center, 45 L Street NE, Washington, DC 
20554, or by downloading the text from the Commission's website at 
https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-21-79A1.pdf.

Synopsis

I. Administrative Matters

A. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    1. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA), the 
Commission has prepared a Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) 
relating to this Report and Order. The FRFA is located towards the end 
of this document.

B. Final Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 Analysis

    2. The Report and Order adopts a new information collection 
requirement subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The 
new information collection requirement was submitted to the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) for review under section 3507(d) of the PRA 
and pre-approved on March 15, 2011. In addition, the Report and Order 
adopts a non-substantive change to an existing approved information 
collection. This non-substantive change was approved by OMB on August 
11, 2021.

C. Congressional Review Act.

    3. The Commission has determined, and the Administrator of the 
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and 
Budget, concurs that these rules are non-major under the Congressional 
Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804(2). The Commission will send a copy of this 
Report and Order to Congress and the Government Accountability Office 
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    4. In 2000, the Commission established CORES, a web-based, 
password-protected, registration system that assigns a unique 10-digit 
FRN to a registrant for use when doing business with the FCC. While 
initially voluntary, in 2001 the Commission established that 
individuals and entities were required to obtain FRNs and supply FRNs 
when doing business with the Commission. Section 1.8002(b)(1) of the 
Commission's rules lists the information currently required from 
entities seeking to register for an FRN. Email address information has 
not been previously required under the rule. Section 1.8002(b)(2) 
requires that the information used to register for an FRN be kept 
current by the registrant.
    5. In 2010, the Commission proposed modifications to CORES, seeking 
comment targeted at making CORES more user and feature-friendly and 
eliminating some of the system's then-current limitations. The 2010 
notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) (76 FR 5652, Feb. 1, 2011) sought 
comment about potential changes to the FRN requirements, including 
whether email addresses should be required to be provided as part of 
the CORES registration process. The Commission tentatively concluded 
that ``[g]iven the significant increase in the use of and dependence on 
email in the years since CORES first became operational'' all FRN 
holders should be required to provide an email address upon registering 
in CORES. The Commission also tentatively concluded that entities and 
individuals should be required to validate email addresses at the time 
of registration by clicking on a link that CORES would automatically 
send to the email address that was provided.
    6. In 2016, the Office of Managing Director (OMD) posted an 
upgraded version of CORES on the Commission's website providing FRN 
registrants more user-friendly and secure features such as enabling 
existing and new users to designate usernames to access FRNs and 
allowing registrants to establish multiple usernames for each FRN with 
different levels of access. Password recovery, already a feature of the 
legacy CORES, was also a component of the new version of CORES, 
providing users with password-recovery security questions to enable 
them to recover forgotten passwords. Although the new CORES has been 
available since 2016, the original ``legacy'' version of CORES has also 
remained available and in use for FRN registration. Maintaining both 
the new and legacy CORES on the Commission's website is consistent with 
the Commission's practice of rolling out upgrades to the CORES systems 
on a voluntary basis before making such changes mandatory.
    7. Entities and individuals that register for FRNs in the new 
version of CORES must provide email address information which is 
verified through an email verification link in the FCC User 
Registration System. An email address remains an optional information 
request in legacy CORES. The current version of the paper forms for 
obtaining or updating an FRN, FCC Forms 160 and 161, however, require 
filers to provide a contact email address as part of the registration 
process.

II. Report and Order

    8. We amend Sec.  1.8002(b) of the Commission's rules to require 
entities and individuals doing business with the Commission to provide 
their email addresses when they register for FRNs and to keep the email 
information current along with other information used to register. We 
find that it is in the public interest to require email address 
information as part of the FRN registration process and to maintain a 
valid email address for all FRN registrants. This change will enable 
OMD to remove access to legacy CORES from the Commission's website at a 
later date and maintain only the modernized version of CORES for FRN 
registration. The new CORES is a more efficient and secure system for 
managing the Commission's financial and management matters. The change 
will also be more user-friendly and streamlined for CORES registrants 
that currently must decide between two versions of CORES.
    9. The Commission received several comments on the proposal to 
require email addresses as part of CORES registration. Sprint, AT&T, 
and Frontier supported the Commission's proposal to collect email 
addresses for FRN holders and also supported the Commission using email 
address information to communicate with FRN holders. Sprint, for 
example, maintained that such a mandate ``will help avoid misrouted 
inquiries and delayed responses between entities and the Commission.'' 
The National Association for Amateur Radio (ARRL) and Blooston Law, 
however, argued for email address information to remain optional. ARRL 
asserted that certain individuals do not have and cannot obtain email 
addresses, such as those that are economically disadvantaged, those 
that live in very rural areas, and children. Blooston Law highlights 
that internet access is less available and can be absent in very remote 
areas. It also suggested that some FRN users do not subscribe to an 
internet service due to cost and asserted that the best methods for 
communication remain telephone and U.S. Mail, so that in the event of 
an absence, another contact representative is able to address the 
matter.
    10. Although some individuals may lack resources or connectivity 
for a personal or home internet service, as compared to what was 
present at the time of the comment window for the 2010 NPRM, there is 
wide availability of

[[Page 59860]]

