Application for Equipment Authorization

May 12, 2015

Federal Communications Commission

OMB Control Number 3060-0057

Explanation of Non-Substantive Changes to OMB Control Number: 3060-0057:

Purpose of this Submission: This submission is being made for non-substantive revision to an existing information collection pursuant to 44 U.S.C. § 3507. On December 17, 2014, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission or FCC) adopted a Report and Order “Amendment of Parts 0, 1, 2, and 15 of the Commission’s rules regarding Authorization of Radiofrequency Equipment” in ET Docket No. 13-44, FCC 14-208. The proceeding updated the Commission’s radiofrequency (RF) equipment authorization program to build on the success realized by the use of Commission-recognized Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs). The rules adopted will facilitate the continued rapid introduction of new and innovative products to the market while ensuring that these products do not cause harmful interference to each other or to other communications devices and services.

The requested change will not increase nor decrease the number of respondents/responses and total burden hours in the “Equipment Authorization Program” information collection 3060-0057.

Section 2.911 Application requirements:  The Communications Act gives the Commission authority to review communications equipment to determine whether its operation would violate any of the Commission’s technical rules.  The Act also gives the Commission authority to delegate this function to outside bodies, which are called Telecommunications Certification Bodies (TCBs).    Currently, manufacturers must file certain information with the Commission or to the TCBs.  The Equipment Authorization Order revises Section 2.911 to require manufacturers to file that information with a TCB exclusively.  This rule change affects only where the information is filed, not the substance of the information to be submitted. 

Sections 2.929(a), (c), and (d) Changes in name, address, ownership or control of grantee:  Section 2.929 governs transfers of control of equipment authorizations.  The Order clarifies the web link for submission of the information.  This rule change affects only where the information is filed, not the substance of the information to be submitted. 

Section 2.962 Requirements for Telecommunication Certification Bodies:   This rule establishes requirements for TCBs.  Among other things, previously, TCBs were permitted to grant equipment authorization applications, but were required to submit a copy of the application to the Commission.  They were also required to refer potential dismissals or denials to the Commission.  Under new rules, TCBs can now dismiss applications, as well as grant them, and TCBs are required to submit an electronic copy of each certification application to the Commission prior to such a grant or dismissal.  

Section 2.1033 Requirements for submitting test setup photos: The Order clarifies the requirement that photographs or diagrams of the test set-up, which are already submitted as part of the test report, are required for each of the required types of tests.