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 Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) comments should be submitted on or before August 19, 2004. 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 regarding this Paperwork Reduction Act submission to Judith B. Herman, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to Judith-B.Herman@fcc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

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

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control No.: 3060-0454.

Title: Regulation of International Accounting Rates.

Form No: N/A.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 5 respondents; 80 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 1 hour.

Frequency of Response: On occasion, and one-time reporting requirements.

Total Annual Burden: 80 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $7,000.

Privacy Act Impact Assessment: Not applicable.

Needs and Uses: On March 30, 2004, the Commission released a First Report and Order in IB Docket Nos. 02-324 and 96-261, FCC 04-53. The Commission removed the International Settlements Policy benchmark-compliant routes, eliminated the Commission's International Simple Resale (ISR) policy and associated filing requirements. The information is used by Commission staff in carrying out its duties under the Communications Act. The information collections are necessary for the Commission to maintain effective oversight of U.S. carriers that are affiliated with, or involved in certain co-marketing or similar arrangements with, foreign carriers that have market power. Additionally, the information collections are necessary to analyze market trends to determine whether amendment of the Commission's existing rules or proposals of new rules are necessary to promote effective competition and prevent anti-competitive behavior between American and foreign carriers.