free or low cost public internet access today. For example, users may 
access the internet for free in public libraries, and also in schools 
that offer internet connectivity for after-hours community use. Also, 
other Commission proceedings have demonstrated that there is a vast 
majority of entities that already communicate with the Commission 
electronically. If there are entities and individuals that seek to do 
business with the Commission that lack access to internet service, they 
may need to use a proxy to register for an FRN with a valid email 
address, such as children seeking amateur radio licenses who rely on a 
parent or guardian to assist with the licensing process. Registrants 
are also able to use online support services or call a help desk to ask 
questions and receive help with their registrations.
    11. The public benefit of adopting this rule change, which will 
enable the Commission to retire legacy CORES and retain the new CORES 
to deliver enhanced features and security, outweighs the potential 
burdens that may be faced by a small subset of users to provide email 
address information. Because it helps authenticate the individuals who 
will be utilizing the Commission's information systems, the new CORES 
is a more secure tool for the Commission and external users through the 
use of personal username registration and email verification. An email 
address is a unique ID and/or digital identity for each user that not 
only helps ensure the FCC provides better service and user experience 
based on data collected per a registered email address, it 
differentiates one user from another by establishing a digital identity 
to each person. By using an established email address and associated 
password, a user is granted appropriate access to do business with FCC.
    12. Requiring email address information as part of FRN registration 
and requiring users to keep up-to-date email addresses in CORES will 
enable the Commission to fully finalize its shift from U.S. Postal 
Service delivery to electronic delivery of notices and other 
correspondence related to CORES. Therefore, retiring legacy CORES 
allows the Commission to operate more efficiently and effectively by 
freeing up the resources currently being used to maintain and operate 
two CORES systems, and by allowing the Commission to email CORES 
registrants CORES and FRN-related information rather than needing to 
send this information in mailed letters. We provide further guidance on 
OMD's implementation of this transition below.
    13. Implementation of the Rule Change. After the rule revision goes 
into effect, we direct OMD to announce by public notice the end date 
for access to legacy CORES. To streamline this transition and best 
prepare for any upcoming Commission business, new and current 
registrants are encouraged to use the modernized CORES as soon as 
possible. Because the modernized CORES has been available since 2016, 
users do not need to wait for legacy CORES to be retired or for the 
rule change announced here to go into effect to take this step.
    14. Retiring legacy CORES will primarily impact three groups of 
CORES users. First, users seeking to make changes related to their FRN 
will need to do so in the new CORES by associating with their FRN a 
user-specific identification (username) and password to continue 
managing their FRN. Second, any person or entity that does not yet have 
an FRN, but seeks to do business with the Commission, will use the new 
CORES to register. Third, users that forget their password and seek to 
reset their password online will use the new CORES to reset their 
password.
    15. After the legacy CORES is retired, we delegate authority to OMD 
to allow users that obtained their FRN through legacy CORES and have 
not associated a valid email address with their FRN, to continue to use 
that FRN without an associated valid email address for a limited 
period. OMD, in consultation with the Commission's Chief Information 
Officer, will determine what steps to take to bring such users into 
compliance and ensure that the benefits of the rule change are fully 
utilized. We note, however, that this limited flexibility with respect 
to CORES does not negate the fact that certain Commission information 
systems and applications currently require, or may in the future 
require, valid email address information to gain entry or otherwise use 
such systems.
    16. We are also deleting Sec.  1.8002(e) of the Commission's rules 
because it is out of date. FRNs must be assigned through CORES and 
cannot be assigned by the Billing and Collection Agent for North 
American Numbering Plan Administration and the Administrators of the 
Universal Service Fund and the Telecommunications Relay Services Fund 
as suggested in Sec.  1.8002(e).
    17. Paperwork Reduction Act Analysis. The Report and Order adopts a 
new information collection requirement subject to the Paperwork 
Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA). The new information collection requirement 
was submitted to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review 
under section 3507(d) of the PRA and pre-approved on March 15, 2011. In 
addition, the Report and Order adopts a non-substantive change to an 
existing approved information collection. This non-substantive change 
was approved by OMB on August 11, 2021.
    18. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis. As required by the 
Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980 (RFA) the Commission has prepared a 
Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA) relating to this Report 
and Order.

III. Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis

    19. As required by the Regulatory Flexibility Act of 1980, as 
amended (``RFA'') we incorporated an Initial Regulatory Flexibility 
Analysis (IRFA) of the possible significant economic impact on a 
substantial number of small entities by the policies and rules proposed 
in the 2010 NPRM. No comments were filed addressing the IRFA. Because 
we amend a Commission rule in this Report and Order, we have included 
this Final Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (FRFA). This present FRFA 
conforms to the RFA.

A. Need for and Objectives of the Proposed Rules

    20. In the Report and Order, the Commission amends Sec.  1.8002(b) 
of the Commission's rules to require entities and individuals doing 
business with the Commission, or seeking to business with the 
Commission, to provide their email addresses when they register for 
FRNs and to keep the email information current along with other 
information used to register. This change finalizes the requirement for 
CORES users to provide email address information as part of FRN 
registration: Email address submission is a requirement only in the 
newer, modernized version of CORES. With this change, the Commission 
will be able to end access to the original ``legacy'' CORES that has 
been available since the Commission established CORES in 2000 for FRN 
registration, and transition CORES users to the updated version of 
CORES for FRN registration. The updated version of CORES that will 
replace legacy CORES is a more efficient and secure system for managing 
the Commission's financial management matters because it will allow the 
Commission to email CORES registrants CORES and FRN-related information 
rather than require the use of U.S. Postal Service delivery, and the 
new CORES employs identity and access management for authenticating and 
authorizing access to the system. The email requirements named herein

[[Page 59861]]

are the only specific requirements being adopted in this Report and 
Order.

B. Summary of Significant Issues Raised by Public Comments in Response 
to the IRFA

    21. There were no comments received in response to the IRFA.

C. Response to Comments by the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration

    22. Pursuant to the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010, which amended 
the RFA, the Commission is required to respond to any comments filed by 
the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small Business Administration 
(SBA), and to provide a detailed statement of any change made to the 
proposed rules as a result of those comments. The Chief Counsel did not 
file any comments in response to the proposed rules in this proceeding.

D. Description and Estimate of the Number of Small Entities To Which 
the Proposed Rules Will Apply

    23. The RFA directs agencies to provide a description of and, where 
feasible, an estimate of the number of small entities that may be 
affected by the proposed rules, if adopted. The RFA defines the term 
``small entity'' as having the same meaning as the terms ``small 
business,'' ``small organization,'' and ``small governmental 
jurisdiction.'' In addition, the term ``small business'' has the same 
meaning as the term ``small business concern'' under the Small Business 
Act. A small business concern is one which: (1) Is independently owned 
and operated; (2) is not dominant in its field of operation; and (3) 
satisfies any additional criteria established by the Small Business 
Administration.
    24. The changes or additions to the Commission's part 1 rules that 
will be made as a result of the Report and Order are of general 
applicability to all services, applying to all entities of any size 
that apply for or hold Commission licenses, permits, certifications, 
etc., as well as entities or individuals that have attributable 
ownership interests in such entities, and have already obtained or will 
in the future obtain a unique identifying number through CORES called 
an FCC Registration Number, or ``FRN.''
    25. Small Businesses, Small Organizations, Small Governmental 
Jurisdictions. Our actions, over time, may affect small entities that 
are not easily categorized at present. We therefore describe here, at 
the outset, three broad groups of small entities that could be directly 
affected herein. First, while there are industry specific size 
standards for small businesses that are used in the regulatory 
flexibility analysis, according to data from the Small Business 
Administration's (SBA) Office of Advocacy, in general a small business 
is an independent business having fewer than 500 employees. These types 
of small businesses represent 99.9% of all businesses in the United 
States, which translates to 30.7 million businesses. Next, the type of 
small entity described as a ``small organization'' is generally ``any 
not-for-profit enterprise which is independently owned and operated and 
is not dominant in its field.'' The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) uses 
a revenue benchmark of $50,000 or less to delineate its annual 
electronic filing requirements for small exempt organizations. 
Nationwide, for tax year 2018, there were approximately 571,709 small 
exempt organizations in the U.S. reporting revenues of $50,000 or less 
according to the registration and tax data for exempt organizations 
available from the IRS. Finally, the small entity described as a 
``small governmental jurisdiction'' is defined generally as 
``governments of cities, counties, towns, townships, villages, school 
districts, or special districts, with a population of less than fifty 
thousand.'' U.S. Census Bureau data from the 2017 Census of Governments 
indicate that there were 90,075 local governmental jurisdictions 
consisting of general purpose governments and special purpose 
governments in the United States. Of this number there were 36,931 
general purpose governments (county, municipal and town or township) 
with populations of less than 50,000 and 12,040 special purpose 
governments--independent school districts with enrollment populations 
of less than 50,000. Accordingly, based on the 2017 U.S. Census of 
Governments data, we estimate that at least 48,971 entities fall into 
the category of ``small governmental jurisdictions.''

