0774ss_032708 final

3060-0774 March 2008

Parts 36 and 54, Federal-State Joint Board on Universal Service

SUPPORTING STATEMENT

1. Justification:

1. The Telecommunication Act of 1996 (1996 Act) directed the Commission to initiate a rulemaking to reform the system of universal service so that universal service is preserved and advanced as markets move toward competition.

To fulfill that mandate, on March 8, 1996, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) in CC Docket No. 96-45 to implement the congressional directives set out in section 254 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended by the 1996 Act. Pursuant to section 254(a)(1), the NPRM also referred numerous issues related to universal service to a Federal-State Joint Board for recommended decision.

On November 8, 1996, the Joint Board released a Recommended Decision in which it made recommendations to assist and counsel the Commission in the creation of an effective universal service support mechanism that would ensure that the goals of affordable, quality service and access to advanced services are met by means that enhance competition.

On November 18, 1996, the Commission’s Common Carrier Bureau released a Public Notice (DA 96-1891) seeking public comment on the issues addressed and recommendations made by the Joint Board in the Recommended Decision.

In a Report and Order issued in CC Docket No. 96-45 (adopted May 7, 1997 and released May 8, 1997) and other proceedings, the Commission adopted rules that were designed to implement the universal service provisions of section 254.

Specifically, Part 36 and 54 rules address:

(1) universal service principles:

(2) services eligible for support;

(3) affordability;

(4) carriers eligible for universal service support;

(5) support mechanisms for rural, insular, and high cost areas;

(6) support for low-income consumers;

(7) support for schools, libraries, and health care providers;

(8) interstate subscriber line charge and common line cost recovery; and

(9) administration of support mechanisms.

On August 29, 2007, the Commission released the 2007 Comprehensive Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration and Oversight, WC Docket Nos. 05-195, 02-60, 03-109 and CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 02-6, 97-21, FCC 07-150 (Comprehensive Review Order). In this Order, the Commission took several steps to further safeguard the Universal Service Fund from waste, fraud, and abuse, including imposing document retention rules on all universal service programs and program contributors.

This collection is being submitted as a revision to:

(1) include the information collections contained in the Comprehensive Review Order;

(2) eliminate information collections which are no longer required or do not need OMB approval; and

(3) more accurately reflect the current burdens imposed by this collection.

As reflected below, section v has been revised and sections dd and ee have been added due to the Comprehensive Review Order. Section y was eliminated because it is no longer required. Sections g, s, x, z, and aa relate to other information collections or do not require OMB approval but are included in this submission for continuity purposes only. Otherwise, the remaining requirements are identical to those previously approved by the Office of Management and Budget (3060-0774) and the burdens have remained the same, decreased slightly, or increased slightly due to participation in the Universal Service programs.

The following are the collections of information required by Parts 36 and 54, as modified by the Comprehensive Review Order, noted above:

1. 47 C.F.R. §§ 36.611 and 36.612 – Submission and updating information to the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA). In order to allow determination of the study areas that are entitled to an expense adjustment, each incumbent local exchange carrier (LEC) must provide the National Exchange Carrier Association (NECA) (established pursuant to Part 69 of the Commission’s Rules) with the information for each of its study areas that will be used in the jurisdictional allocations underlying the cost support data for the access charge tariffs to be filed annually. Any rural telephone company may update the information submitted to NECA pursuant to § 36.611 (a) – (h) one or more times annually on a rolling year basis. Every non-rural telephone company must update the information submitted to NECA pursuant to § 36.611 (a) through (h) according to the schedule provided in § 36.612(a). See also OMB under control number 3060-0233.

2. 47 C.F.R. § 54.101 (c) – Demonstration of exceptional circumstances for toll-limitation grace period. Upon a showing that exceptional circumstances prevent an otherwise eligible carrier from providing single-party service, access to enhanced 911 service, or toll-imitation services, a state commission may grant petitions by carriers for a period of time during which otherwise eligible carriers that are unable to provide those services can still receive universal service support while they make the network upgrades necessary to offer these services.

3. 47 C.F.R. § 54.201 (b) – (c) – Submission of eligibility criteria. Pursuant to section 214(e), a carrier must be designated an eligible telecommunications carrier by a state commission before receiving universal service support in accordance with section 254. Each telecommunications carrier seeking universal service support, except those that service schools and libraries and certain services provided to rural health care providers, must submit eligibility criteria to the state commission certifying that it is eligible under section 214(e).

4. 47 C.F.R. § 54.201(d)(2) – Advertisement of services and charges. A common carrier designated as an eligible telecommunications carrier must advertise the availability of universal service supported services and the charges for those services using a media of general distribution.

5. 47 C.F.R. § 54.205(a) – Advance notice of relinquishment of universal service. An eligible telecommunications carrier that seeks to relinquish its eligible telecommunications carrier designation for an area serviced by more than one eligible telecommunications carrier shall give advance notice to the state commission of such relinquishment (third party disclosure requirement).

6. 47 C.F.R. § 54.207 (c)(1) – Submission of proposal for redefining a rural service area. Pursuant to section 214(e)(5), a state commission must seek the Commission’s agreement before a new definition of a service area served by a rural carrier can be adopted. Upon the receipt of the proposal, the Commission will issue a public notice on the proposal. If the Commission determines that further consideration is warranted, it will notify the state commission and the relevant carriers and initiate a proceeding to make a determination with respect to the proposal.

7. 47 C.F.R. § 54.301 – Local Switching Support 1999 and Beyond. Each incumbent local exchange carrier that has been designated an eligible telecommunications carrier and that serves a study area with 50,000 or fewer access lines shall, for each study area, provide the Administrator with the projected total unseparated dollar amount assigned to each account in section 54.301 (b) for the calendar year following each filing. This information must be provided to the Administrator no later than October 1 of each year. Once historical data are available, the same carriers must provide the Administrator with it. The same carriers must provide the Administrator with historical data no later than 12 months after the end of such calendar year. See OMB control number 3060-0814.

8. 47 C.F.R. § 54.307 – Reporting of expenses and number of lines served. In order to receive support, a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier must report to the Administrator the number of working loops it serves in a service area pursuant to the schedule set forth in § 54.307(c).

