82 FR 57161 - Rate-of-Return Reform

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Federal Register Volume 82, Issue 231 (December 4, 2017)

Page Range		57161-57162
FR Document		2017-25949

In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, the information collection requirements associated with the Commission's Rate-of Return Reform Order. The reforms adopted in this Order require rate-of-return LECs to make tariff filings with the necessary tariff materials outside of the normal tariff filing period. This document is consistent with the Order, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of the rules.

Federal Register, Volume 82 Issue 231 (Monday, December 4, 2017)

[Federal Register Volume 82, Number 231 (Monday, December 4, 2017)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 57161-57162]
From the Federal Register Online  [www.thefederalregister.org]
[FR Doc No: 2017-25949]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Parts 51 and 69

[WC Docket Nos. 10-90, 14-58; CC Docket No. 01-92; FCC 16-33]


Rate-of-Return Reform

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date.

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SUMMARY: In this document, the Commission announces that the Office of 
Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, 
the information collection requirements associated with the 
Commission's Rate-of Return Reform Order. The reforms adopted in this 
Order require rate-of-return LECs to make tariff filings with the 
necessary tariff materials outside of the normal tariff filing period. 
This document is consistent with the Order, which stated that the 
Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing 
the effective date of the rules.

DATES: The amendments to 47 CFR 51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311, 
and 69.416, published at 81 FR 24281, April 25, 2016, are effective 
December 4, 2017.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Amy Goodman, Pricing Policy Division, 
Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418-1549, or email: 
[email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This document announces that, on September 
20, 2016, OMB approved, for a period of three years, the information 
collection requirements relating to Sec. Sec.  51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 
69.132, 69.311, and 69.416 of the Commission's rules as a revision to 
OMB Control Number 3060-0298 (Part 61, Tariffs (Other than the Tariff 
Review Plan)). Also on September 20, 2016, OMB approved, for a period 
of three years, the information requirements relating to Sec. Sec.  
51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311, and 69.416 of the Commission's 
rules as a revision to 3060-0400 (Part 61, Tariff Review Plan (TRP)). 
The Commission publishes this document as an announcement of the 
effective date of the rules. If you have any comments on the burden 
estimates listed below, or how the Commission can improve the 
collections and reduce any burdens caused thereby, please contact 
Nicole Ongele, Federal Communications Commission, Room 1-A620, 445 12th 
Street SW., Washington, DC 20554. Please include the OMB Control 
Number, 3060-0400, in your correspondence. The Commission will also 
accept your comments via email at [email protected].
    To request materials in accessible formats for people with 
disabilities (Braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), 
send an email to [email protected] or call the Consumer and Governmental 
Affairs Bureau at (202) 418-0530 (voice), (202) 418-0432 (TTY).

Synopsis

    As required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 
3507), the FCC is notifying the public that it received final OMB 
approval on September 20, 2016, for the information collection 
requirements contained in Sec. Sec.  51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 
69.311, and 69.416 of the Commission's rules. Under 5 CFR part 1320, an 
agency may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it 
displays a current, valid OMB 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 
that does not display a current, valid OMB Control Number. The OMB 
Control Numbers are 3060-0298 and 3060-0400.
    The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 
1995,

[[Page 57162]]

Public Law 104-13, October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507.
    The total annual reporting burdens and costs for the respondents 
are as follows:

