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 August 18, 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.: 3060-0710.

Title: Policy and Rules Concerning the Implementation of the Local Competition Provisions in the Telecommunications Act of 1996-CC Docket No. 96-98.

Form No.: N/A.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Businesses or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 12,250 respondents; 1,070,250 responses.

Estimated Time Per Response: 124.86 hours (average).

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement, third party disclosure requirement, recordkeeping requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 1,529,620 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $937,500.

Needs and Uses: The Commission adopted rules and regulations to implement part of Sections 251 and 252 that affect local competition. Incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) are required to offer interconnection, unbundled network elements, transport and termination, and wholesale rates for certain services to new entrants. Incumbent LECs must price such services at rates that are cost-based and just and reasonable and provide access to rights-of-way as well as establish reciprocal compensation arrangements for the transport and termination of telecommunications traffic.

This submission is being sent to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to extend the current three-year approval.