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.
US Code:
47
USC 309 Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
The burden has been adjusted to
account for the number of potential respondents. This is due to the
changing number of licenses estimated to be auctioned during a
given year. In spite of the few applicants that are already
affected, the number of applicants potentially affected is in the
hundreds; perhaps thousands. In other words, while few applicants
have actually attempted to take part in the Tribal Land Bidding
Credit (TLBC) program, almost all applicants in any auction where
TLBCs are available could take part in the program. Because so many
could possibly participate, we need to continue 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_083110.doc
Bidding Credits for Tribal Lands; WT Docket No. 99-266