Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program, 84324-84325 [2023-26698]
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84324
Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 5, 2023 / Notices
required by the Paperwork Reduction
Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal
Communications Commission (FCC or
the Commission) invites the general
public and other Federal agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on the
following information collection.
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.
DATES: Written PRA comments should
be submitted on or before February 5,
2024. If you anticipate that you will be
submitting comments, but find it
difficult to do so within the period of
time allowed by this notice, you should
advise the contact listed below as soon
as possible.
ADDRESSES: Direct all PRA comments to
Nicole Ongele, FCC, via email PRA@
fcc.gov and to nicole.ongele@fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For
additional information about the
information collection, contact Nicole
Ongele, (202) 418–2991.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The FCC
may not conduct or sponsor a collection
of information unless it displays a
currently valid control number. No
person shall be subject to any penalty
for failing to comply with a collection
of information subject to the PRA that
does not display a valid Office of
Management and Budget (OMB) control
number.
OMB Control Number: 3060–1283.
Title: Improving Outage Reporting for
Submarine Cables and Enhanced
Submarine Outage Data.
Form Number: Not applicable.
Type of Review: Extension of a
currently information collection.
Respondents: Business or other forprofit.
Number of Respondents and
Responses: 85 respondents; 154
responses.
Estimated Time per Response: 2
hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion
reporting requirement.
Obligation to Respond: Mandatory.
Statutory authority for this information
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collection is contained in 47 U.S.C. 151,
154(i)–(j) & (o), 405, and the Cable
Landing License Act of 1921, 47 U.S.C.
34–39, and 3 U.S.C. 301, and Executive
Order 10530.
Total Annual Burden: 308 hours.
Total Annual Cost: No Cost.
Needs and Uses: Section 151 of the
Communications Act of 1934 (Act), as
amended, requires the Commission to
promote the safety of life and property
through the use of wire and radio
communications. Additionally, the
Cable Landing License Act, (47 U.S.C.
34–39), and Executive Order 10530,
provide the Commission with authority
to grant, withhold, condition and revoke
submarine cable landing licenses.
Further, the Cable Landing License Act
and Executive Order 10530 provide that
the Commission may place conditions
on the grant of a submarine cable
landing license in order to assure just
and reasonable rates and service in the
operation and use of cables so licensed.
‘‘Just and reasonable service’’ entails
assurance that the cable infrastructure
will be reasonably available.
Availability of submarine cables is also
critically important for national security
and the economy because submarine
cables carry approximately 95 percent of
international communications traffic
and are the primary means of
connectivity for numerous U.S. states
and territories.
This collection is part of the
Commission’s NORS outage reporting
regime. As with the other information
collection collected in NORS regarding
other communications services (under
OMB Control No. 3060–0484), this
collection facilitates FCC monitoring,
analysis, and investigation of the
reliability and security of submarine
cable networks, and to identify and act
on potential threats to our Nation’s
telecommunications infrastructure.
Drawing from a decade of experience in
outage reporting, the Commission will
seek an ongoing dialogue with
submarine cable licensees, as well as
with the industry at large, regarding
lessons learned from the new
information collection. These efforts
will help the Commission develop a
better understanding of the root causes
of significant outages, and to explore
preventive measures to mitigate the
impact of such outages on the Nation
and the American public.
Mandatory submarine cable outage
data provides the Commission with
greater visibility into the availability
and health of these networks, allowing
the Commission to better track and
analyze submarine cable resiliency. This
enhanced visibility into submarine
cable network outages will allow the
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Frm 00028
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Commission to take appropriate actions
to mitigate disruptions, if necessary, and
to avoid the development of larger, more
significant problems which could
impact national security and public
safety interests. Submarine cable
outages do not typically occur with the
same frequency as terrestrial outages,
but when they do occur have a greater
impact on the Nation’s
telecommunications due to the volume
and nature of communications carried
over such cables. Damages to submarine
cables are usually caused by weather or
inadvertent slicing by underseas
equipment. However, submarine cables
are also susceptible to intentional
damage for nefarious purposes that
could lead to a severe degradation of
crucial government, as well as nongovernment, communications.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023–26696 Filed 12–4–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
[FR ID: 187884]
Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice of a new matching
program.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Privacy Act of 1974, as amended
(‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document
announces a new computer matching
program the Federal Communications
Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’
or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) will
conduct with the New Mexico Human
Services Department. The purpose of
this matching program is to verify the
eligibility of applicants to and
subscribers of Lifeline, and the
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP),
both of which are administered by
USAC under the direction of the FCC.