E. Providers of Telecommunications and Other Services

    26. Wired Telecommunications Carriers. The U.S. Census Bureau 
defines this industry as ``establishments primarily engaged in 
operating and/or providing access to transmission facilities and 
infrastructure that they own and/or lease for the transmission of 
voice, data, text, sound, and video using wired communications 
networks. Transmission facilities may be based on a single technology 
or a combination of technologies. Establishments in this industry use 
the wired telecommunications network facilities that they operate to 
provide a variety of services, such as wired telephony services, 
including VoIP services, wired (cable) audio and video programming 
distribution, and wired broadband internet services. By exception, 
establishments providing satellite television distribution services 
using facilities and infrastructure that they operate are included in 
this industry.'' The SBA has developed a small business size standard 
for Wired Telecommunications Carriers, which consists of all such 
companies having 1,500 or fewer employees. U.S. Census Bureau data for 
2012 show that there were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this 
total, 3,083 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this 
size standard, the majority of firms in this industry can be considered 
small.
    27. Local Resellers. The SBA has not developed a small business 
size standard specifically for Local Resellers. The SBA category of 
Telecommunications Resellers is the closest NAICs code category for 
local resellers. The Telecommunications Resellers industry comprises 
establishments engaged in purchasing access and network capacity from 
owners and operators of telecommunications networks and reselling wired 
and wireless telecommunications services (except satellite) to 
businesses and households. Establishments in this industry resell 
telecommunications; they do not operate transmission facilities and 
infrastructure. Mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) are included 
in this industry. Under the SBA's size standard, such a business is 
small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees. U.S. Census Bureau data from 
2012 show that 1,341 firms provided resale services during that year. 
Of that number, all operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, 
under this category and the associated small business size standard, 
the majority of these resellers can be considered small entities. 
According to Commission data, 213 carriers have reported that they are 
engaged in the provision of local resale services. Of these, an 
estimated 211 have 1,500 or fewer employees and two have more than 
1,500 employees. Consequently, the Commission estimates that the 
majority of local resellers are small entities.
    28. Toll Resellers. The Commission has not developed a definition 
for Toll Resellers. The closest NAICS Code Category is 
Telecommunications Resellers. The Telecommunications Resellers industry 
comprises establishments engaged in purchasing access and network 
capacity from

[[Page 59862]]

owners and operators of telecommunications networks and reselling wired 
and wireless telecommunications services (except satellite) to 
businesses and households. Establishments in this industry resell 
telecommunications; they do not operate transmission facilities and 
infrastructure. MVNOs are included in this industry. The SBA has 
developed a small business size standard for the category of 
Telecommunications Resellers. Under that size standard, such a business 
is small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees. 2012 Census Bureau data 
show that 1,341 firms provided resale services during that year. Of 
that number, 1,341 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, 
under this category and the associated small business size standard, 
the majority of these resellers can be considered small entities. 
According to Commission data, 881 carriers have reported that they are 
engaged in the provision of toll resale services. Of this total, an 
estimated 857 have 1,500 or fewer employees. Consequently, the 
Commission estimates that the majority of toll resellers are small 
entities.
    29. Payphone Service Providers (``PSPs''). The Commission has not 
developed a definition for Payphone Service Providers. The closest 
NAICS Code Category is Telecommunications Resellers. The 
Telecommunications Resellers industry comprises establishments engaged 
in purchasing access and network capacity from owners and operators of 
telecommunications networks and reselling wired and wireless 
telecommunications services (except satellite) to businesses and 
households. Establishments in this industry resell telecommunications; 
they do not operate transmission facilities and infrastructure. MVNOs 
are included in this industry. The SBA has developed a small business 
size standard for the category of Telecommunications Resellers. Under 
that size standard, such a business is small if it has 1,500 or fewer 
employees. 2012 Census Bureau data show that 1,341 firms provided 
resale services during that year. Of that number, 1,341 operated with 
fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this category and the 
associated small business size standard, the majority of these 
resellers can be considered small entities. According to Commission 
data, 881 carriers have reported that they are engaged in the provision 
of toll resale services. Of this total, an estimated 857 have 1,500 or 
fewer employees. Consequently, the Commission estimates that the 
majority of toll resellers are small.
    30. Prepaid Calling Card Providers. Neither the Commission nor the 
SBA has developed a small business size standard specifically for 
prepaid calling card providers. The appropriate size standard under SBA 
rules is for the category Telecommunications Resellers. The 
Telecommunications Resellers industry comprises establishments engaged 
in purchasing access and network capacity from owners and operators of 
telecommunications networks and reselling wired and wireless 
telecommunications services (except satellite) to businesses and 
households. Establishments in this industry resell telecommunications; 
they do not operate transmission facilities and infrastructure. MVNOs 
are included in this industry. The SBA has developed a small business 
size standard for the category of Telecommunications Resellers. Under 
that size standard, such a business is small if it has 1,500 or fewer 
employees. 2012 Census Bureau data show that 1,341 firms provided 
resale services during that year. Of that number, 1,341 operated with 
fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, under this category and the 
associated small business size standard, the majority of these 
resellers can be considered small entities. According to Commission 
data, 881 carriers have reported that they are engaged in the provision 
of toll resale services. Of this total, an estimated 857 have 1,500 or 
fewer employees. Consequently, the Commission estimates that the 
majority of Prepaid Calling Card Providers are small.
    31. 800 and 800-Like Service Subscribers. Neither the Commission 
nor the SBA has developed a small business size standard specifically 
for 800 and 800-like service (``toll free'') subscribers. The 
appropriate size standard under SBA rules is for the category 
Telecommunications Resellers. The Telecommunications Resellers industry 
comprises establishments engaged in purchasing access and network 
capacity from owners and operators of telecommunications networks and 
reselling wired and wireless telecommunications services (except 
satellite) to businesses and households. Establishments in this 
industry resell telecommunications; they do not operate transmission 
facilities and infrastructure. MVNOs are included in this industry. The 
SBA has developed a small business size standard for the category of 
Telecommunications Resellers. Under that size standard, such a business 
is small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees. 2012 Census Bureau data 
show that 1,341 firms provided resale services during that year. Of 
that number, 1,341 operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Thus, 
under this category and the associated small business size standard, 
the majority of these resellers can be considered small entities. 
According to Commission data, 881 carriers have reported that they are 
engaged in the provision of toll resale services. Of this total, an 
estimated 857 have 1,500 or fewer employees. Consequently, the 
Commission estimates that the majority of 800 and 800-Like Service 
Providers are small.
    32. Satellite Telecommunications. This category comprises firms 
``primarily engaged in providing telecommunications services to other 
establishments in the telecommunications and broadcasting industries by 
forwarding and receiving communications signals via a system of 
satellites or reselling satellite telecommunications.'' Satellite 
telecommunications service providers include satellite and earth 
station operators. The category has a small business size standard of 
$35 million or less in average annual receipts, under SBA rules. For 
this category, U.S. Census Bureau data for 2012 show that there were a 
total of 333 firms that operated for the entire year. Of this total, 
299 firms had annual receipts of less than $25 million. Consequently, 
we estimate that the majority of satellite telecommunications providers 
are small entities.
    33. All Other Telecommunications. The ``All Other 
Telecommunications'' category is comprised of establishments primarily 
engaged in providing specialized telecommunications services, such as 
satellite tracking, communications telemetry, and radar station 
operation. This industry also includes establishments primarily engaged 
in providing satellite terminal stations and associated facilities 
connected with one or more terrestrial systems and capable of 
transmitting telecommunications to, and receiving telecommunications 
from, satellite systems. Establishments providing internet services or 
voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services via client-supplied 
telecommunications connections are also included in this industry. The 
SBA has developed a small business size standard for All Other 
Telecommunications, which consists of all such firms with annual 
receipts of $35 million or less. For this category, U.S. Census Bureau 
data for 2012 shows that there were 1,442 firms that operated for the 
entire year. Of those firms, a total of 1,400 had annual

