SUPPORTING STATEMENT
U.S. Department of Commerce
National Telecommunications and Information Administration
Certification of a Digital-to-Analog Converter Box
OMB CONTROL NO. 0660-XXXX
A. JUSTIFICATION
1. Explain the circumstances that make the collection of information necessary.
The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) is required to create a program to provide coupons for consumers to purchase digital-to-analog converter boxes. These converter boxes are necessary for consumers who wish to continue receiving broadcast programming over-the-air using analog-only television sets after February 18, 2009 - - the date that television stations are by law required to cease analog broadcasting. Without converter boxes, consumers with analog only television sets will be unable to view television broadcasts over-the-air. To help consumers who wish to continue receiving broadcast programming over-the-air using analog-only televisions not connected to cable or satellite service, Congress authorized NTIA to create a digital-to-analog converter box assistance program (See Title III of the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005, Pub. L. No. 109-171, 120 Stat. 4, 21 (Feb. 8, 2006). As part of this program, eligible U.S. households may obtain a maximum of two coupons of $40 each to be applied towards the purchase of a digital-to-analog converter box(es). Among other things, the Act states that households may obtain coupons by making requests pursuant to the regulations between January 1, 2008 and March 31, 2009. The Act also requires NTIA to make the coupons available by the United States Postal Service. The Act also prohibits the use of two coupons in combination towards the purchase of a single converter box, and requires all coupons to expire 3 months after issuance.
The Conference Report accompanying the Act expresses an expectation that NTIA will promulgate regulations governing the implementation of the coupon program. NTIA has prepared a proposed rule to establish the parameters of the coupon program, describe the rights and responsibilities of the interested parties, and adhere to the requirements of the Act. In order to implement an effective program, NTIA requires that certain information be collected from consumers, manufacturers, and retailers.
This supporting statement has been prepared to describe the proposed rule and to explain the circumstances that warrant the collection of information from manufacturers. Additional statements have been prepared describing the collection of information from consumers and retailers who intend to participate in the program. The regulations are necessary to provide notice and direction for consumers, manufacturers, and retailers. With respect to manufacturers, the proposed rule also provides essential information for manufacturers of the digital-to-analog converter box. Because the converter boxes, as envisioned by the Act, are not presently commercially available, manufacturers must construct the boxes based on clearly defined requirements. The proposed rule provides detailed specifications for converter boxes that will be certified as part of this coupon program. The specifications in the proposed rule are not only essential for manufacturers to build converter boxes, they provide an opportunity for the public to inform NTIA as to whether these specifications are sufficient to meet the goals of the Act. Moreover, manufacturers need a lead time to develop converter boxes based on the specifications. If the rule is not released expeditiously, converter boxes may not be available in time for the cut-off date for the digital transition.
With respect to the collection of information, the proposed rule requires manufacturers to submit self-certifications that the converter box meets the standards outlined in the rule.
2. Explain how, by who, how frequently, and for what purpose the information will be used. If NTIA’s Information Quality Guidelines apply, state this and confirm that the collection complies with the Guidelines.
The information may be submitted to the NTIA by manufacturers using electronic methods on a one-time basis. The information collected will be used to ensure that the digital-
to-analog converter boxes meet the minimum technical and design standards outlined by the program. Manufacturers will self-certify the information regarding the technical specifications and requirements for the design, operation, and distribution of the converter boxes. Only information necessary for consumers to determine the converter boxes that are eligible for the coupon program will be distributed to the public. This information will meet NTIA’s Information Quality Guidelines.
3. Describe whether, and to what extent, the collection of information involves the use of automated, electronic, mechanical, or other technological techniques or other forms of information technology.
The Congressional mandate that initiated the coupon program contemplates the use of technology in administering the program. NTIA anticipates the use of a web-based information collection system. The information will probably be collected by NTIA through a contractor.
4. Describe efforts to identify duplication.
This information collection is unique to the program and is not available from another source.
5. If the collection of information involves small businesses or other small entities, describe the methods used to minimize the burden.
The data requested is the minimum amount of information required to determine that small businesses and other small entities that manufacture and distribute the converter boxes are meeting the technical and design specifications established by the program. The collection of information will assist in minimizing or eliminating potential problems overall by accommodating the proper program design and execution. NTIA has prepared an Initial Regulatory Flexibility Analysis (IRFA) that addresses the effect of the proposed rule on small businesses. The IRFA is provided as Appendix A to the proposed rule.
6. Describe the consequences to the Federal program or policy activities if the collection is not conducted or is conducted less frequently.
The information to be collected will assist in monitoring the progress and in promoting the continued efficient administration of a nationwide program. If the information is not collected, the Federal digital converter box coupon program and digital transition policy activities may not adequately address the needs of the participants in the program. The lack of information could result in waste and improperly allocated resources that would ultimately affect the success of the overall digital transition.
7. Explain any special circumstances that require the collection be conducted in a manner inconsistent with OMB guidelines.
The data collection is consistent with OMB guidelines.
8. Consultation Outside the Agency
NTIA will publish the proposed requirements for public comments as part of the proposed rule (RIN 0660-AA16). In addition, NTIA staff has consulted with members of the industry, and met with the Federal Communications Commission and the Government Accountability Office.
9. Explain any decisions to provide payments or gifts to respondents, other than remuneration of contractors or grantees.
NTIA will not provide gifts or payments to respondents.
10. Describe any assurance of confidentiality provided to respondents and the basis for assurance in statute, regulation, or agency policy.
NTIA will treat the information as business confidential.
11. Provide additional justification for any questions of a sensitive nature, such as sexual behavior and attitudes, religious beliefs, and other matters that are commonly considered private.
The instrument will not contain any questions of a sensitive nature.
12. Provide an estimate in hour of the burden of the collection of information.
It is estimated that it will take 15 minutes to answer the questions and enter the requested data.
13. Provide an estimate of the total annual cost burden to the respondents or record keepers resulting from the collection (excluding the value of the burden hours in #12 above).
The respondents will not incur any additional, recurring costs associated with records retention as a result of the information collection. Manufacturers may incur the typical administrative cost that occurs in the ordinary course of business for self-certification of converter boxes and for submitting test results to NTIA.
14. Provide estimates of annualized cost to the Federal government.
The total cost to the federal government is estimated at least $990 million, which may be increased to $1.5 billion. The annual cost has not been determined and is dependent upon the demand for the coupons.
15. Program Changes or Adjustments
This is a new collection thus no changes or adjustments.
16. For collections whose results will be published, outline the plans for tabulation and publication.
NTIA will not publish the data collected.
17. If seeking approval to not display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collection, explain the reasons why display would be inappropriate.
Not Applicable.
18. Explain each exception to the certification statement identified in Item 19 of the OMB 83-I.
No exceptions are requested.
B. COLLECTIONS OF INFORMATION EMPLOYING STATISTICAL METHODS
This collection of information will not employ statistical methods
| File Type | application/msword |
| File Modified | 2006-07-26 |
| File Created | 2006-07-25 |