More information about these programs
is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION section below.
DATES: Written comments are due on or
before January 4, 2024. This computer
matching program will commence on
January 4, 2024, and will conclude 18
months after the effective date.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Elliot S.
Tarloff, FCC, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@
fcc.gov.
SUMMARY:
E:\FR\FM\05DEN1.SGM
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Federal Register / Vol. 88, No. 232 / Tuesday, December 5, 2023 / Notices
khammond on DSKJM1Z7X2PROD with NOTICES
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elliot S. Tarloff at 202–418–0886 or
Privacy@fcc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The
Lifeline program provides support for
discounted broadband and voice
services to low-income consumers.
Lifeline is administered by the
Universal Service Administrative
Company (USAC) under FCC direction.
Consumers qualify for Lifeline through
proof of income or participation in a
qualifying program, such as Medicaid,
the Supplemental Nutritional
Assistance Program (SNAP), Federal
Public Housing Assistance,
Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit,
or various Tribal-specific federal
assistance programs. In the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,
Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182,
2129–36 (2020), Congress created the
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program,
and directed use of the National Verifier
to determine eligibility based on various
criteria, including the qualifications for
Lifeline (Medicaid, SNAP, etc.). EBBP
provided $3.2 billion in monthly
consumer discounts for broadband
service and one-time provider
reimbursement for a connected device
(laptop, desktop computer or tablet). In
the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs
Act, Public Law 117–58, 135 Stat. 429,
1238–44 (2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C.
1751–52), Congress modified and
extended EBBP, provided an additional
$14.2 billion, and renamed it the
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
A household may qualify for the ACP
benefit under various criteria, including
an individual qualifying for the FCC’s
Lifeline program.
In a Report and Order adopted on
March 31, 2016, (81 FR 33026, May 24,
2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization
Order), the Commission ordered USAC
to create a National Lifeline Eligibility
Verifier (‘‘National Verifier’’), including
the National Lifeline Eligibility Database
(LED), that would match data about
Lifeline applicants and subscribers with
other data sources to verify the
eligibility of an applicant or subscriber.
The Commission found that the
National Verifier would reduce
compliance costs for Lifeline service
providers, improve service for Lifeline
subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud,
and abuse in the program.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act
of 2021 directs the FCC to leverage the
National Verifier to verify applicants’
eligibility for ACP. The purpose of this
matching program is to verify the
eligibility of Lifeline and ACP
applicants and subscribers by
VerDate Sep<11>2014
16:35 Dec 04, 2023
Jkt 262001
determining whether they receive SNAP
and Medicaid benefits administered by
the New Mexico Human Services
Department.
Participating Agencies
New Mexico Human Services
Department (source agency); Federal
Communications Commission (recipient
agency) and Universal Service
Administrative Company.
Authority for Conducting the Matching
Program
The authority to conduct the
matching program for the FCC’s ACP is
47 U.S.C. 1752(a)–(b). The authority to
conduct the matching program for the
FCC’s Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C.
254(a)–(c), (j).
The purpose of this new matching
agreement is to verify the eligibility of
applicants and subscribers to Lifeline,
as well as to ACP and other Federal
programs that use qualification for
Lifeline as an eligibility criterion. This
new agreement will permit eligibility
verification for the Lifeline program and
ACP by checking an applicant’s/
subscriber’s participation in SNAP and
Medicaid in New Mexico. Under FCC
rules, consumers receiving these
benefits qualify for Lifeline discounts
and also for ACP benefits.