For a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier serving loops in the service area of a rural incumbent local exchange carrier, the carrier must report, by customer class, the number of working loops it serves in the service area, disaggregated by cost zone if disaggregation zones have been established within the service area pursuant to § 54.315.

For a competitive eligible telecommunications carrier serving loops in the service area of a non-rural telephone company, the carrier must report the number of working loops it serves in the service area, by customer class if the non-rural telephone company receives Interstate Common Line Support pursuant to §54.901 and by disaggregation zone if disaggregation zones have been established within the service area pursuant to § 54.315, and the number of working loops it serves in each wire center in the service area.

Because the interim hold-harmless provision provided support based on the existing Part 36 support mechanism, which relies on book costs, non-rural incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs) will be required to file cost data, in addition to loop-count data, in order to receive interim hold-harmless support. See 47 C.F.R. § 54.311(a). A newly designated eligible telecommunications carrier shall be eligible to receive support as of the effective date of its designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier provided that it submits the data required pursuant to paragraph (b) of this section within 60 days of that effective date.

9. 47 C.F.R. §54.309 – Petition for waiver. Any state may file a petition for waiver to ask the Commission to distribute support calculated to a geographic area different than the wire center. Such petition must contain a description of the particular geographic level to which the State desires support to be distributed, and an explanation of how the waiver will further the preservation and advancement of universal service within the State. See 47 C.F.R. § 54.309.

10. 47 C.F.R. § 54.311 – Petition for waiver. A state may file a petition for waiver asking the Commission to distribute interim hold-harmless support to a geographic area different than the wire center. Such petition must contain a description of the particular geographic level to which the State desires interim hold-harmless support to be distributed, and an explanation of how the waiver will further the preservation and advancement of universal service within the state. See 47 C.F.R. § 54.311.

11. 47 C.F.R. § 54.401(d) – Lifeline certification and plans. The state commission shall file or require the carrier to file certification applications with the Administrator demonstrating that the carrier’s Lifeline plan complies with federal requirements and indicating the number of Lifeline consumers and the amount of any state assistance. Carriers previously participating in Lifeline must submit new certification applications to the Administrator.

In states that provide Lifeline support, state commissions and carriers, depending on the state, will administer consumer qualification determinations. In states not providing Lifeline support, carriers providing Lifeline service to a consumer must obtain that consumer’s signature on a document certifying under penalty of perjury that the consumer meets the federal qualification criteria.

Carriers not subject to state jurisdiction, including carriers serving tribal communities, are also required to submit Lifeline plans to the Administrator. This will enhance the Administrator’s abilities to oversee the receipt of Lifeline support by low-income consumers served by carriers not subject to state commission jurisdiction. 47 C.F.R. § 54.401(d).

12. 47 C.F.R. § 54.403 – Certifications Required by 47 C.F.R. § 54.403. An eligible telecommunications carrier may receive additional federal lifeline support if that carrier certifies to the Administrator that it will pass through the full amount of second, third, or fourth tier support to its qualifying low-income consumers and that it has received any nonfederal regulatory approvals necessary to implement the require rate reductions, See also Unserved Areas Order, paragraphs 61-63.

13. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.405 and 54.411 – Carrier Publicizing of Lifeline and Link Up Services. Eligible telecommunications carriers must publicize the availability of Lifeline and Link Up services in a manner reasonably designed to reach those likely to qualify for those services. The Commission does not prescribe uniform methods by which eligible telecommunications carriers must publicize the availability of Lifeline and Link Up support. However, eligible telecommunications carriers are required to identify communities with the lowest subscribership levels within their service territory and make appropriate efforts to reach qualifying individuals within those communities. An eligible telecommunications carrier must provide qualifying low income individuals information on the availability of toll blocking and toll limitation services for the purpose of enabling the subscriber to control the amount of toll charges that he or she may incur.

14. 47 C.F.R. § 54.407 (c) - Lifeline record keeping. To receive universal service support, carriers must keep accurate records of the revenues they forego in providing Lifeline. The records shall be kept as directed by the Administrator and provided to the Administrator periodically as directed (recordkeeping requirement).

15. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.409 and 54.415 – Consumer qualification for Lifeline. Consumers in states providing Lifeline support who seek to receive Lifeline shall follow state consumer qualification guidelines. Consumers in states not providing Lifeline support who seek to receive Lifeline shall sign a document, provided by the carrier offering Lifeline service, certifying under penalty of perjury that the consumer receives benefits from one of the programs included in the federal qualification criteria. On that same form, consumers must also agree to notify carriers if they cease to participate in a qualifying program or if the consumer’s income exceeds 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. Carriers in nonparticipating states shall provide consumers seeking Lifeline service with such forms.

In states that provide state Lifeline service, the consumer qualification criteria for Link Up shall be the same criteria that the state established for Lifeline qualification. In states that do not provide state Lifeline service, the consumer qualification criteria for Link Up shall be the same as the criteria set forth in sections 54.409(b) or 54.409(c).

In order to allow low-income support to reach low-income consumers living on tribal lands in states that do not provide state universal support for low-income consumers, carriers must now obtain certifications from low-income consumers of their receipt of benefits from a broader list of federal assistance programs, including assistance programs in which members of tribal communities are more likely to be participants. Each such certification must also include an agreement to notify the carrier when that consumer ceases to participate in the designated program or programs. Additionally, in order for low income consumers who live on tribal lands to receive the new forms of low income support for tribal lands adopted in the Unserved Areas Order, carriers will need to ascertain applicant eligibility. As a result, carriers serving low-income consumers qualifying for these additional forms of support will be required to obtain certifications from such consumers that they live on tribal lands in order for them to receive these additional forms of support. Not withstanding sections 54.409(a) and (b), an eligible resident of tribal lands shall qualify to receive Link Up support. 47 C.F.R. § 54.409.

16. 47 C.F.R. § 54.409 (c) – Consumer notification of Lifeline discontinuance. Consumers participating in Lifeline must notify the carrier if that consumer ceases to participate in a qualifying program or if the consumer’s income exceeds 135% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines.