[[Page 59863]]

receipts less than $25 million. Thus, the Commission estimates that the 
majority of ``All Other Telecommunications'' firms potentially affected 
by our action can be considered small.
    34. Wireless Telecommunications Carriers (except Satellite). This 
industry comprises establishments engaged in operating and maintaining 
switching and transmission facilities to provide communications via the 
airwaves. Establishments in this industry have spectrum licenses and 
provide services using that spectrum, such as cellular services, paging 
services, wireless internet access, and wireless video services. The 
appropriate size standard under SBA rules is that such a business is 
small if it has 1,500 or fewer employees. For this industry, U.S. 
Census data for 2012 show that there were 967 firms that operated for 
the entire year. Of this total, 955 firms had employment of 999 or 
fewer employees. Thus, under this category and the associated size 
standard, the Commission estimates that the majority of wireless 
telecommunications carriers (except satellite) are small entities.
    35. Television Broadcasting. This Economic Census category 
``comprises establishments primarily engaged in broadcasting images 
together with sound.'' These establishments operate television 
broadcast studios and facilities for the programming and transmission 
of programs to the public. These establishments also produce or 
transmit visual programming to affiliated broadcast television 
stations, which in turn broadcast the programs to the public on a 
predetermined schedule. Programming may originate in their own studio, 
from an affiliated network, or from external sources. The SBA has 
created the following small business size standard for such businesses: 
Those having $41.5 million or less in annual receipts. The 2012 
Economic Census reports that 751 firms in this category operated in 
that year. Of that number, 656 had annual receipts of $25,000,000 or 
less. Based on this data we therefore estimate that the majority of 
commercial television broadcasters are small entities under the 
applicable SBA size standard.
    36. The Commission has estimated the number of licensed commercial 
television stations to be 1,377. Of this total, 1,258 stations (or 
about 91 percent) had revenues of $41.5 million or less, according to 
Commission staff review of the BIA Kelsey Inc. Media Access Pro 
Television Database (BIA) on November 16, 2017, and therefore these 
licensees qualify as small entities under the SBA definition. In 
addition, the Commission has estimated the number of licensed 
noncommercial educational television stations to be 384. 
Notwithstanding, the Commission does not compile and otherwise does not 
have access to information on the revenue of NCE stations that would 
permit it to determine how many such stations would qualify as small 
entities. There are also 2,300 low power television stations, including 
Class A stations (LPTV) and 3,681 TV translator stations. Given the 
nature of these services, we will presume that all of these entities 
qualify as small entities under the above SBA small business size 
standard.
    37. We note, however, that in assessing whether a business concern 
qualifies as ``small'' under the above definition, business (control) 
affiliations must be included. Our estimate, therefore likely 
overstates the number of small entities that might be affected by our 
action, because the revenue figure on which it is based does not 
include or aggregate revenues from affiliated companies. In addition, 
another element of the definition of ``small business'' requires that 
an entity not be dominant in its field of operation. We are unable at 
this time to define or quantify the criteria that would establish 
whether a specific television broadcast station is dominant in its 
field of operation. Accordingly, the estimate of small businesses to 
which rules may apply does not exclude any television station from the 
definition of a small business on this basis and is therefore possibly 
over-inclusive. Also, as noted above, an additional element of the 
definition of ``small business'' is that the entity must be 
independently owned and operated. The Commission notes that it is 
difficult at times to assess these criteria in the context of media 
entities and its estimates of small businesses to which they apply may 
be over-inclusive to this extent.
    38. Radio Stations. This Economic Census category ``comprises 
establishments primarily engaged in broadcasting aural programs by 
radio to the public.'' The SBA has created the following small business 
size standard for this category: Those having $41.5 million or less in 
annual receipts. Census data for 2012 show that 2,849 firms in this 
category operated in that year. Of this number, 2,806 firms had annual 
receipts of less than $25 million. Because the Census has no additional 
classifications that could serve as a basis for determining the number 
of stations whose receipts exceeded $41.5 million in that year, we 
conclude that the majority of radio broadcast stations were small 
entities under the applicable SBA size standard. In addition, the 
Commission has estimated the number of noncommercial educational FM 
radio stations to be 4,122. NCE stations are non-profit, and therefore 
considered to be small entities.
    39. Auxiliary, Special Broadcast and Other Program Distribution 
Services. This service involves a variety of transmitters, generally 
used to relay broadcast programming to the public (through translator 
and booster stations) or within the program distribution chain (from a 
remote news gathering unit back to the station). Neither the SBA nor 
the Commission has developed a size standard applicable to broadcast 
auxiliary licensees. The closest applicable SBA category and small 
business size standard falls under Radio Stations and Television 
Broadcasting. The SBA size standard for radio stations is $41.5 million 
per year. U.S. Census Bureau data for 2012 show that 2,849 radio 
station firms operated during that year. Of that number, 2,806 firms 
operated with annual receipts of less than $25 million per year. For 
Television Broadcasting the SBA small business size standard is such 
businesses having $41.5 million or less in annual receipts. U.S. Census 
Bureau data show that 751 firms in this category operated in that year. 
Of that number, 656 had annual receipts of $25,000,000 or less. 
Accordingly, based on the U.S. Census Bureau data for Radio Stations 
and Television Broadcasting, the Commission estimates that the majority 
of Auxiliary, Special Broadcast and Other Program Distribution Services 
firms are small.
    40. Cable Companies and Systems (Rate Regulation). The Commission 
has also developed its own small business size standards, for the 
purpose of cable rate regulation. Under the Commission's rules, a 
``small cable company'' is one serving 400,000 or fewer subscribers 
nationwide. Industry data indicate that there are 4,600 active cable 
systems in the United States. Of this total, all but five cable 
operators nationwide are small under the 400,000-subscriber size 
standard. In addition, under the Commission's rate regulation rules, a 
``small system'' is a cable system serving 15,000 or fewer subscribers. 
Commission records show 4,600 cable systems nationwide. Of this total, 
3,900 cable systems have fewer than 15,000 subscribers, and 700 systems 
have 15,000 or more subscribers, based on the same records. Thus, under 
this standard as well, we estimate that most cable systems are small 
entities
    41. Internet Service Providers. Broadband internet service 
providers include wired (e.g., cable, DSL) and VoIP service providers 
using their own operated wired telecommunications