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0298.
    OMB Approval Date: September 20, 2016.
    OMB Expiration Date: September 30, 2019.
    Title: Part 61, Tariffs (Other than Tariff Review Plan) (TRP).
    Form Number: N/A.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 2,840 respondents; 4,277 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 30 hours-50 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion, annual, biennial, and one-time 
reporting requirements.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. 
Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 
U.S.C. 151-155, 201-203, 208, 251-271, 403, 502, and 503 of the 
Communications Act of 1934, as amended.
    Total Annual Burden: 156,080 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: $1,307,670.
    Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: Respondents are not being 
asked to submit confidential information to the Commission. If the 
Commission requests respondents to submit information which respondents 
believe is confidential, respondents may request confidential treatment 
of such information under 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission's rules.
    Needs and Uses: On March 23, 2016 the Commission released the Rate 
of Return Order, FCC 16-33, which reformed universal service for rate-
of-return local exchange carriers (LECs). These reforms require 
approximately 95 rate-of-return LECs to make one-time tariff filings 
and NECA to make two tariff filings with the necessary support 
materials outside the normal tariff filing period.
    Part 61 of the Commission's rules, 47 CFR part 61, prescribes the 
framework for the initial establishment of and subsequent revisions to 
tariffs. The information collected through the carriers' tariffs and 
supporting documentation is used by the Commission and state 
commissions to determine whether the services are offered in a just and 
reasonable manner.

    OMB Control Number: 3060-0400.
    OMB Approval Date: September 20, 2016.
    OMB Expiration Date: September 30, 2019.
    Title: Part 61, Tariff Review Plan (TRP).
    Form Number: N/A.
    Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
    Number of Respondents and Responses: 2,840 respondents; 5,437 
responses.
    Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 hours-53 hours.
    Frequency of Response: On occasion, annual, biennial, and one-time 
reporting requirements.
    Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. 
Statutory authority for this information collection is contained in 47 
U.S.C. 201, 202, 203, and 251(b)(5) of the Communications Act of 1934, 
as amended.
    Total Annual Burden: 66,000 hours.
    Total Annual Cost: No cost.
    Privacy Impact Assessment: No impact(s).
    Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: Respondents are not being 
asked to submit confidential information to the Commission. If the 
Commission requests respondents to submit information which respondents 
believe is confidential, respondents may request confidential treatment 
of such information under 47 CFR 0.459 of the Commission's rules.
    Needs and Uses: On March 23, 2016 the Commission released the Rate 
of Return Order, FCC 16-33, which reformed universal service for rate-
of-return local exchange carriers (LECs). These reforms require rate-
of-return LECs to make tariff filings with the necessary support 
materials outside the normal tariff filing period.
    Sections 201, 202, and 203 of the Communications Act of 1934, as 
amended, require common carriers to establish just and reasonable 
charges, practices, and regulations for their interstate 
telecommunications services. For services that are still covered under 
section 203, tariff schedules containing charges, rates, rules, and 
regulations must be filed with the Commission. Part 61 of the 
Commission's rules, 47 CFR part 61, prescribes the framework for the 
establishment of and subsequent revisions to tariffs. Certain LECs are 
required to submit a biennial or annual Tariff Review Plan (TRP) in 
partial fulfillment of cost support material required by part 61. The 
Commission developed the TRP to minimize reporting burdens on reporting 
incumbent local exchange carriers (ILECs). TRPs set forth the summary 
material ILECs file to support revisions to their interstate access 
service tariffs. For those services still requiring cost support, TRPs 
assist the Commission in determining whether ILEC access charges are 
just and reasonable as required under the Act.

Federal Communications Commission.
Katura Jackson,
Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2017-25949 Filed 12-1-17; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P

Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 231 / Monday, December 4, 2017 / Rules and Regulations 57161