17. 47 C.F.R. § 54.413(b) – Link Up record keeping. To receive universal service support reimbursement for providing Link Up, carriers must keep accurate records of the revenues they forego in reducing their customary charge for commencing telecommunications services and/or for providing a deferred schedule for payment of the charges assessed for commencing service for which the consumer does not pay interest. The records shall be kept as directed by the Administrator and provided to the Administrator periodically as directed (recordkeeping requirement).

18. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.501(d)(3) and 54.516 – Schools and libraries record keeping. Service providers shall keep and retain records of rates charged to and discounts allowed for eligible schools, libraries, and consortia that include eligible schools or libraries. Such records shall be made available for public inspection. Schools, libraries and consortia that include eligible schools or libraries shall also be required to maintain for their purchases of telecommunications and other supported services and facilities at discounted rates the type of procurement records that they maintain for other major purchases. These records are subject to audits and must be produced upon request (recordkeeping requirement).

19. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.504(b) – (d), 54.505(b)(1), (2), 54.507(d) & 54.509(a) – Description of services requested and certification. See OMB Control Number 3060-0806. An Eligible school, library, or consortium seeking services must submit an FCC Form 470. 47 C.F.R. § 54.504(b). Schools and libraries, and consortia of such eligible entities must file new funding requests for each funding year no sooner that the July 1 prior to the start of that funding year. The certification will be renewed annually. 47 C.F.R. § 54.507(d). When submitting requests for specific amounts of funding for a funding year, school, libraries, and consortia, including such entities, shall estimate their funding requests for the following funding year to enable the Administrator to estimate funding demand for the following year. 47 C.F.R. § 54.509(a). In the event of a rate dispute, schools, libraries and consortia, including those entities, may request lower rates if the rate offered by the carrier does not represent the lowest corresponding price. Service providers may request higher rates if they can show that the lowest corresponding price is not compensatory. 47 C.F.R. § 54.504(e). An eligible school or library making a minor modification to a contract must submit an FCC Form 471 indicating the value of the proposed contract modification. An eligible school or eligible entity elects to order services from a master contract negotiated by a third party as defined in § 54.500(g).

20. 47 C.F.R. § 54.519 – State telecommunications networks. State telecommunications networks that secure discounts on eligible services on behalf of eligible schools and libraries must maintain records listing eligible schools and libraries, showing the basis on which eligibility determinations were made and demonstrating the discount amount to which schools and libraries are entitled. State telecommunications networks must comply with the competitive bidding requirements established in § 54.504(a), and direct eligible schools and libraries to pay the discounted price. State telecommunications networks must take reasonable steps to ensure each school and library receives a proportionate share of its services, and must request that service providers apply the appropriate discount amounts on the portion of the supported services used by each school or library.

21. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.601(b)(4) and 54.609 – Calculating support for health care providers. A telecommunications carrier that provides telecommunications services to a health care provider participating in an eligible health care consortium must establish the applicable rural rate for the health care provider’s portion of the shared telecommunications services, as well as the applicable urban rate. Telecommunications carriers shall also calculate and justify with supporting documentation the amount of support for which each member of a consortium is eligible.

22. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.601(b)(3) and 54.619 – Audits and Record keeping. Telecommunications carriers shall maintain complete records of how they allocate the costs of shared facilities among consortium participants in order to charge eligible health care providers the correct amounts. Such records shall be made available for public inspection. Health care providers shall also maintain for their purchases of supported telecommunications services the same kind of procurement records that they maintain for other major purchases. Health care providers shall produce such records at the request of any auditor appointed by the Administrator or any other federal agency with jurisdiction.

This collection is being revised to apply the recordkeeping requirement also to service providers that receive support for serving rural health care providers. Furthermore, the FCC clarifies that beneficiaries must make available all documents and records that pertain to them, including those of contractors and consultants, working on their behalf, to the Commission’s OIG, to the USF Administrator, and to their auditors, as required by 47 C.F.R. § 54.516(a) and 47 C.F.R. § 54.619(a).

23. 47 C.F.R. § 54.607(b)(1)-(2) – Submission of proposed rural rate. Section 254(h)(1)(A) provides that a telecommunications carrier providing service shall be entitled to have an amount equal to the difference, if any, between the rates for services provided to health care providers for rural areas in a state and the rates for similar services provided to other customers in comparable rural areas in that state treated as a service obligation as a part of its obligation to participate in the mechanisms to preserve and advance universal service. In the absence of the provision of identical or similar services in a rural county, carriers must determine the rural rate by taking the average of the tariffed and other publicly-available rates charged for the same or similar services in that rural county by other carriers. If no such services have been charged or are publicly available, or if the carrier deems the method described here to be unfair, the carrier shall submit for the state commission’s approval, for intrastate rates, or the Commission’s approval, for interstate rates, a cost-based rate for the provision of the service in the most economically efficient, reasonably available manner. The carrier must provide a justification of the proposed rural rate, including an itemization of the costs of providing the requested service. The carrier must provide such information periodically thereafter, as required by the state commission, for intrastate rates, or the Commission, for interstate rates.

24. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.603(b)(1), 54.615(c)-(d), & 54.623(d) – Description of services requested and certification. Every health care provider that makes a request for universal service support for telecommunications services must submit to the carrier a written request, signed by an authorized officer of the health care provider, certifying under oath to the accuracy and truth of the following information:

(1) that the requester is a public or non-profit entity that falls within one of the seven categories set forth in the definition of health care providers listed in § 54.601(a);

(2) that the requester is physically located in a rural area (OMB defined non-metro county or Goldsmith-defined rural section of an OMB metro county);

(3) if the health care provider is requesting services provided under § 54.621, that the requester cannot obtain toll-free access to an Internet service provider;

(4) that the services requested will be used solely for purposes reasonably related to the provision of health care services or instruction that the health care provider is legally authorized to provide under the law of the state in which they are provided:

(5) that the services will not be sold, resold or transferred in consideration of money or any other thing of value;

(6) if the services are being purchased as part of an aggregated purchase with other entities or individuals, the full details of any such arrangement, including the identities of all co-purchasers and the portion of the services being purchased by each health care provider; and

(7) that the requester is ordering the most cost-effective method(s) of providing the requested services. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.615 (c), 54.603(b) (l).

