Incarcerated People's
Communications Services (IPCS) 2023 Mandatory Data Collection, WC
Docket Nos. 23–62, 12–375, DA 23-638
No
material or nonsubstantive change to a currently approved
collection
No
Regular
09/27/2023
Requested
Previously Approved
09/30/2026
09/30/2026
30
30
7,950
7,950
0
0
This submission is being made for
proposed non-substantive changes to an existing information
collection pursuant to 44 U.S.C. § 3507. This submission provides
the final versions of FCC Form 2303(a) (consisting of Word and
Excel Templates) and of FCC Form 2303(b) (Certification Form) to
reflect OMB approval on September 13, 2023. It also reflects the
assignment of OMB Control No. 3060-1314 to this new collection. On
March 17, 2023, the Commission released the 2023 IPCS Order (FCC
23-19), in which it began the process of implementing the Martha
Wright-Reed Just and Communications Act of 2022, which directs the
Commission to promulgate any regulations implementing the
provisions of the Act, including its mandate that the Commission
establish a compensation plan ensuring that all rates and charges
for incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) are "just
and reasonable," not earlier than 18 months and not later than 24
months after its January 5, 2023 enactment. The Act gives the
Commission authority to enact rates and charges for voice, video,
and advanced communications between incarcerated people and their
families and loved ones, including communications within a state's
borders. Previously, the Commission had authority only over
interstate and international voice calls. To ensure that it has the
data needed to meet the Commission's responsibilities under the
Act, the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) and the Office of
Economics and Analytics (OEA) must "update and restructure" the
Commission's most recent mandatory data collection, OMB Control No.
3060-1300. The Commission delegated authority to WCB and OEA to
collect data on IPCS from all providers now subject to the
Commission's authority. WCB/OEA developed proposals for the 2023
Mandatory Data Collection and issued a Public Notice on April 28,
2023 seeking comments on all aspects of the proposed revisions to
the collection. After considering all filings, the Commission
released an Order adopting the instructions, reporting template,
and certification form to implement the collection.
This is a new information
collection resulting in a program change/increase of 30
respondents, 30 responses, and 7,950 annual burden hours. These
estimates will be added to OMB’s Active Inventory. This information
collection is necessary because the Martha Wright-Reed Act
contemplates an additional data collection by requiring or allowing
the Commission to consider certain types of other costs necessary
to its implementation. Prior to the enactment of the Martha
Wright-Reed Act, the Commission had sought provider data related to
audio communications services provided to incarcerated persons on
three occasions, as part of its ongoing efforts to establish just
and reasonable rates for those services, while ensuring that
providers are fairly compensated for such services. To ensure that
it will have the data it needs to meet its substantive and
procedural responsibilities under the Act, the Commission delegated
authority to WCB and OEA to “update and restructure” its most
recent data collection (the Third Mandatory Data Collection) “as
appropriate in light of the requirements of the new statute.” This
delegation requires that we collect “data on all incarcerated
people’s communications services from all providers of those
services now subject to” the Commission’s authority, including, but
not limited to, requesting “more recent data for additional years
not covered by the [Third Mandatory Data Collection].
$0
No
No
No
No
No
No
No
Amy Goodman 202
418-1549
No
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.