The FCC seeks emergency OMB approval
for this new information collection by July 8, 2013. Under this
information collection, the Commission proposes to collect
information to determine what areas should be eligible for Phase II
of Connect America Fund and to ensure that Connect America Fund
Phase I deployments occur in areas that are eligible for support.
To aid in collecting this information regarding Phase II challenge
process in a uniform manner, the FCC created FCC Form 505, which
parties can use in filing their Phase II challenges and responses
with the Commission.
Two factors necessitate
emergency OMB approval is that 1) unclaimed funds from Phase I will
be added to Phase II; it is necessary to complete the Phase I
election process as quickly as possible in order to implement fully
Phase II; 2) if emergency OMB approval is granted, Phase I funds
could start being distributed as early as September, enabling
recipients to begin expanding broadband before winter weather
impedes construction. Without emergency approval, broadband
expansion to potentially hundreds of thousands of consumers across
the country would be delayed, depriving those households of the
access to jobs, education, and other opportunities that broadband
provides.
US Code:
47
USC 151 Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code:
47 USC 154(i) and 154(j) Name of Law: Communications Act of
1934, as amended
US Code: 47
USC 155 Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as amended
US Code: 47
USC 201(b) 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 218-220 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 1302 Name of Law: Communications Act of 1934, as
amended
The Commission adopted two
orders (FCC 13-73 and DA 13-1113) which the Commission is
requesting emergency approval. Two factors necessitate the
emergency request to OMB. 1) unclaimed funds from Phase I wail be
added to Phase II, it is necessary to complete the Phase I election
process as quickly as possible to implement fully Phase II. 2) if
the emergency request is granted, Phase I funds could start being
distributed as early as September, enabling recipients to begin
expanding broadband before winter weather impedes
construction.
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.