or call the Consumer & Governmental immediately upon publication in the FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Affairs Bureau at 202–418–0530 (voice), Federal Register. Amy Goodman, Pricing Policy Division,
202–418–0432 (tty). 36. It is further ordered that, effective Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202)
30. Additional Information. For upon the adoption of this order, that the 418–1549, or email: amy.goodman@
additional information on this requirements imposed by 47 CFR fcc.gov.
proceeding, contact Gregory Cooke of 10.441, published at 81 FR 75710, are
the Public Safety and Homeland waived to the extent set forth in this SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This
Security Bureau, Policy and Licensing Order. document announces that, on
Division, gregory.cooke@fcc.gov, (202) The rules in this part are issued September 20, 2016, OMB approved, for
418–2351. pursuant to the authority contained in a period of three years, the information
the Warning, Alert, and Response collection requirements relating to
Ordering Clauses §§ 51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311,
Network Act, Title VI of the Security
31. Accordingly, it is ordered, and Accountability for Every Port Act of and 69.416 of the Commission’s rules as
pursuant to Sections 1, 2, 4(i), 4(o), 301, 2006, Public Law 109–347, Titles I a revision to OMB Control Number
303(r), 303(v), 307, 309, 335, 403, through III of the Communications Act 3060–0298 (Part 61, Tariffs (Other than
624(g), and 706 of the Communications of 1934, as amended, and Executive the Tariff Review Plan)). Also on
Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, Order 13407 of June 26, 2006, Public September 20, 2016, OMB approved, for
152, 154(i), 154(o), 301, 301(r), 303(v), Alert and Warning System, 71 FR 36975 a period of three years, the information
307, 309, 335, 403, 544(g), and 606, as (2006). requirements relating to §§ 51.917(f)(4),
well as by sections 602(a), (b), (c), (f), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311, and 69.416 of
603, 604 and 606 of the WARN Act, 47 List of Subjects the Commission’s rules as a revision to
U.S.C. 1202(a), (b), (c), (f), 1203, 1204 47 CFR Part 10 3060–0400 (Part 61, Tariff Review Plan
and 1206, that the CTIA Petition is (TRP)). The Commission publishes this
granted to the extent specified herein Wireless emergency alerts. document as an announcement of the
and denied to the extent specified 47 CFR Part 11 effective date of the rules. If you have
herein. any comments on the burden estimates
32. It is also ordered, pursuant to Emergency alert system. listed below, or how the Commission
Sections 1, 2, 4(i), 4(o), 301, 303(r), Federal Communications Commission. can improve the collections and reduce
303(v), 307, 309, 335, 403, 624(g), and Marlene H. Dortch, any burdens caused thereby, please
706 of the Communications Act of 1934, Secretary. contact Nicole Ongele, Federal
as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 154(i), [FR Doc. 2017–25673 Filed 12–1–17; 8:45 am] Communications Commission, Room 1–
154(o), 301, 301(r), 303(v), 307, 309, BILLING CODE 6712–01–P A620, 445 12th Street SW., Washington,
335, 403, 544(g), and 606, as well as by DC 20554. Please include the OMB
sections 602(a), (b), (c), (f), 603, 604 and Control Number, 3060–0400, in your
606 of the WARN Act, 47 U.S.C. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS correspondence. The Commission will
1202(a), (b), (c), (f), 1203, 1204 and COMMISSION also accept your comments via email at
1206, that the CCA Petition is granted to PRA@fcc.gov.
the extent specified herein and denied 47 CFR Parts 51 and 69 To request materials in accessible
to the extent specified herein. formats for people with disabilities
[WC Docket Nos. 10–90, 14–58; CC Docket
33. It is ordered, pursuant to Sections (Braille, large print, electronic files,
No. 01–92; FCC 16–33]
1, 2, 4(i), 4(o), 301, 303(r), 303(v), 307, audio format), send an email to fcc504@
309, 335, 403, 624(g), and 706 of the Rate-of-Return Reform fcc.gov or call the Consumer and
Communications Act of 1934, as Governmental Affairs Bureau at (202)
amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 154(i), AGENCY: Federal Communications
Commission. 418–0530 (voice), (202) 418–0432
154(o), 301, 301(r), 303(v), 307, 309, (TTY).
335, 403, 544(g), and 606, as well as by ACTION: Final rule; announcement of
sections 602(a), (b), (c), (f), 603, 604 and effective date. Synopsis
606 of the WARN Act, 47 U.S.C.
SUMMARY: In this document, the As required by the Paperwork
1202(a), (b), (c), (f), 1203, 1204 and
Commission announces that the Office Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507),
1206, that the Order on Reconsideration
of Management and Budget (OMB) has the FCC is notifying the public that it
in PS Docket Nos. 15–91 and 15–94 is
approved, for a period of three years, the received final OMB approval on
hereby adopted.
34. It is further ordered that, as set information collection requirements September 20, 2016, for the information
forth in this Order, that except for associated with the Commission’s Rate- collection requirements contained in
AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, Sprint and of Return Reform Order. The reforms §§ 51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311,
U.S. Cellular, for which the operative adopted in this Order require rate-of- and 69.416 of the Commission’s rules.
date for this requirement remains return LECs to make tariff filings with Under 5 CFR part 1320, an agency may
November 1, 2017, the operative date of the necessary tariff materials outside of not conduct or sponsor a collection of
the requirement imposed by 47 CFR the normal tariff filing period. This information unless it displays a current,
10.441, published at 81 FR 75710, is document is consistent with the Order, valid OMB Control Number.
delayed until May 1, 2019, the date which stated that the Commission No person shall be subject to any
other rules and amendments adopted by would publish a document in the penalty for failing to comply with a
Federal Register announcing the collection of information subject to the
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

