Content of this ICR is acceptable but this collection has a history of predictable emergency extensions. If this ICR is submitted again as an emergency submission in the future, thorough examination is recommended to determine if it truly qualifies as an emergency submission based on the criteria in 5 CFR 1320.13.
table that charts list comparision
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2010
36 Months From Approved
10/31/2007
3
0
1,313
600
0
262,600
108,000
0
47,268,000
The Report and Order implements bidding credits for federally-recognized tribal areas that have a telephone service penetration rate below seventy percent (qualifying tribal land). The Commission adopted the R&O to encourage deployment of wireless services to tribal lands. The 1990 Census indicates that communities on tribal lands have historically had less access to telecommunications services than any other segment of the population. Later, the Commission extended the time period during which winning bidders can negotiate with relevant tribes to obtain the certification needed to obtain the bidding credit in a particular market from 90 days to 180 days. Further, the 2nd R&O clarified various administrative matters involved in implementing the bidding credit. Finally, the 3rd R&O raised the wireline telephone penetration rate at which tribal lands are eligible for a bidding credit from 90% or less, to 85% or less, and increased the amount of the bidding credit.
The Commission is seeking no change in reporting or recordkeeping requirements for this ICR. However, since the last submission to the OMB, the Commission has modified the number of respondents/responses, burden hours and annual costs. This is due to the changing number of licenses estimated to be auctioned during a given year. In spite of the few applications that are actually affected, the number of potential participants is in the hundreds, perhaps thousands. In other words, while few applicants have actually attempted to take part in the Tribal Lands Bidding Credit (TLBC) program, almost all applicants in any auction where TLBC's are available could take part in the program. Because so many could possibly take part, the FCC needs continued OMB approval for this collection.
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.
0950_ss_080607.doc
Bidding Credits for Tribal Lands; WT Docket No. 99-266