[[Page 59864]]

infrastructure fall in the category of Wired Telecommunication 
Carriers. Wired Telecommunications Carriers are comprised of 
establishments primarily engaged in operating and/or providing access 
to transmission facilities and infrastructure that they own and/or 
lease for the transmission of voice, data, text, sound, and video using 
wired telecommunications networks. Transmission facilities may be based 
on a single technology or a combination of technologies. The SBA size 
standard for this category classifies a business as small if it has 
1,500 or fewer employees. U.S. Census Bureau data for 2012 show that 
there were 3,117 firms that operated that year. Of this total, 3,083 
operated with fewer than 1,000 employees. Consequently, under this size 
standard the majority of firms in this industry can be considered 
small.

F. Schools and Libraries

    42. Schools. While the Commission does define entities eligible to 
participate in the E-Rate program, neither the Commission nor the SBA 
have a size standard for small entities specifically applicable to 
schools. Under the E-Rate program, which provides support for 
elementary and secondary schools and libraries, an elementary school is 
generally ``a non-profit institutional day or residential school that 
provides elementary education, as determined under state law.'' A 
secondary school is generally defined as ``a non-profit institutional 
day or residential school that provides secondary education, as 
determined under state law,'' and not offering education beyond grade 
12. For-profit schools, and schools with endowments in excess of 
$50,000,000, are not eligible to receive discounts under the E-Rate 
program.
    43. Although the SBA does not have a size standard for small 
entities specifically applicable to schools, the closest NAICS Code 
category is Elementary and Secondary Schools under the subsector 
Educational Services. The SBA has developed a small business size 
standard for Elementary and Secondary Schools which consists of all 
such entities with gross annual receipts of $12 million or less. In 
funding year 2017, approximately 104,500 schools received funding under 
the schools and libraries universal service mechanism. Although we are 
unable to estimate the exact number of these entities that would 
qualify as small entities under SBA's size standard, we estimate that 
fewer than 104,500 schools might be affected by our action.
    44. Libraries. The Commission does have definitions for entities 
that participate in the E-Rate program but neither the Commission nor 
the SBA have a size standard for small entities specifically applicable 
to libraries. Under the E-Rate program, which provides support for 
libraries, a library includes ``(1) a public library, (2) a public 
elementary school or secondary school library, (3) an academic library, 
(4) a research library [] and (5) a private library, but only if the 
state in which such private library is located determines that the 
library should be considered a library for the purposes of this 
definition.'' For-profit libraries, are not eligible to receive 
discounts under the program, nor are libraries whose budgets are not 
completely separate from any schools.
    45. Although the SBA does not have a size standard for small 
entities specifically applicable to libraries, the closest NAICS Code 
category is Libraries and Archives. The SBA has developed a small 
business size standard for Libraries and Archives which consists of all 
such entities with gross annual receipts of $16.5 million or less. In 
funding year 2017, approximately 11,490 libraries received funding 
under the schools and libraries universal service mechanism. Although 
we are unable to estimate the exact number of these entities that would 
qualify as small entities under SBA's size standard, we estimate that 
fewer than 11,490 libraries might be affected annually by our action.

G. Health Care Providers

    46. Offices of Physicians (except Mental Health Specialists). This 
U.S. industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having 
the degree of M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) 
primarily engaged in the independent practice of general or specialized 
medicine (except psychiatry or psychoanalysis) or surgery. These 
practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices 
(e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as 
hospitals or health maintenance organization (HMO) medical centers. The 
SBA has created a size standard for this industry, which is annual 
receipts of $11 million or less. According to 2012 U.S. Economic 
Census, 152,468 firms operated throughout the entire year in this 
industry. Of that number, 147,718 had annual receipts of less than $10 
million. Based on this data, we conclude that a majority of firms 
operating in this industry are small under the applicable size 
standard.
    47. Offices of Physicians, Mental Health Specialists. The U.S. 
industry comprises establishments of health practitioners having the 
degree of M.D. (Doctor of Medicine) or D.O. (Doctor of Osteopathy) 
primarily engaged in the independent practice of psychiatry or 
psychoanalysis. These practitioners operate private or group practices 
in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of 
others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers. The SBA has 
established a size standard for businesses in this industry, which is 
annual receipts of $12 million dollars or less. The U.S. Economic 
Census indicates that 8,809 firms operated throughout the entire year 
in this industry. Of that number 8,791 had annual receipts of less than 
$10 million. Based on this data, we conclude that a majority of firms 
in this industry are small under the applicable standard.
    48. Offices of Dentists. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments of health practitioners having the degree of D.M.D. 
(Doctor of Dental Medicine), D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Surgery), or 
D.D.S. (Doctor of Dental Science) primarily engaged in the independent 
practice of general or specialized dentistry or dental surgery. These 
practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices 
(e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as 
hospitals or HMO medical centers. They can provide either comprehensive 
preventive, cosmetic, or emergency care, or specialize in a single 
field of dentistry. The SBA has established a size standard for that 
industry of annual receipts of $8.0 million or less. The 2012 U.S. 
Economic Census indicates that 115,268 firms operated in the dental 
industry throughout the entire year. Of that number 114,417 had annual 
receipts of less than $5 million. Based on this data, we conclude that 
a majority of business in the dental industry are small under the 
applicable standard.
    49. Offices of Chiropractors. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments of health practitioners having the degree of DC (Doctor 
of Chiropractic) primarily engaged in the independent practice of 
chiropractic. These practitioners provide diagnostic and therapeutic 
treatment of neuromusculoskeletal and related disorders through the 
manipulation and adjustment of the spinal column and extremities, and 
operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, 
clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO 
medical centers. The SBA has established a size standard for this 
industry, which is annual receipts of $8.0 million or less. The 2012 
U.S.