The certification will be renewed annually. 47 C.F.R. § 54.615(d). Health care providers shall also file new funding requests for each funding year. 47 C.F.R. § 54.54.623(d). Rural health care providers bound by existing contracts for services shall not be required to comply with the competitive bid process outlined in § 54.603. An eligible rural health care provider shall to be required to undergo the competitive bid process outlined in § 54.603 if the eligible entity elects to order services from a master contract negotiated by a third party. See also OMB control number 3060-0804.

25. 47 C.F.R. § 54.619(d) – Submission of rural health care report.¹ (This collection is no longer required) The Administrator is no longer required to submit the annual report on the rural heath care program that was required by 47 C.F.R. § 54.619(d). In its March 15, 2004, Rural Health Care Support Mechanism Order, WC Docket No. 02-60, FCC 04-15, the Commission removed section 54.619(d) because the Administrator is required to file a similar report with the Commission pursuant to section 54.702(g).

26. 47 C.F.R. § 54.702(i) – Submission of annual report and CAM.² The Administrator shall report annually to the Commission an itemization of monthly administrative costs that shall include all expenses, receipts, and payments associated with the administration of the universal service support programs and shall provide the Commission full access to the data collected pursuant to the administration of the universal service support programs. The Administrator shall also file a cost allocation manual (CAM) that describes the accounts and procedures the Administrator will use to segregate and allocate the costs of administering the universal service support programs from its other operations with the Commission.

27. 47 C.F.R. § 54. 702(i) – Submission of quarterly report.³ The Administrator and Temporary Administrator shall report quarterly to the Commission on the disbursement of universal service support program funds (quarterly reporting requirement).

28. 47 C.F.R. § 54.707 – Submission of state commission designation. The Administrator shall not provide reimbursements, offsets or support amounts to a carrier until the carrier has provided to the Administrator a true and correct copy of the decision of a state commission designating that carrier as an eligible telecommunications carrier.

29. Obligation to notify underlying carrier. Systems integrators that derive de minimis amounts of revenue from the resale of telecommunications and small entities that qualify for the de minimis exemption are not required to contribute to universal service. They must however, notify their underlying carriers that they constitute end users for universal service purposes.

30. 47 C.F.R. § 54.202(e) – Recordkeeping requirements. This is a new collection. All eligible telecommunications carriers shall retain records required to demonstrate to auditors that the support received was consistent with the universal service high-cost program rules. Such records shall be retained for at least five years from the receipt of funding. Beneficiaries must make available all such documents and records that pertain to them, including those of NECA, contractors, and consultants working on behalf of the beneficiaries to the Commission’s Office of Inspector General (“OIG”), to the USF Administrator, and to their auditors.

31. 47 C.F.R. § 54.706(e) – Recordkeeping requirement for contributions. This is a new collection. Contributors to the Universal Service Fund must retain all documents and records, e.g., financial statements and supporting documentation, etc., that they may be required to provide to auditors to demonstrate that their contributions were made in compliance with the program rules, assuming that audits are conducted within five years. The FCC clarifies that contributors must make available all documents and records that pertain to them, including those of contractors and consultants working on their behalf, to the Commission’s OIG, to the USF Administrator, and to their auditors.

Statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in Sections 1-4, 201-205, 218-220, 214, 254, 303(r), 403, and 410 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. §§ 151-154, 201-205, 218-220, 214, 254, 303(r), 403 and 410.

This information collection does affect individuals or households; thus, there are impacts under the Privacy Act. However, the information that is related to individuals or households is collected by third parties; and as a consequence, the Commission is not required to complete a privacy impact assessment.

2. All the requirements contained herein are necessary to implement the congressional mandate for universal service. These reporting requirements are necessary to calculate the contribution amount owed by each telecommunications carrier or to verify that particular carriers and other respondents are eligible to receive universal service support. The recordkeeping requirements should not be burdensome since most businesses ordinarily retain these types of documents.

2. In an effort to reduce any burden created by these information collection requirements, the Commission shall permit all respondents to file responses using automated, electronic, mechanical or other technological collection techniques where feasible. For example, schools and libraries will be permitted to electronically file information required pursuant to 47 C.F.R. § 54.504. The Administrator will then post a description of the telecommunications service sought for schools, libraries and health care providers on a website for potential competing service providers to see and respond to as if they were Requests For Proposals (RFPs) as described in § 54.504(b)(1).

2. The Commission does not impose a similar other information collection on the respondents.  There are no similar data available.

2. 47 C.F.R. § 254(b) directs the Commission to base policies for the preservation and advancement of universal service on six principles. A fair and reasonable application of those principles including our adoption of the additionally principle of competitive neutrality will favorably impact all business entities, including smaller entities. The collections of information may affect small entities as well as large entities. In each instance, however, these requirements were instituted to aid new entrants to the telecommunications market and allow them equal access to the resources available to previously established entities. The Fourth Order on Reconsideration relieves reporting burdens on many small entities by raising the de minimis exemption from $100 to $10,000.

2. Failing to collect the information, or collecting it less frequently, would prevent the Commission from implementing sections 214 and 254 of the Act and would thwart Congress’s goals of providing affordable service and access to advanced services throughout the nation.

2. Participants in the Universal Service Programs and service providers are required to maintain certain documents for five-years. See Comprehensive Review Order. These records are needed in case the participant is audited. If an applicant is audited, it should be able to demonstrate to the auditor how the entries in the application were provided. We do not foresee any special circumstances that would cause an information collection to be conducted in a certain manner.

2. A notice was published in the Federal Register as required by 5 C.F.R.§ 1320.8(d) on November 15, 2007. See 72 FR 64222 (copy attached). No comments were received.

2. The Commission does not anticipate providing any payment or gift to respondents.

2. There is no need for confidentiality.  However, respondents may request materials or information submitted to the Commission be withheld from public inspection under 47 C.F.R. § 0.459 of the FCC’s rules.

2. There are no questions of a sensitive nature with respect to the information collections described herein, nor are there any privacy issues.

2. The following represents the hour burden on the collections of information:

1. 47 C.F.R. §§ 36.611(a) and 36.612 – Submission and update of information to NECA.

1. Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,340 incumbent LECs.

2. Frequency of Response: On occasion and periodically thereafter.

3. Total Number of Responses Annually: 1,340

Incumbent LECs have to submit this information occasionally.

1,340 respondents x 1 submission = 1,340 responses

4. Total Annual Hourly Burden: 26,800 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 20 hours and that 1,340 incumbent LECs will have to submit information occasionally.

1,340 respondents x 1 submission x 20 hours = 26,800.

5. Total “In House” Costs: $1,574,918.75

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

26,800 x $45.20/hour = $1,211,475.96

30% overhead = $ 363,442.79

Total = $1,574,918.75

2. 47 C.F.R. § 54.101(c) – Demonstration of exceptional circumstances for toll-limitation grace period.

1. Number of Respondents: Approximately 50 telecommunications carriers

1. Frequency of Response: Once every five years

This obligation will arise only if a carrier is technically incapable of providing toll limitation services and, thus seeks a waiver of this requirement

2. Total Number of Responses Annually: 10

This obligation will only arise if a carrier is technically incapable of providing toll limitation services and, thus seeks a waiver of this requirement. We estimate that respondents will submit a demonstration once every five years.

50 respondents x 1 submission = 50 ÷ 5 (years) = 10 responses annually

3. Total Annual Hourly Burden: 20 hours

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 2 hours and that 50 carriers will have to submit a demonstrating once every five years.

10 respondents per annum x 1 submission x 2 hours = 20 hours.

4. Total “In House” Costs: $1,175.31

The Commission estimates that respondents use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

20 hours x $45.20/hour = $904.09

30% overhead = $271.23

Total = $1,175.31

3. 47 C.F.R. § 54.201 (b)-(c) – Submission of eligibility criteria.

1. Number of Respondents: Approximately 85 telecommunications carriers

2. Frequency of Response: Once

3. Total Number of Responses: 85

85 carriers must submit eligibility criteria to the state commission one-time.

85 respondents x 1 submission = 85 responses

4. Total Annual Hourly Burden: 85 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 1 hour and that 85 will have to submit information one-time.

85 respondents x 1 submission x 1 hour = 85

5. Total “In House” Costs: $4,995.08

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

88 x $45.20/hour = $3,842.37

30% overhead = $1,175.31

Total = $4,995.08

4. 47 C.F.R. § 54.201 (d)(2) – Advertisement of services and charges.

1. Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,300 telecommunications carriers

2. Frequency of Response: Once

3. Total Number of Responses: 1,300

1,300 telecommunications must annually advertise the availability of and charges for universal service supported services.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission = 1,300 responses

4. Total Annual Hourly Burden: 65,000 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 50 hours and 1,300 telecommunications carriers will have to comply with this requirement annually.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission x 50 hours = 65,000

5. Total “In House” Costs: $3,819,765.63

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

65,000 hours x $45.20/hour = $2,938,281.25

30% overhead = $ 881,484.38

Total = $3,819,765.63

5. 47 C.F.R. § 54.205(a) – Advance notice of relinquishment of universal service.

1. Number of Respondents: Approximately 100 telecommunications carriers

2. Frequency of Response: Once

This obligation will only arise if a carrier wants to designation as an eligible carrier for an area served by more than one eligible telecommunications carrier.

3. Total Number of Responses: 100

100 telecommunications carriers have to submit this information one-time.

100 respondents x 1 submission = 100 responses

4. Total Annual Hourly Burden: 50 hours

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 0.5 hours and 100 telecommunications carriers will have to submit information one-time.

100 respondents x 1 submission x 0.5 hours = 50

5. Total “In House” Costs: $2,938.28

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

50 hours x $45.20/hour = $2,260.22

30% overhead = $ 678.06

Total = $2,938.28

f. 47 C.F.R. § 54.207(c)(1) – Submission of proposal for redefining a rural service area.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 50 state commissions or carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Once

(3) Total Number of Responses: 50

50 state Commission or carriers have to submit this information one-time.

50 respondents x 1 submission = 50 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 125 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 125 hours and 50 respondents will have to submit information one-time.

50 respondents x 1 submission x 125 hours = 6,250

Total “In House” Costs: $367,285.16

(5) The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

6,250 x $45.20/hour = $282,527.04

30% overhead = $ 84,758.11

Total = $367,285.16

g. 47 C.F.R. § 54.301 – Local Switching Support 1999 and Beyond. (For continuity purposes only, as noted in previous submission see OMB control number 3060-0814)

h. 47 C.F.R. § 54.307 – Reporting of expenses and number of lines served.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,300 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Annually or quarterly

Approximately 1300 telephone companies would have to report the number of lines they serve. 600 of these 1300 companies are average schedule companies, which are not required to submit cost studies. Therefore, approximately 700 companies would have to file cost studies. Each carrier must report their loop and switching expenses and the number of lines served per year in order to receive high cost support based on their embedded costs. Certain carriers are required to file quarterly; others are required to file only annually. However, we continue to assume that all carriers will file the information quarterly.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 8,000

1,300 carriers have to report the number of lines served quarterly (assuming will file quarterly). 700 of these carriers must also file quarterly cost studies with the lines reported.

1,300 respondents x 4 line survey submissions = 5,200 responses

700 respondents x 4 cost study submissions = 2,800 responses

5,200 responses + 2,800 responses = 8,000 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 21,600 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 2 hours to file the lines served data and that 1,300 carriers will have to submit information quarterly. The Commission also estimates that 700 of those carriers will take approximately 4 hours to file the cost studies quarterly

1,300 respondents x 4 submission x 2 hours = 10,400

700 respondents x 4 submissions x 4 hours = 11,200

10,400 hours + 11,200 hours = 21,600 total hours

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $1,269,337.50

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

21,600 x $45.20/hour = $976,413.46

30% overhead = $ 292,924.04

Total = $1,269,337.50

(i) 47 C.F.R. § 54.309 – Petition for waiver.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 50 states

(2) Frequency of Response: Once

(3) Total Number of Responses: 50

50 states have to submit this information one-time.

5 respondent x 1 submission = 50 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 200 hour.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 4 hours and 50 states will have to submit information one-time.