the WEA R&O were made effective (30
months from the publication of the effective date of the rules. Paperwork Reduction Act that does not
WEA R&O in the Federal Register, DATES: The amendments to 47 CFR display a current, valid OMB Control
published at 81 FR 75710). 51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311, and Number. The OMB Control Numbers are
35. It is further ordered that the 69.416, published at 81 FR 24281, April 3060–0298 and 3060–0400.
provisions of this Order on 25, 2016, are effective December 4, The foregoing notice is required by
Reconsideration will become effective 2017. the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995,

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57162 Federal Register / Vol. 82, No. 231 / Monday, December 4, 2017 / Rules and Regulations

Public Law 104–13, October 1, 1995, OMB Expiration Date: September 30, support, TRPs assist the Commission in
and 44 U.S.C. 3507. 2019. determining whether ILEC access
The total annual reporting burdens Title: Part 61, Tariff Review Plan charges are just and reasonable as
and costs for the respondents are as (TRP). required under the Act.
follows: Form Number: N/A. Federal Communications Commission.
Respondents: Business or other for-
OMB Control Number: 3060–0298. Katura Jackson,
profit entities.
OMB Approval Date: September 20, Number of Respondents and Federal Register Liaison Officer, Office of the
2016. Responses: 2,840 respondents; 5,437 Secretary.
OMB Expiration Date: September 30, responses. [FR Doc. 2017–25949 Filed 12–1–17; 8:45 am]
2019. Estimated Time per Response: 0.5 BILLING CODE 6712–01–P
Title: Part 61, Tariffs (Other than hours–53 hours.
Tariff Review Plan) (TRP). Frequency of Response: On occasion,
Form Number: N/A. annual, biennial, and one-time reporting DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
Respondents: Business or other for- requirements.
profit entities. Obligation to Respond: Required to National Oceanic and Atmospheric
Number of Respondents and obtain or retain benefits. Statutory Administration
Responses: 2,840 respondents; 4,277 authority for this information collection
responses. is contained in 47 U.S.C. 201, 202, 203, 50 CFR Part 679
Estimated Time per Response: 30 and 251(b)(5) of the Communications
hours–50 hours. [Docket No. 161020985–7181–02]
Act of 1934, as amended.
Frequency of Response: On occasion, Total Annual Burden: 66,000 hours. RIN 0648–XF859
annual, biennial, and one-time reporting Total Annual Cost: No cost.
requirements. Privacy Impact Assessment: No Fisheries of the Exclusive Economic
Obligation to Respond: Required to impact(s). Zone Off Alaska; Reallocation of
obtain or retain benefits. Statutory Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: Pacific Cod in the Bering Sea and
authority for this information collection Respondents are not being asked to Aleutian Islands Management Area
is contained in 47 U.S.C. 151–155, 201– submit confidential information to the
203, 208, 251–271, 403, 502, and 503 of AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries
Commission. If the Commission Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and
the Communications Act of 1934, as requests respondents to submit
amended. Atmospheric Administration (NOAA),
information which respondents believe Commerce.
Total Annual Burden: 156,080 hours. is confidential, respondents may request
Total Annual Cost: $1,307,670. ACTION: Temporary rule; reallocation.
confidential treatment of such
Privacy Impact Assessment: No information under 47 CFR 0.459 of the SUMMARY: NMFS is reallocating the
impact(s). Commission’s rules. projected unused amount of Pacific cod
Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: Needs and Uses: On March 23, 2016 from trawl catcher vessels (3,083 metric
Respondents are not being asked to the Commission released the Rate of tons (mt)), American Fisheries Act
submit confidential information to the Return Order, FCC 16–33, which (AFA) trawl catcher/processors (205