[[Page 59865]]

Economic Census statistics show that in 2012, there were 33,940 firms 
operated throughout the entire year. Of that number 33,910 operated 
with annual receipts of less than $5 million per year. Based on that 
data, we conclude that a majority of chiropractors are small.
    50. Offices of Optometrists. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments of health practitioners having the degree of O.D. 
(Doctor of Optometry) primarily engaged in the independent practice of 
optometry. These practitioners examine, diagnose, treat, and manage 
diseases and disorders of the visual system, the eye and associated 
structures as well as diagnose related systemic conditions. Offices of 
optometrists prescribe and/or provide eyeglasses, contact lenses, low 
vision aids, and vision therapy. They operate private or group 
practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the 
facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers, and may 
also provide the same services as opticians, such as selling and 
fitting prescription eyeglasses and contact lenses. The SBA has $8.0 
established a size standard for businesses operating in this industry, 
which is annual receipts of million or less. The 2012 Economic Census 
indicates that 18,050 firms operated the entire year. Of that number, 
17,951 had annual receipts of less than $5 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that a majority of optometrists in this industry are small.
    51. Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (except Physicians). 
This U.S. industry comprises establishments of independent mental 
health practitioners (except physicians) primarily engaged in (1) the 
diagnosis and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders 
and/or (2) the diagnosis and treatment of individual or group social 
dysfunction brought about by such causes as mental illness, alcohol and 
substance abuse, physical and emotional trauma, or stress. These 
practitioners operate private or group practices in their own offices 
(e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as 
hospitals or HMO medical centers. The SBA has created a size standard 
for this industry, which is annual receipts of $8.0 million or less. 
The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 16,058 firms operated 
throughout the entire year. Of that number, 15,894 firms received 
annual receipts of less than $5 million. Based on this data, we 
conclude that a majority of mental health practitioners who do not 
employ physicians are small.
    52. Offices of Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapists and 
Audiologists. This U.S. industry comprises establishments of 
independent health practitioners primarily engaged in one of the 
following: (1) Providing physical therapy services to patients who have 
impairments, functional limitations, disabilities, or changes in 
physical functions and health status resulting from injury, disease or 
other causes, or who require prevention, wellness or fitness services; 
(2) planning and administering educational, recreational, and social 
activities designed to help patients or individuals with disabilities, 
regain physical or mental functioning or to adapt to their 
disabilities; and (3) diagnosing and treating speech, language, or 
hearing problems. These practitioners operate private or group 
practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the 
facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers. The SBA 
has established a size standard for this industry, which is annual 
receipts of $8.0 million or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census 
indicates that 20,567 firms in this industry operated throughout the 
entire year. Of this number, 20,047 had annual receipts of less than $5 
million. Based on this data, we conclude that a majority of businesses 
in this industry are small.
    53. Offices of Podiatrists. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments of health practitioners having the degree of D.P.M. 
(Doctor of Podiatric Medicine) primarily engaged in the independent 
practice of podiatry. These practitioners diagnose and treat diseases 
and deformities of the foot and operate private or group practices in 
their own offices (e.g., centers, clinics) or in the facilities of 
others, such as hospitals or HMO medical centers. The SBA has 
established a size standard for businesses in this industry, which is 
annual receipts of $8.0 million or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census 
indicates that 7,569 podiatry firms operated throughout the entire 
year. Of that number, 7,545 firms had annual receipts of less than $5 
million. Based on this data, we conclude that a majority of firms in 
this industry are small.
    54. Offices of All Other Miscellaneous Health Practitioners. This 
U.S. industry comprises establishments of independent health 
practitioners (except physicians; dentists; chiropractors; 
optometrists; mental health specialists; physical, occupational, and 
speech therapists; audiologists; and podiatrists). These practitioners 
operate private or group practices in their own offices (e.g., centers, 
clinics) or in the facilities of others, such as hospitals or HMO 
medical centers. The SBA has established a size standard for this 
industry, which is annual receipts of $8.0 million or less. The 2012 
U.S. Economic Census indicates that 11,460 firms operated throughout 
the entire year. Of that number, 11,374 firms had annual receipts of 
less than $5 million. Based on this data, we conclude the majority of 
firms in this industry are small.
    55. Family Planning Centers. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing a 
range of family planning services on an outpatient basis, such as 
contraceptive services, genetic and prenatal counseling, voluntary 
sterilization, and therapeutic and medically induced termination of 
pregnancy. The SBA has established a size standard for this industry, 
which is annual receipts of $12 million or less. The 2012 Economic 
Census indicates that 1,286 firms in this industry operated throughout 
the entire year. Of that number 1,237 had annual receipts of less than 
$10 million. Based on this data, we conclude that the majority of firms 
in this industry are small.
    56. Outpatient Mental Health and Substance Abuse Centers. This U.S. 
industry comprises establishments with medical staff primarily engaged 
in providing outpatient services related to the diagnosis and treatment 
of mental health disorders and alcohol and other substance abuse. These 
establishments generally treat patients who do not require inpatient 
treatment. They may provide a counseling staff and information 
regarding a wide range of mental health and substance abuse issues and/
or refer patients to more extensive treatment programs, if necessary. 
The SBA has established a size standard for this industry, which is 
$16.5 million or less in annual receipts. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census 
indicates that 4,446 firms operated throughout the entire year. Of that 
number, 4,069 had annual receipts of less than $10 million. Based on 
this data, we conclude that a majority of firms in this industry are 
small.
    57. HMO Medical Centers. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments with physicians and other medical staff primarily 
engaged in providing a range of outpatient medical services to the HMO 
subscribers with a focus generally on primary health care. These 
establishments are owned by the HMO. Included in this industry are HMO 
establishments that both provide health care services and underwrite 
health and medical insurance policies. The SBA has established a size 
standard for this industry, which is $35 million or less in

