Because the FCC
requested emergency approval on this item by July 2, 1999, OIRA
must act by that date or the collection will be assumed to be
approved by the FCC. Therefore, OMB disapproves this collection as
currently configured. Despite OMB's previous notice of action
(12/23/98) stating its concern about the Year 2000 implications of
the FCC's actions, particularly for small and medium size
telecommunications firms, the Commission did not demonstrate any
consideration of this issue. OMB has communicated its concern to
the FCC in two emails and cites the Commission's own Y2K
Communications Sector Report from March as well as OMB Memorandum
99-17 as sufficient justification for the FCC to clearly articulate
either some form of waiver process or an overall delay in requiring
these carriers to implement these requirements. Additionally, OMB
is not convinced that this revision, given its scale, scope, and
impact on the industry should be approved by OMB under the
emergency provisions of the Paperwork Reduction Act. Although OMB
supports the intention and content of the rulemaking, it does not
believe that the implementation, especially the short date of
effectiveness and the impact meeting it will have on Y2K
remediation efforts of small and mid-size telecommunications firms
are consistent with either the Paperwork Reduction Act or
Administration policy on Y2K as stated in OMB Memorandum 99-17.
Therefore, OMB disapproves this collection until the FCC addresses
these points. The FCC is encouraged to work with USTA and other
groups to resolve these issues and establish a process that allows
small entities to meet these requirements after addressing their
Y2K issues. The FCC can resubmit this collection provided it
identifies the resolution to OMB as part of its submission.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
12/31/1999
12/31/2001
0
0
1,800
0
0
0
0
0
0
The Commission has adopted rules to
make consumers' telephone bills easier to read and understand.
Telephone bills do not provide necessary information in a
user-friendly format. As a result, consumers are experiencing
difficulty in understanding their bills, in detecting fraud, in
resolving billing disputes, and in comparing carrier rates to get
the best value for themselves.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that
the collection of information encompassed by this request complies
with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR
1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding
the proposed collection of information, that the certification
covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a
benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control
number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of
these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked
and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.