Categories of Individuals
The categories of individuals whose
information is involved in the matching
program include, but are not limited to,
those individuals who have applied for
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are
currently receiving Lifeline and/or ACP
benefits; are individuals who enable
another individual in their household to
qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits;
are minors whose status qualifies a
parent or guardian for Lifeline and/or
ACP benefits; or are individuals who
have received Lifeline and/or ACP
benefits.
Categories of Records
The categories of records involved in
the matching program include, but are
not limited to, the last four digits of the
applicant’s Social Security Number,
date of birth, and first or last name. The
National Verifier will transfer these data
elements to the New Mexico Human
Services Department which will
respond either ‘‘yes’’ or ‘‘no’’ that the
individual is enrolled in a qualifying
assistance program: SNAP and Medicaid
administered by the New Mexico
Human Services Department.
Frm 00029
System(s) of Records
The records shared as part of this
matching program reside in the Lifeline
system of records, FCC/WCB–1,
Lifeline, which was published in the
Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb.
25, 2021).
The records shared as part of this
matching program reside in the ACP
system of records, FCC/WCB–3,
Affordable Connectivity Program, which
was published in the Federal Register at
86 FR 71494 (Dec. 16, 2021).
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023–26698 Filed 12–4–23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS
COMMISSION
Purpose(s)
PO 00000
84325
Fmt 4703
Sfmt 4703
[FR ID: 187883]
Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
Federal Communications
Commission.
ACTION: Notice of a new matching
program.
AGENCY:
In accordance with the
Privacy Act of 1974, as amended
(‘‘Privacy Act’’), this document
announces a new computer matching
program the Federal Communications
Commission (‘‘FCC’’ or ‘‘Commission’’
or ‘‘Agency’’) and the Universal Service
Administrative Company (USAC) will
conduct with the Minnesota Department
of Human Services. The purpose of this
matching program is to verify the
eligibility of applicants to and
subscribers of the Affordable
Connectivity Program (ACP), which is
administered by USAC under the
direction of the FCC. More information
about this program is provided in the
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section
below.
SUMMARY:
Written comments are due on or
before January 4, 2024. This computer
matching program will commence on
January 4, 2024, and will conclude 18
months after the effective date.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Elliot S.
Tarloff, FCC, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, or to Privacy@
fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Elliot S. Tarloff at 202–418–0886 or
Privacy@fcc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: In the
Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021,
Public Law 116–260, 134 Stat. 1182,
2129–36 (2020), Congress created the
Emergency Broadband Benefit Program,
DATES:
E:\FR\FM\05DEN1.SGM
05DEN1
]]>Agencies
[Federal Register Volume 88, Number 232 (Tuesday, December 5, 2023)]
[Notices]
[Pages 84324-84325]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2023-26698]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
[FR ID: 187884]
Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Notice of a new matching program.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: In accordance with the Privacy Act of 1974, as amended
(``Privacy Act''), this document announces a new computer matching
program the Federal Communications Commission (``FCC'' or
``Commission'' or ``Agency'') and the Universal Service Administrative
Company (USAC) will conduct with the New Mexico Human Services
Department. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the
eligibility of applicants to and subscribers of Lifeline, and the
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), both of which are administered
by USAC under the direction of the FCC. More information about these
programs is provided in the SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION section below.
DATES: Written comments are due on or before January 4, 2024. This
computer matching program will commence on January 4, 2024, and will
conclude 18 months after the effective date.
ADDRESSES: Send comments to Elliot S. Tarloff, FCC, 45 L Street NE,
Washington, DC 20554, or to [email protected].
[[Page 84325]]
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Elliot S. Tarloff at 202-418-0886 or
[email protected].
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Lifeline program provides support for
discounted broadband and voice services to low-income consumers.