50 respondents x 1 submission x 4 hours = 200

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $11,753.13

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

200 hours x $45.20/hour = $9,040.87

30% overhead = $2,712.26

Total = $11,753.13

j. 47 C.F.R. § 54.311 – Petition for Waiver.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 50 states

(2) Frequency of Response: Once

(3) Total Number of Responses: 50

50 states have to submit this information one-time.

5 respondent x 1 submission = 50 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 200 hour.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 4 hours and 50 states will have to submit information one-time.

50 respondents x 1 submission x 4 hours = 200

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $11,753.13

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

200 hours x $45.20/hour = $9,040.87

30% overhead = $2,712.26

Total = $11,753.13

k. 47 C.F.R. § 54.401(d) – Lifeline certification and plans.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximatly1,300 states commissions or carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Once

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1,300

1,300 state commissions or carriers have to submit this information one-time.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission = 1,300 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 1,300 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 1 hour and that 1,300 respondents will have to submit information one-time.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission x 1 hours = 1,300

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $76,395.31

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

1,300 hours x $45.20/hour = $58,765.63

30% overhead = $17,629.69

Total = $76,395.91

l. 47 C.F.R. § 54.403 – Certifications Required by 47 C.F.R. 54.403.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,300 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Occasionally

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1,300

1,300 carriers have to submit this information occasionally.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission = 1,300 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 429 hours

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 0.33 hours and 1,300 carriers will have to submit information occasionally.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission x 0.33 hours = 429

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $25,210.45

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

429 hours x $45.20/hour = $19,392.66

30% overhead = $ 5,817.80

Total = $25,210.45

m. 47 C.F.R. § 54.405 and 54.11 – Carrier Publicizing of Lifeline and Link Up Services.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 2,414 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Periodically

Carriers must file periodically, as is necessary to meet the requirement that Lifeline and Link Up services be publicized in a manner reasonably designed to reach qualifying low-income consumers.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 2,414

2,414 carries have to submit this information periodically.

2,414 respondents x 1 submission = 2,414 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 120,700 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately50 hours and 2,414 carriers will have to submit information periodically.

2,414 respondents x 1 submission x 50 hours = 120,700

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $7,093,010.94

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

120,700 hours x $45.20/hour = $5,456,162.26

30% overhead = $1,636,848.68

Total = $7,093,010.94

n. 47 C.F.R. § 54.407(c) – Lifeline record keeping.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,300 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Annually (recordkeeping)

Each telecommunications carrier must keep accurate records of the revenues they forego in providing Lifeline.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1,300

1,300 carriers have to maintain records.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission = 1,300 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 104,000 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 80 hours and 1,300 carriers will have to keep records annually.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission x 80 hours = 104,000

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $2,897,180.00

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

104,000 hours x $21.43/hour = $2,228,600.00

30% overhead = $ 668,580.00

Total = $2,897,180.00

o. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.409 and 54.415 – Consumer qualification for Lifeline.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 7,000,000 consumers

(2) Frequency of Response: Once

The estimated 7 million Lifeline consumers must demonstrate that they are qualified to receive Lifeline assistance.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 7,000,000

7,000,000 consumers have to make a demonstration.

7,000,000respondents x 1 submission = 7,000,000 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 588,000 hours

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 0.084 hours (5 minutes) and 7,000,000 consumers will have to submit information once.

7,000,000 respondents x 1 submission x 0.084 hours = 588,000

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $16,380,210..00

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for overhead, to complete the submission.

588,000 hours x $21.43/hour = $12,600,161.54

30% overhead = $ 3,780,048.46

Total = $16,380,210.50

p. 47 C.F.R. § 54.409(c) – Consumer notification of Lifeline discontinuance.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 550,000 consumers

(2) Frequency of Response: Occasionally

This obligation will only arise if a consumer participating in Lifeline ceases to participate in the program.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 550,000

550,000 customers have to submit this information occasionally.

550,000 respondents x 1 submission = 550,000 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 46,200 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 0.084 hours (5 minutes) and 550,000 consumers will have to submit information occasionally.

550,000 respondents x 1 submission x 0.084 hours = 46,200

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $1,287,016.50

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for overhead, to complete the submission.

46,200 hours x $21.43/hour = $990,012/69

30% overhead = $ 297,003.81

Total = $1,287,016.50

q. 47 C.F.R. § 54.413(b) – Link Up record keeping.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,300 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Annually (recordkeeping)

Each telecommunications carrier must keep accurate records of the revenues they forego in providing Lifeline.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1,300

1,300 carriers have to maintain records.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission = 1,300 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 104,000 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 80 hours and 1,300 carriers will have to keep records annually.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission x 80 hours = 104,000

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $2,897,180.00

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

104,000 hours x $21.43/hour = $2,228,600.00

30% overhead = $ 668,580.00

Total = $2,897,180.00

r. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.501(d)(3) and 54.516 – Schools and libraries record keeping.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 53,400 schools, libraries, and carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Annually

(3) Total Number of Responses: 53,400 (recordkeeping)

50,000 schools or libraries must maintain records annually. 3,400 carriers must maintain records annually

53,400 respondents x 1 submission = 53,400 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 127,200 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take schools and libraries approximately 2 hours to maintain records annually. The Commission also estimates it will take carriers 80 hours to maintain records annually.

50,000 schools or libraries x 1 record keeping requirement x 2 hours = 100,000 + (3,400 carriers x 1 records keeping requirement x 80 hours = 27,200 hours) = 127,200 hours.

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $3,543,474.00

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

127,000 hours x $21.43/hour = $2,725,749.23

30% overhead = $ 817,724.77

Total = $3,543,474.00

s. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.504(b)-(c), 54.507(d) & 54.509(a) – Description of services requested and certification. (For continuity purposes only, as noted in previous submission see OMB Control Number 3060-0806).

t. 47 C.F.R. § 54.519 – State telecommunications networks.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 50 state networks

(2) Frequency of Response: Annually

(3) Total Number of Responses: 50

50 state networks have to maintain records annually.

50 respondents x 1 submission = 50 responses (recordkeeping)

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 250 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately five hours and that 50 state networks will have to maintain this information.

