Congress has mandated that after
February 17, 2009, full-power televisin broadcast stations must
transmit only in digital signals, and may no longer transmit analog
signals. On April 25, 2007, the Commission adopted a Notice of
Proposed Rulemaking, MB Docket No. 07-91, FCC 07-70 to consider the
procedures and rule changes necessary to complete the nation's
transition to DTV. As a result of this action, FCC Form 337 must be
revised to accommodate stations requesting an extension of time to
construct DTV facilities. The Commission is also consolidating
information collection 3060-1001 (FCC Form 337) into collection
3060-0407 with this submission. Section 73.3598 requires
licensees/permittees to notify the Commission and provide
supporting documentation when construction is encumbered due to an
act of God or when a construction permit is the subject of
administrative or judicial review. The data is used by FCC staff to
ensure that legitimate obstacles are preventing construction of
broadcast facilities.
The DTV transition this
collection is associated with affects virtually every segment of
the television industry and every American who watches television.
Congress has mandated that after February 17, 2009, full-power
television broadcast stations must transmit only digital signals
and may no longer transmit analog signals. The Commission has no
discretion to waive or change this statutory deadline. These
information collection requirements are critical to ensure that
full-power television broadcast stations meet their statutory
responsibilities and can begin operations on their final,
post-transition (digital) channels by their construction deadlines.
Stations that are not ready to commence digital operations upon
expiration of the statutory transition deadline may be forced to go
dark, potentially resulting in significant loss of television
service to the American public and significant harm to the
broadcast TV industry and the U.S. economy. In addition, the DTV
transition will enable the recovery of spectrum for critically
important public safety needs and new wireless services. The
Commission also notes that the public and OMB have had the
opportunity to review this collection at the NPRM stage and that
this collection, as adopted, has not been changed since their
previous submission at the NPRM stage. Emergency OMB approval is
necessary for this collection to ensure that full power television
stations are able to complete their transition from analog to
digital service by February 17, 2009. For stations that must apply
for a construction permit to build their post-transition
facilities, it is essential that the procedures and forms be
effective and available for filing no later than January 2, 2008 to
afford adequate time for ordering equipment and scheduling
construction in time to meet this deadline. Because these forms
have previously been submitted to OMB and because any delay can
result in harm to television stations, and, in turn, to their
viewers, we find that there is good cause to expedite the effective
date of this rule and obtain emergency PRA approval from OMB.
On April 25, 2007, the
Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM), Third
Periodic Review of the Commission's Rules and Policies Affecting
the Conversion to Digital TV, MB Docket No. 07-91, FCC 07-70. The
NPRM adds additional burden hours and annual cost bureden to this
collection. The Commission also consoidated information collection
3060-1001 into collection 3060-0407. While consolidating the two
colections into one, the Commission reevaluated the burden hours
and cost burden of both collections. The collections were
overestimated in the Commission's previous submissions. The burdens
are accurately accounted for in this submission.
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.
Form FCC Form 337 Application for Extension of Time to Construct a Digital TV Broadcast Station; Section 73.3598, Period of Construction
emergency letter.3060-0407.doc
Application for Extension of Time to Construct a Digital TV Broadcast Station; Section 73.3598, Period of Construction