Lifeline is administered by the Universal Service Administrative
Company (USAC) under FCC direction. Consumers qualify for Lifeline
through proof of income or participation in a qualifying program, such
as Medicaid, the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP),
Federal Public Housing Assistance, Supplemental Security Income (SSI),
Veterans and Survivors Pension Benefit, or various Tribal-specific
federal assistance programs. In the Consolidated Appropriations Act,
2021, Public Law 116-260, 134 Stat. 1182, 2129-36 (2020), Congress
created the Emergency Broadband Benefit Program, and directed use of
the National Verifier to determine eligibility based on various
criteria, including the qualifications for Lifeline (Medicaid, SNAP,
etc.). EBBP provided $3.2 billion in monthly consumer discounts for
broadband service and one-time provider reimbursement for a connected
device (laptop, desktop computer or tablet). In the Infrastructure
Investment and Jobs Act, Public Law 117-58, 135 Stat. 429, 1238-44
(2021) (codified at 47 U.S.C. 1751-52), Congress modified and extended
EBBP, provided an additional $14.2 billion, and renamed it the
Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP). A household may qualify for the
ACP benefit under various criteria, including an individual qualifying
for the FCC's Lifeline program.
In a Report and Order adopted on March 31, 2016, (81 FR 33026, May
24, 2016) (2016 Lifeline Modernization Order), the Commission ordered
USAC to create a National Lifeline Eligibility Verifier (``National
Verifier''), including the National Lifeline Eligibility Database
(LED), that would match data about Lifeline applicants and subscribers
with other data sources to verify the eligibility of an applicant or
subscriber. The Commission found that the National Verifier would
reduce compliance costs for Lifeline service providers, improve service
for Lifeline subscribers, and reduce waste, fraud, and abuse in the
program.
The Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 directs the FCC to
leverage the National Verifier to verify applicants' eligibility for
ACP. The purpose of this matching program is to verify the eligibility
of Lifeline and ACP applicants and subscribers by determining whether
they receive SNAP and Medicaid benefits administered by the New Mexico
Human Services Department.
Participating Agencies
New Mexico Human Services Department (source agency); Federal
Communications Commission (recipient agency) and Universal Service
Administrative Company.
Authority for Conducting the Matching Program
The authority to conduct the matching program for the FCC's ACP is
47 U.S.C. 1752(a)-(b). The authority to conduct the matching program
for the FCC's Lifeline program is 47 U.S.C. 254(a)-(c), (j).
Purpose(s)
The purpose of this new matching agreement is to verify the
eligibility of applicants and subscribers to Lifeline, as well as to
ACP and other Federal programs that use qualification for Lifeline as
an eligibility criterion. This new agreement will permit eligibility
verification for the Lifeline program and ACP by checking an
applicant's/subscriber's participation in SNAP and Medicaid in New
Mexico. Under FCC rules, consumers receiving these benefits qualify for
Lifeline discounts and also for ACP benefits.
Categories of Individuals
The categories of individuals whose information is involved in the
matching program include, but are not limited to, those individuals who
have applied for Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are currently receiving
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; are individuals who enable another
individual in their household to qualify for Lifeline and/or ACP
benefits; are minors whose status qualifies a parent or guardian for
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits; or are individuals who have received
Lifeline and/or ACP benefits.
Categories of Records
The categories of records involved in the matching program include,
but are not limited to, the last four digits of the applicant's Social
Security Number, date of birth, and first or last name. The National
Verifier will transfer these data elements to the New Mexico Human
Services Department which will respond either ``yes'' or ``no'' that
the individual is enrolled in a qualifying assistance program: SNAP and
Medicaid administered by the New Mexico Human Services Department.
System(s) of Records
The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the
Lifeline system of records, FCC/WCB-1, Lifeline, which was published in
the Federal Register at 86 FR 11526 (Feb. 25, 2021).
The records shared as part of this matching program reside in the
ACP system of records, FCC/WCB-3, Affordable Connectivity Program,
which was published in the Federal Register at 86 FR 71494 (Dec. 16,
2021).
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2023-26698 Filed 12-4-23; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