Commission. If the Commission reformed universal service for rate-of- mt), and jig vessels (94 mt) to hook-and-
requests respondents to submit return local exchange carriers (LECs). line catcher/processors (2,732 mt) and
information which respondents believe These reforms require rate-of-return pot catcher/processors (650 mt) in the
is confidential, respondents may request LECs to make tariff filings with the Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands
confidential treatment of such necessary support materials outside the management area (BSAI). This action is
information under 47 CFR 0.459 of the normal tariff filing period. necessary to allow the 2017 total
Commission’s rules. Sections 201, 202, and 203 of the allowable catch of Pacific cod to be
Needs and Uses: On March 23, 2016 Communications Act of 1934, as harvested.
the Commission released the Rate of amended, require common carriers to
Return Order, FCC 16–33, which establish just and reasonable charges, DATES: Effective November 29,
reformed universal service for rate-of- practices, and regulations for their 2017through 2400 hours, Alaska local
return local exchange carriers (LECs). interstate telecommunications services. time (A.l.t.), December 31, 2017.
These reforms require approximately 95 For services that are still covered under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Josh
rate-of-return LECs to make one-time section 203, tariff schedules containing Keaton, 907–586–7228.
tariff filings and NECA to make two charges, rates, rules, and regulations SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
tariff filings with the necessary support must be filed with the Commission. Part manages the groundfish fishery in the
materials outside the normal tariff filing 61 of the Commission’s rules, 47 CFR Bering Sea and Aleutian Islands (BSAI)
period. part 61, prescribes the framework for the according to the Fishery Management
Part 61 of the Commission’s rules, 47 establishment of and subsequent Plan for Groundfish of the Bering Sea
CFR part 61, prescribes the framework revisions to tariffs. Certain LECs are and Aleutian Islands Management Area
for the initial establishment of and required to submit a biennial or annual (FMP) prepared by the North Pacific
subsequent revisions to tariffs. The Tariff Review Plan (TRP) in partial Fishery Management Council under
information collected through the fulfillment of cost support material authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
carriers’ tariffs and supporting required by part 61. The Commission Fishery Conservation and Management
documentation is used by the developed the TRP to minimize
ethrower on DSK3G9T082PROD with RULES

Act. Regulations governing fishing by
Commission and state commissions to reporting burdens on reporting U.S. vessels in accordance with the FMP
determine whether the services are incumbent local exchange carriers appear at subpart H of 50 CFR part 600
offered in a just and reasonable manner. (ILECs). TRPs set forth the summary and 50 CFR part 679.
OMB Control Number: 3060–0400. material ILECs file to support revisions The 2017 Pacific cod total allowable
OMB Approval Date: September 20, to their interstate access service tariffs. catch (TAC) in the BSAI specified for
2016. For those services still requiring cost trawl catcher is 47,246 metric tons (mt),

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Document Created: 2017-12-02 00:41:37
Document Modified: 2017-12-02 00:41:37

Category		Regulatory Information
Collection		Federal Register
sudoc Class		AE 2.7: GS 4.107: AE 2.106:
Publisher		Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration
Section		Rules and Regulations
Action		Final rule; announcement of effective date.
Dates		The amendments to 47 CFR 51.917(f)(4), 69.4(k), 69.132, 69.311, and 69.416, published at 81 FR 24281, April 25, 2016, are effective December 4, 2017.
Contact		Amy Goodman, Pricing Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418-1549, or email: [email protected]
FR Citation		82 FR 57161
CFR Citation		47 CFR 51 47 CFR 69