Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission

SUMMARY:

The Federal Communications Commission, as part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burden invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection(s), as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, Public Law 104-13. An agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) that does not display a valid control number. Comments are requested concerning (a) whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; and (d) ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology.

DATES:

Written comments should be submitted on or before July 19, 2000. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments, but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all comments to Judy Boley, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW, DC 20554 or via the Internet to jboley@fcc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information or copies of the information collection(s), contact Judy Boley at 202-418-0214 or via the Internet at jboley@fcc.gov.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control No.: 3060-0748.

Title: Section 64.1504, Disclosure Requirements for Information Services Provided Through Toll-Free Numbers.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 3,750.

Estimated Time Per Response: 2-5 hours.

Frequency of Response: Third party disclosure requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 10,500 hours.

Total Annual Cost: N/A.

Needs and Uses: Section 64.1504 incorporates in the Commission's Rules, the requirements of Sections 228(c)(7)-(10) that restrict the manner in which toll-free numbers may be used to charge telephone subscribers for information services. Common carriers must prohibit the use of toll-free numbers in a manner that would result in the calling party being charged for information conveyed during the call, unless the calling party (1) has executed a written agreement that specifies the material terms and conditions under which the information is provided, or (2) pays for the information by means of a prepaid account, credit, debit, charge, or calling card and the information service provider includes in response to each call an introductory message disclosing specified information detailing the cost and other terms and conditions for the service. The disclosure requirements are intended to ensure that consumers know when charges will be levied for calls to toll-free numbers and are able to obtain information necessary to make informed choices about whether to purchase toll-free information services.

OMB Control No.: 3060-0749.

Title: Section 64.1509, Disclosure and Dissemination of Pay-Per-Call Information.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 25. respondents; 75 responses.

Estimated Time Per Response: 410 hours.

Frequency of Response: Third party disclosure requirement, annual and on occasion reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 10,250 hours.

Total Annual Cost: N/A.

Needs and Uses: Common carriers that assign telephone numbers to pay-per-call services must disclose to all interested parties, upon request, a list of all assigned pay-per-call numbers. For each assigned number, carriers must also make available (1) a description of the pay-per-call service; (2) the total cost per minute or other fees associated with the service; and (3) the service provider's name, business address, and telephone number. In addition, carriers handling pay-per-call services must establish a toll-free number that consumers may call to receive information about pay-per-call services. Finally, the Commission requires carriers to provide statements of pay-per-call right and responsibilities to new telephone subscribers at the time service is established and, although not required by statute, to all subscribers annually.

OMB Control No.: 3060-0752.

Title: Section 64.1510, Billing Disclosure Requirements for Pay-Per-Call and Other Information Services.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 1,350.

Estimated Time Per Response: 10-40 hours.

Frequency of Response: Third party disclosure requirement and annual reporting requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 54,000 hours.

Total Annual Cost: N/A.

Needs and Uses: Under Section 64.1510, telephone bills containing charges for interstate pay-per-call and other information services must include information detailing consumers' rights and responsibilities with respect to these charges. Specifically, telephone bills carrying pay-per-call charges must include a consumer notification stating that (1) the charges are for non-communication services; (2) local and long distance telephone services may not be disconnected for failure to pay-per-call charges; (3) pay-per-call (900 number) blocking is available upon request, and (4) access to pay-per-call services may be involuntarily blocked for failure to pay-per-call charges. In addition, each call billed must show the type of service, the amount of the charge, and the date, time, and duration of the call. Finally, the bill must display a toll-free number which subscribers may call to obtain information about pay-per-call services. Similar billing disclosure requirements apply to charges for information services either billed to subscribers on a collect basis or accessed by subscribers through a toll-free number. The billing disclosure requirements are intended to ensure that telephone subscribers billed for pay-per-call or other information services are able to understand the charges levied and are informed of their rights and responsibilities with respect to payment of such charges.