Information collection request updated to remove the following information collections from this request: the temporary address confirmation and recertification (47 C.F.R. § 54.410(g) and the portion of 47 C.F.R § 54.405(e)(4) relating to temporary address de-enrollment) and the biennial audit requirement (47 C.F.R. § 54.420(a)). FCC may re-submit these removed collections for OMB review at a later date after further consideration. OMB approval is granted for all other parts of this information collection submitted in this request.
Inventory as of this Action
Requested
Previously Approved
10/31/2012
6 Months From Approved
08/31/2014
36,025,860
0
280,450
21,102,135
0
61,386
0
0
0
The Commission adopted FCC 12-11, the Lifeline Reform Report and Order, which adopts rules which are intended to take immediate action to address potential waste, fraud,and abuse of the Universal Service low income program. Furthermore, in the Commission's attempt to reduce the number of information collections, we have removed and consolidated all low-income requirements into this submission. Upon OMB approval, the Commission will voluntarily discontinue OMB Control Number 3060-0774 so there is no duplication of reporting, recordkeeping and/or third party disclosure requirements.
The Commission is seeking emergency processing of this revised ICR because it is critical to the prevention of waste, fraud and abuse of the Universal Service Fund (USF or Fund). Among other things, FCC 12-11, Lifeline Reform Report and Order, adopts rules to eliminate waste and inefficiency, increase accountability, and transition the Fund from supporting standalone telephone service to broadband. The reforms adopted substantially strengthen protections against waste, fraud, and abuse; improve program administration and accountability; improve enrollment and consumer disclosures; and constrain the growth of the program in order to reduce the burden on all who contribute to the Fund. The Commission has set a budget target of $200 million in waste in 2012, which is dependent on certain rules going into effect as soon as possible.
US Code:
47 USC 1
Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code:
47 USC 4(i)
Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code:
47 USC 201-205
Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code:
47 USC 214
Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code:
47 USC 254
Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code:
47 USC 403
Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
The Commission is reporting a program change increase of 21,040,749 hours due to the proposed changes in the Lifeline program. Since the previous submission to the OMB, the number of ETCs has decreased from 1,400 to approximately 940; the number of Lifeline subscribers increased significantly to 13.5 million (the last submission estimated 250,000 subscribers in federal default states).
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 497 FCC Form 497
0819_ss_041112_revised_FINAL.doc
0819_OMBlettersigned_030612.pdf
0819_nonsubsantivechange abstract_082311.docx
FCC Form 497