This information collection requires telecommunications carriers to submit certain information when applying for designation as an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC), as well as relinquishing its designation. This information collection is necessary to ensure that each ETC satisfies its obligation under Section 214(e) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended, to provide services supported under the universal service support mechanism(s) throughout the areas for which each ETC is designated.
The Commission is reporting program changes as a result of a new requirement that require ETCs to file additional relinquishment information. This addition will increase the burdens. The program change resulted in an increase in the number of respondents from 20 to 24 (+4), an increase in the number of responses from 20 to 28 (+8), and an increase in total annual burden hours from 800 to 808 (+8).
No adjustments are being reported to this revised information collection.
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.