50 respondents x 1 submission x 5 hours = 250

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $6,964.38

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 (21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

250 hours x $21.43/hour = $5,357.21

30% overhead = $1,607.16

Total = $6,964.38

(u) 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.601(b)(4) and 54.609(b) – Calculating support for health care providers.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 500 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Occasionally

(3) Total Number of Responses: 500

500 telecommunications carriers have to occasionally calculate support for health care providers.

500 respondents x 1 submission = 5,000 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 50,000 hours.

(5) The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 100 hours and 500 telecommunications carriers will have to calculate support.

500 respondents x 1 submission x 100 hours = 50,000

Total “In House” Costs: $2,938,281.25

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

50,000 hours x $45.20/hour = $2,260,216.35

30% overhead = $ 678,064.90

Total = $2,938,281.25

v. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.601(b)(3) and 54.619 – Audits and record keeping.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 3,000 health care providers and 50 telecommunications carriers.

(2) Frequency of Response: Annually

(3) Total Number of Responses: 3,050

3,000 health care providers and 50 telecommunications carriers have to maintain this information annually.

3,050 respondents x 1 record keeping requirement = 3,050 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 8,100 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 2 hours and 3,000 health care providers will have to maintain this information annually. The Commission also estimates it will take 42 hours and 50 carriers will have to maintain this information annually.

3,000 health care providers x 1 submission x 2 hours = 6,000

50 carriers x 1 submission x 42 hours = 2,100

6,000 hours + 2,100 hours = 8,100 total hours

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $225,645.75

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

8,100 hours x $21.43/hour = $173,573.65

30% overhead = $ 52,072.10

Total = $225,645.75

w. 47 C.F.R. § 54.607(b)(1)-(2) – Submission of proposed rural rate.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 50 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: On occasion

This obligation will arise only in the absence of any other prescribed method of determining a comparable rural rate for purposes of calculating the amount of a carrier’s offset for providing services to rural health care providers.

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1

50 carriers have to submit this information occasionally.

50 respondents x 1 submission = 50 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 150 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 3 hours and 50 carriers will have to submit information occasionally.

50 respondents x 1 submission x 3 hours = 150

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $8,814.84

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

150 hours x $45.20/hour = $6,780.65

30% overhead = $2,034.19

Total = $8,814.84

x. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.603(b)(1), 54.615(c)-(d) and 54.623(d) – Description of services requested and certification. (For continuity purposes only, as noted in previous submission see OMB Control Number 3060-0804).

y. 47 C.F.R. § 54.619(d) – Submission of rural health care report.⁴ – (This collection has been eliminated.)

z. 47 C.F.R §§ 54.702(h) and (l) – Submission of annual report and CAM.⁵

aa. 47 C.F.R. § 54.702(i) – Submission of quarterly report.⁶

bb. 47 C.F.R. § 54.707 – Submission of state commission designation.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 85 telecommunications carriers

(2) Frequency of Response: Once

(3) Total Number of Responses: 85

85 carriers must submit a true and correct copy of the state commission’s decision designating that carrier as an eligible carrier to receive reimbursements or offsets.

85 respondents x 1 submission = 85 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 21 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 0.25 hours and that 85 carriers will have to submit information one-time.

85 respondents x 1 submission x 0.25 hours = 21

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $1,248.77

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

21 hours x $45.20/hour = $ 960.59

30% overhead = $ 288.18

Total = $1,248.77

cc. Obligation to notify underlying carrier.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,700 systems integrator or small entity that is not required to contribute to universal service

(2) Frequency of Response: annually

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1,700

1,700 respondents have to notify its underlying carriers(s) that it is considered an end user for contribution purposes.

1,700 respondents x 1 submission = responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 1,700 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 1 hour and that 1,700 respondents will have to submit information annually.

1,700 respondents x 1 submission x 1 hour = 1,700

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $99,901.56

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-13/Step 5 ($45.20/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

1,700 hours x $45.20/hour = $76,847.36

30% overhead = $23,054.21

Total = $99,901.56

dd. 47 C.F.R. § 54.202(e) – Recordkeeping requirements.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 1,300 telephone companies

(2) Frequency of Response: annually (for five years)

(3) Total Number of Responses: 1,300 (recordkeeping)

1,300 telephone companies have to maintain records for five years.

1,300 respondents x 1 submission = 1,300 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 2,600 hours

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 2 hours and 1,300 respondents will have to maintain this information annually for five years.

1,300 respondents x 1 recordkeeping requirements x 2 hours = 2,600

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $72,429.50

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

2,600 hours x $21.43/hour = $55,715.00

30% overhead = $16,714.50

Total = $72,429.50

ee. 47 C.F.R. § 54.706(e) – Recordkeeping requirement for contributions.

(1) Number of Respondents: Approximately 2,300 entities

(2)Frequency of Response: Annually (for five years)

(3) Total Number of Responses: 2,300

2,300 entities have to retain records regarding contributions to universal service for five years.

2,300 respondents x 1 submission = 2,300 responses

(4) Total Annual Hourly Burden: 4,600 hours.

The Commission estimates that this requirement will take approximately 2 hours and 2,300 respondents will have to maintain information annually for five years.

2,300 respondents x 1 submission x 2 hours = 4,600

(5) Total “In House” Costs: $128,144.50

The Commission estimates that respondents will use staff equivalent to GS-7/Step 5 ($21.43/hour) Federal employee, plus 30% for administrative staff time and overhead, to complete the submission.

4,600 hours x $21.43/hour = $ 98,572.69

30% overhead = $ 29,571.81

Total = $128,144.50

Note: There are basically eight types of respondents that will be subject to the requirements contained in Rule part 54. Below we have identified the types of respondents and the maximum number of respondents that the Commission expects to respond to any of the collections within a 12 month period. We anticipate that some respondents may make more than one submission annually.

