Non-substantive Change Justification

January 25, 2024

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

OMB Control Number: 3060-0800

FCC Form 603

Requested Action: Non-substantive change/non-material change request

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The Federal Communications Commission submits this non-substantive change request to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for approval of non-substantive/non-material changes to FCC Form 603 (OMB Control Number 3060-0800). FCC Form 603 is a multipurpose form that is used to administer licenses in the Wireless Radio Services and Private Wireless Services using the Universal Licensing System (ULS) or any other electronic filing interface the Commission develops. FCC Form 603 is composed of a main form that contains the administrative information and a series of schedules used for filing technical information. These schedules are required when applying for Wireless Radio and/or Private Wireless Services, partitioning and disaggregation, undefined geographical area partitioning, and notification of consummation or request for extension of time for consummation. For example, applicants/licensees use FCC Form 603 to apply for an assignment or transfer of control, to establish their parties’ basic eligibility and qualifications, to classify the filing, and/or to determine the nature of the proposed service. This form is also used to notify the FCC of consummated assignments and transfers of wireless licenses to which the Commission has previously consented or for which notification but not prior consent is required, or to request an extension of time for consummation. Respondents are required to submit FCC Form 603 electronically.

On July 18, 2022, the Commission adopted the Partition, Disaggregation and Leasing of Spectrum Report and Order and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that modifies partitioning, disaggregation, and leasing rules to provide specific incentives for small carriers and Tribal Nations, and entities in rural areas, to voluntarily participate in the Enhanced Competition Incentive Program (ECIP) (ECIP Report and Order in WT Docket No. 19-38, FCC 22-53). The ECIP proceeding is in response to Congressional direction in the Making Opportunities for Broadband Investment and Limiting Excessive and Needless Obstacles to Wireless Act (MOBILE NOW Act) to consider steps to increase the diversity of spectrum access and the availability of advanced telecommunications services in rural areas. The ECIP will promote greater competition in the provision of wireless services, facilitate increased availability of advanced wireless services in rural areas, facilitate new opportunities for small carriers and Tribal Nations to increase access to spectrum, and bring more advanced wireless service including 5G to underserved communities.

The Commission submits to OMB for approval the following non-substantive change to the FCC Form 603 to implement licensing administration and spectrum policies that have been published in the above-referenced ECIP Report and Order:

The inclusion of a certification via attachment to FCC Form 603 for the purpose of certifying compliance with § 1.60002 of the Commission’s rules, which requires simply a check box or yes that the applicant certifies it: (1) is not barred from ECIP; (2) has not previously received benefits under the ECIP; (3) has entered into ECIP in good faith with a bona fide intent to meet the program's obligations; (4) did not confer any benefit as consideration for ECIP; and (5) any ECIP lease arrangement will have a minimum term of five (5) years.

There are no physical changes to Form 603 as a result of request, as OMB already approved the substantive changes related to §§ 1.60003, 1.60004 of the Commission’s rules under ICR reference number: 202310-3060-012.