[[Page 59866]]

annual receipts. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 14 firms 
in this industry operated throughout the entire year. Of that number, 5 
firms had annual receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that approximately one-third of the firms in this industry 
are small.
    58. Freestanding Ambulatory Surgical and Emergency Centers. This 
U.S. industry comprises establishments with physicians and other 
medical staff primarily engaged in (1) providing surgical services 
(e.g., orthoscopic and cataract surgery) on an outpatient basis or (2) 
providing emergency care services (e.g., setting broken bones, treating 
lacerations, or tending to patients suffering injuries as a result of 
accidents, trauma, or medical conditions necessitating immediate 
medical care) on an outpatient basis. Outpatient surgical 
establishments have specialized facilities, such as operating and 
recovery rooms, and specialized equipment, such as anesthetic or X-ray 
equipment. The SBA has established a size standard for this industry, 
which is annual receipts of $16.5 million or less. The 2012 U.S. 
Economic Census indicates that 3,595 firms in this industry operated 
throughout the entire year. Of that number, 3,222 firms had annual 
receipts of less than $10 million. Based on this data, we conclude that 
a majority of firms in this industry are small.
    59. All Other Outpatient Care Centers. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing 
general or specialized outpatient care (except family planning centers, 
outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers, HMO medical 
centers, kidney dialysis centers, and freestanding ambulatory surgical 
and emergency centers). Centers or clinics of health practitioners with 
different degrees from more than one industry practicing within the 
same establishment (i.e., Doctor of Medicine and Doctor of Dental 
Medicine) are included in this industry. The SBA has established a size 
standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $22 million or 
less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 4,903 firms operated 
in this industry throughout the entire year. Of this number, 4,269 
firms had annual receipts of less than $10 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that a majority of firms in this industry are small.
    60. Blood and Organ Banks. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments primarily engaged in collecting, storing, and 
distributing blood and blood products and storing and distributing body 
organs. The SBA has established a size standard for this industry, 
which is annual receipts of $35 million or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic 
Census indicates that 314 firms operated in this industry throughout 
the entire year. Of that number, 235 operated with annual receipts of 
less than $25 million. Based on this data, we conclude that 
approximately three-quarters of firms that operate in this industry are 
small.
    61. All Other Miscellaneous Ambulatory Health Care Services. This 
U.S. industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in providing 
ambulatory health care services (except offices of physicians, 
dentists, and other health practitioners; outpatient care centers; 
medical and diagnostic laboratories; home health care providers; 
ambulances; and blood and organ banks). The SBA has established a size 
standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $16.5 million 
or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 2,429 firms 
operated in this industry throughout the entire year. Of that number, 
2,318 had annual receipts of less than $10 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that a majority of the firms in this industry are small.
    62. Medical Laboratories. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments known as medical laboratories primarily engaged in 
providing analytic or diagnostic services, including body fluid 
analysis, generally to the medical profession or to the patient on 
referral from a health practitioner. The SBA has established a size 
standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $35 million or 
less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 2,599 firms operated 
in this industry throughout the entire year. Of this number, 2,465 had 
annual receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this data, we 
conclude that a majority of firms that operate in this industry are 
small.
    63. Diagnostic Imaging Centers. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments known as diagnostic imaging centers primarily engaged in 
producing images of the patient generally on referral from a health 
practitioner. The SBA has established size standard for this industry, 
which is annual receipts of $16.5 million or less. The 2012 U.S. 
Economic Census indicates that 4,209 firms operated in this industry 
throughout the entire year. Of that number, 3,876 firms had annual 
receipts of less than $10 million. Based on this data, we conclude that 
a majority of firms that operate in this industry are small.
    64. Home Health Care Services. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments primarily engaged in providing skilled nursing services 
in the home, along with a range of the following: Personal care 
services; homemaker and companion services; physical therapy; medical 
social services; medications; medical equipment and supplies; 
counseling; 24-hour home care; occupation and vocational therapy; 
dietary and nutritional services; speech therapy; audiology; and high-
tech care, such as intravenous therapy. The SBA has established a size 
standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $16.5 million 
or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 17,770 firms 
operated in this industry throughout the entire year. Of that number, 
16,822 had annual receipts of less than $10 million. Based on this 
data, we conclude that a majority of firms that operate in this 
industry are small.
    65. Ambulance Services. This U.S. industry comprises establishments 
primarily engaged in providing transportation of patients by ground or 
air, along with medical care. These services are often provided during 
a medical emergency but are not restricted to emergencies. The vehicles 
are equipped with lifesaving equipment operated by medically trained 
personnel. The SBA has established a size standard for this industry, 
which is annual receipts of $16.5 million. The 2012 U.S. Economic 
Census indicates that 2,984 firms operated in this industry throughout 
the entire year. Of that number, 2,926 had annual receipts of less than 
$15 million. Based on this data, we conclude that a majority of firms 
in this industry are small.
    66. Kidney Dialysis Centers. This U.S. industry comprises 
establishments with medical staff primarily engaged in providing 
outpatient kidney or renal dialysis services. The SBA has established 
assize standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $41.5 
million or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 396 firms 
operated in this industry throughout the entire year. Of that number, 
379 had annual receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that a majority of firms in this industry are small.
    67. General Medical and Surgical Hospitals. This U.S. industry 
comprises establishments known and licensed as general medical and 
surgical hospitals primarily engaged in providing diagnostic and 
medical treatment (both surgical and nonsurgical) to inpatients with 
any of a wide variety of medical conditions. These establishments 
maintain inpatient beds and provide patients with food services that 
meet

[[Page 59867]]