Information Collection Requirements Rule Sections	Respondents	Total Total Responses	Total Hours	“In House” Costs
a. 47 C.F.R. §§ 36.611 and 36.612	1,340	1,340	26,800	$1,574,918.75
b. 47 C.F.R. § 54.101	50	10	20	$1,175.31
c. 47 C.F.R. § 54.201(b)-(c)	85	85	85	$4,995.08
d. 47 C.F.R. § 54.210(d)(2)	1,300	1,300	65,000	$3,819,765.63
e. 47 C.F.R. § 54.205(a)	100	50	50	$2,938.28
f. 47 C.F.R. § 54.207(c)(1)	50	50	6,250	$367,285.16
g. 47 C.F.R. § 54.301 (for continuity purposes only)
h. 47 C.F.R. § 54.307	1,300	8,000	21,600	$1,269,337.50
i. 47 C.F.R. § 54.309	50	50	200	$11,753.13
j. 47 C.F.R. § 54.311	50	50	200	$11,753.13
k. 47 C.F.R. § 54.401(d)	1,300	1,300	1,300	$76,395.91
l. 47 C.F.R. § 54.403	1,300	1,300	429	$25,210.45
m. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.405 and 54.411	2,414	2,414	120,700	$7,093,010.94
n. 47 C.F.R. §54.407	1,300	1,300	104,000	$2,897,180.00
o. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.409 and 54.415	7,000,000	7,000,000	588,000	$16,380,210.50
p. 47 C.F.R. § 54.409(c)	550,000	555,000	46,200	$1,287,016.50
q. 47 C.F.R. § 54.413(b)	1,300	1,300	104,000	$2,897,180.00
r. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.501(d)(3) and 54.516	53,400	53,400	127,200	$3,543,474.00
s. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.504(b) – (d), 54.505(b)(1), 54.507(d), and 54.509(a) (for continuity purposes only)
t. 47 C.F.R. § 54.519	50	50	250	$6,964.38
u. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.601(b)(4) and 54.609	500	500	50,000	$2,938,281.25
v. 47 C.F.R. §§ 54.601(b)(3) and 54.619	3,050	3,050	8,100	$225,645.75
w. 47 C.F.R. § 54.607(b)(1)-(2)	50	50	150	$8,814.84
47 C.F.R. §§ 54.603(b)(1), 54.615(c)-(d) and 54.623(d) (for continuity purposes only)
y. 47 C.F.R. § 54.619(d) (this information collection requirement has been eliminated)
z. 47 C.F.R. § 54.702(i) (USAC requirement)
aa. 47 C.F.R. § 54.702(i) (USAC requirement)
bb. 47 C.F.R. § 54.707	85	85	21	$1,248.77
cc. Obligation to notify underlying carrier	1,700	1,700	1,700	$99,901.56
dd. 47 C.F.R. § 54.707	1,300	1,300	2,600	$72,429.50
ee. 47 C.F.R. § 54.706(e)	2,300	2,300	4,600	$128,144.50
TOTAL	7,060,500	7,631,034	1,279,455	$44,745,029.71

Types of Respondents Number of Each Respondent Type

Individuals or households 7,000,000

Businesses and other for-profits 8,400

Not-for-profit institutions 6,500

State, local, or tribal governments 45,600

Total Number of Respondents: 7,060,500

Total Number of Responses: 7,631,034

Total Annual Burden Hours This Submission: 1,279,455 hours

Total Annual “In House” Costs: $44,745,029.71

13. (1) Total capital/start-up costs component annualized over its expected useful life: $0.

The collections will not require the purchase of additional equipment.

(2) Total operation and maintenance and purchase of services component: $0.

The collections will not result in additional operating or maintenance expenses.

(3) Total annualized cost requested: $0.

14. There will be few, if any, costs to the Commission because notice and enforcement requirements are already part of Commission duties. Moreover, there will be minimal cost to the Federal government since an outside party will administer this program.

15. The Commission is reporting both program changes per the release information collection requirements in 3060-1112, per the 2007 Comprehensive Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration and Oversight, WC Docket Nos. 05-195, 02-60, 03-109 and CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 02-6, 97-21, FCC 07-150, and adjustments, as follows:

(a) The number of respondents has increased by 1,505,849 from 5,554,651 to 7,060,500 respondents;

(b) The number of responses annually has increased by 1,319,488, from 6,311,546 to 7,631,034 responses; and

(c) The total aggregate annual hourly burden has decreased by 597,355 hours, from 1,876,790 to 1,279,455 hours, of this there was a program change of 7,200 and an adjustment of 604,535.

The program changes and adjustments are due to the following:

(a) a revision in the number of respondents and burden hours per response;

(b) the addition of several recordkeeping requirements.

16. The Commission will make the information required by 47 C.F.R. § 54.504 publicly available on the Internet. Other non-proprietary information will likely be made publicly available although the Commission does not have specific plans for doing so at this time.

17. The Commission does not intend to seek approval not to display the expiration date for OMB approval of the information collections.

18. This submission is being revised to add recordkeeping requirements imposed as a result of the 2007 Comprehensive Review of the Universal Service Fund Management, Administration and Oversight, WC Docket Nos. 05-195, 02-60, 03-109 and CC Docket Nos. 96-45, 02-6, 97-21, FCC 07-150 (OMB Control Number 3060-1112). In addition, the burden estimates have been re-analyzed and revised as a result, to show both program changes and adjustments. See Item 15 above. After further review, we have refined our estimates and make the following changes to the estimates reported in the 60 day notice:

(1) 7,060,500 respondents not 7,061,522 respondents as reported in the 60 day notice

(decrease of -1,022);

(2) 7,631,034 responses not 7,621,931 as reported in the 60 day notice (increase of +9,103);

(3) the estimated time per response is 0.084 -125 hours and not 0.084-1500 as reported in the 60 day notice; and

(4) 1,279,455 total burden hours not 1,502,333 total burden hours as reported in the 60 day notice

(-234,078)

B. Collections of Information Employing Statistical Methods:

The Commission does not anticipate that the collection of information will employ statistical methods.

1 This is a requirement imposed on the Administrator and is not subject to OMB review. The Administrator is one entity acting on behalf of the Federal Communications Commission and was created to administer the Universal Service Fund. Section Z and AA are also requirements imposed on the administrator and are not subject to OMB approval.

2 See supra, note 1.

3 See supra, note 1.

4 See supra, note 1.

5 See supra, note 1.

6 See supra, note 1.

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