their nutritional requirements. These hospitals have an organized staff 
of physicians and other medical staff to provide patient care services. 
These establishments usually provide other services, such as outpatient 
services, anatomical pathology services, diagnostic X-ray services, 
clinical laboratory services, operating room services for a variety of 
procedures, and pharmacy services. The SBA has established a size 
standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $41.5 million 
or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 2,800 firms 
operated in this industry throughout the entire year. Of that number, 
877 has annual receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that approximately one-quarter of firms in this industry 
are small.
    68. Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals. This U.S. industry 
comprises establishments known and licensed as psychiatric and 
substance abuse hospitals primarily engaged in providing diagnostic, 
medical treatment, and monitoring services for inpatients who suffer 
from mental illness or substance abuse disorders. The treatment often 
requires an extended stay in the hospital. These establishments 
maintain inpatient beds and provide patients with food services that 
meet their nutritional requirements. They have an organized staff of 
physicians and other medical staff to provide patient care services. 
Psychiatric, psychological, and social work services are available at 
the facility. These hospitals usually provide other services, such as 
outpatient services, clinical laboratory services, diagnostic X-ray 
services, and electroencephalograph services. The SBA has established a 
size standard for this industry, which is annual receipts of $41.5 
million or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 404 firms 
operated in this industry throughout the entire year. Of that number, 
185 had annual receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this data, 
we conclude that slightly less than one-half of the firms in this 
industry are small.
    69. Specialty (Except Psychiatric and Substance Abuse) Hospitals. 
This U.S. industry consists of establishments known and licensed as 
specialty hospitals primarily engaged in providing diagnostic, and 
medical treatment to inpatients with a specific type of disease or 
medical condition (except psychiatric or substance abuse). Hospitals 
providing long-term care for the chronically ill and hospitals 
providing rehabilitation, restorative, and adjustive services to 
physically challenged or disabled people are included in this industry. 
These establishments maintain inpatient beds and provide patients with 
food services that meet their nutritional requirements. They have an 
organized staff of physicians and other medical staff to provide 
patient care services. These hospitals may provide other services, such 
as outpatient services, diagnostic X-ray services, clinical laboratory 
services, operating room services, physical therapy services, 
educational and vocational services, and psychological and social work 
services. The SBA has established a size standard for this industry, 
which is annual receipts of $41.5 million or less. The 2012 U.S. 
Economic Census indicates that 346 firms operated in this industry 
throughout the entire year. Of that number, 146 firms had annual 
receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this data, we conclude that 
approximately one-third of the firms in this industry are small.
    70. Emergency and Other Relief Services. This industry comprises 
establishments primarily engaged in providing food, shelter, clothing, 
medical relief, resettlement, and counseling to victims of domestic or 
international disasters or conflicts (e.g., wars). The SBA has 
established a size standard for this industry, which is annual receipts 
of $35 million or less. The 2012 U.S. Economic Census indicates that 
541 firms operated in this industry throughout the entire year. Of that 
number, 509 had annual receipts of less than $25 million. Based on this 
data, we conclude that a majority of firms in this industry are small.

H. Description of Projected Reporting, Recordkeeping, and Other 
Compliance Requirements

    71. The Report and Order adopts the following new reporting 
requirement. New FRN registrants and certain existing FRN holders that 
need to update their FRNs will need to provide their email address 
information to set up a username and password to be associated with 
their FRN. Eventually, all FRN registrants will be expected to manage 
FRN-related business in the new CORES.

I. Steps Taken To Minimize Significant Economic Impact on Small 
Entities, and Significant Alternatives Considered

    72. The RFA requires an agency to describe any significant, 
specifically small business, alternatives that it has considered in 
reaching its proposed approach, which may include the following four 
alternatives (among others): ``(1) The establishment of differing 
compliance or reporting requirements or timetables that take into 
account the resources available to small entities; (2) the 
clarification, consolidation, or simplification of compliance or 
reporting requirements under the rule for small entities; (3) the use 
of performance, rather than design standards; and (4) an exemption from 
coverage of the rule, or any part thereof, for small entities.''
    73. A substantial number of entities and individuals doing business 
with the Commission have already received their FRNs through a prior 
registration in the old version of CORES (or legacy CORES), and we 
anticipate that the changes proposed here will have little to no 
economic impact on them. For all users that are currently using the 
legacy CORES and will be expected to use the new CORES, there should be 
no economic barriers involved in seeking an FRN number through CORES 
when registering online through the Commission's website. The Office of 
Managing Director is the delegated authority to transition registrants 
that obtained passwords through legacy CORES to the new CORES, and, in 
consultation with the Commission's Chief Information Officer, will best 
determine what steps to take to bring such users into compliance. 
Through the transition process, all FRN holders will be expected to 
manage FRN business through the new CORES. After legacy CORES is 
retired (i.e., no longer publicly accessible), new FRN registrants and 
existing FRN holders that need to update FRN information will need to 
do so in the new CORES because the legacy CORES system will not be 
available. When needing to first register for an FRN or make 
information changes to a registration, users will be required to 
provide an email address and password in the FCC User Registration 
System in order to access the new CORES. FRN holders that forget their 
passwords will also need to go through the new system to set up new 
passwords. The steps to obtain a new FRN or revise the information 
associated with an already-existing FRN are not burdensome because this 
requires a limited amount of data entry in form fields and should 
involve little to no cost for the registrant. However, this order does 
not address other Commission information systems that may require FRN 
and password entry or additional requirements for those separate 
systems

IV. Ordering Clauses

    74. Accordingly, it is ordered that pursuant to sections 4(i), 
8(c)(2), 9(c)(2), and 303(r) of the Communications Act

[[Page 59868]]

of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 158(c)(2), 159(c)(2), and 
303(r); and section 7701 of the Debt Collection Improvement Act of 
1996, 31 U.S.C. 7701(c)(1), the Report and Order is adopted and the 
Commission's rules are hereby amended as set forth in Appendix B of the 
Report and Order. The rules and procedures adopted in the Report and 
Order are effective 30 days after the date of publication in the 
Federal Register. The non-substantive change to an information 
collection effected by the revision to Sec.  1.8002(b)(2) of the 
Commission's rules was approved by OMB on August 11, 2021.
    75. It is further ordered that this Report and Order shall be 
effective 30 days after publication of a summary in the Federal 
Register.
    76. It is further ordered that the Commission shall send a copy of 
the Report and Order, in a report to be sent to Congress and the 
Government Accountability Office pursuant to the Congressional Review 
Act, 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
    77. It is further ordered that the Commission's Consumer and 
Governmental Affairs Bureau, Reference Information Center, shall send a 
copy of the Report and Order, including the Final Regulatory 
Flexibility Analysis, to the Chief Counsel for Advocacy of the Small 
Business Administration.

List of Subjects in 47 CFR Part 1

    Administrative practice and procedure, Communications, internet, 
Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Telecommunications.

Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.

    For the reasons stated in the preamble, the FCC amends 47 CFR part 
1 as follows:

PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE

0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:

    Authority: 47 U.S.C. chs. 2, 5, 9, 13; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note, 
unless otherwise noted.

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2. Amend Sec.  1.8002 by:
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a. Revising paragraph (b); and
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b. Removing paragraph (e).
    The revision reads as follows:


Sec.  1.8002  Obtaining an FRN.

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    (b)(1) When registering for an FRN through the CORES, an entity's 
name, entity type, contact name and title, address, valid email 
address, and taxpayer identifying number (TIN) must be provided. For 
individuals, the TIN is the social security number (SSN).
    (2) Information listed in paragraph (b)(1) of this section must be 
kept current by registrants either by updating the information on-line 
at the CORES link at www.fcc.gov or by filing FCC Form 161 (CORES 
Update/Change Form).
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[FR Doc. 2021-20544 Filed 10-28-21; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P