83 FR 40457 - Connect America Fund
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 158 (August 15, 2018)
Federal Register Volume 83, Issue 158 (August 15, 2018)
| Page Range | 40457-40458 | |
| FR Document | 2018-17479 |
[Federal Register Volume 83, Number 158 (Wednesday, August 15, 2018)] [Rules and Regulations] [Pages 40457-40458] From the Federal Register Online [www.thefederalregister.org] [FR Doc No: 2018-17479] ======================================================================= ----------------------------------------------------------------------- FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 47 CFR Part 54 [WC Docket No. 10-90; FCC 14-54, 16-64, and 18-5] Connect America Fund AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission. ACTION: Final rule; announcement of effective date. ----------------------------------------------------------------------- SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) announces that the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) has approved, for a period of three years, an information collection associated with the rules for the Connect America Fund Phase II auction contained in the Commission's Connect America Fund Orders, FCC 14-54, FCC 16-64, and FCC 18-5. This document is consistent with the Connect America Fund Orders, which stated that the Commission would publish a document in the Federal Register announcing the effective date of the new information collection requirements. DATES: The amendment to Sec. 54.315(c)(1)(ii) published at 83 FR 15982, April 13, 2018 is effective August 15, 2018. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Alexander Minard, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418-7400 or TTY (202) 418-0484. For additional information concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act information collection requirements contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418-2991 or via email at [email protected]. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission submitted new information collection requirements for review and approval by OMB, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, on June 7, 2018. OMB approved the new information collection requirements on July 31, 2018. The information collection requirements are contained in the Commission's Connect America Fund Orders, FCC 14-54, published at 79 FR 39164, July 9, 2014, FCC 16-64, published at 81 FR 44414, July 7, 2016 and FCC 18-5, published at 83 FR 15982, April 13, 2018. The OMB Control Number is 3060-1256. The Commission publishes this document as an announcement of the effective date of the rules published on July 7, 2016 and April 13, 2018. 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, 3060-1256, 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 Commission is notifying the public that it received OMB approval on July 31, 2018, for the information collection requirements contained in 47 CFR 54.315(b) and (c) and the amendment to 47 CFR 54.315(c)(1)(ii) published at 81 FR 44414, July 7, 2016 and 83 FR 15982, April 13, 2018. 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 Number is 3060-1256. The foregoing notice is required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, 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: 3060-1256. OMB Approval Date: July 31, 2018. OMB Expiration Date: July 31, 2021. Title: Application for Connect America Fund Phase II Auction Support--FCC Form 683. Form Number: FCC Form 683. Type of Review: New information collection. Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities, Not-for-profit institutions, and State, Local or Tribal Governments. Number of Respondents and Responses: 400 respondents; 800 responses. Estimated Time per Response: 2-12 hours (on average). Frequency of Response: Annual reporting requirements, on occasion reporting requirement. Obligation to Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. Statutory authority for this information collection 47 U.S.C. 154, 254 and 303(r) of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. Total Annual Burden: 5,600 hours. Total Annual Cost(s): No Cost. Nature and Extent of Confidentiality: Although most of the information collected in FCC Form 683 will be made available for public inspection, the Commission will withhold certain information collected in FCC Form 683 from routine public inspection. Specifically, the Commission will treat certain financial and technical information submitted in FCC Form 683 as confidential. In addition, an applicant may use the abbreviated process under 47 CFR 0.459(a)(4) to request confidential treatment of the audited financial statements that are submitted during the post-selection review process. However, if a request for public inspection for this technical or financial information is made under 47 CFR 0.461, and the applicant has any objections to disclosure, the applicant will be notified and will be required to justify continued confidential treatment. To the extent that an applicant seeks to have other information collected in FCC Form 683 or during the post-selection review process withheld from public inspection, the applicant may request confidential treatment pursuant to 47 CFR 0.459. Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No impact(s). Needs and Uses: The Commission will use the information collected under this information collection to determine whether Connect America Fund Phase II auction winning bidders are eligible to receive Phase II auction support. In its USF/ICC Transformation Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, FCC 11-161, 76 FR 78385, December 16, 2011, the Commission comprehensively reformed and modernized the high-cost [[Page 40458]] program within the universal service fund to focus support on networks capable of providing voice and broadband services. The Commission created the Connect America Fund and concluded that support in price cap areas would be provided through a combination of ``a new forward- looking model of the cost of constructing modern multi-purpose networks'' and a competitive bidding process (the Connect America Fund Phase II auction or Phase II auction). The Commission also sought comment on proposed rules governing the Connect America Fund Phase II auction, including basic auction design and the application process. In the Connect America Fund Phase II auction, service providers will compete to receive support of up to $1.98 billion over 10 years to offer voice and broadband service in unserved high-cost areas. The Commission adopted new rules to implement the reforms, conduct the Phase II auction, and determine whether Phase II auction winning bidders are eligible to receive Phase II support. In its April 2014 Connect America Order, FCC 14-54, the Commission adopted various rules regarding participation in the Phase II auction, the term of support, and the eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) designation process. In its Phase II Auction Order, FCC 16-64, the Commission adopted rules to govern the Phase II auction, including a two-stage application process that includes a pre-auction short-form application to be submitted by parties interested in bidding in the Phase II auction and a post-auction long-form application that must be submitted by winning bidders seeking to become authorized to receive Phase II auction support. In its Phase II Auction Procedures Public Notice, FCC 18-6, 83 FR 13590, March 29, 2018, the Commission adopted the final procedures for the Phase II auction, including the long-form application disclosure and certification requirements for winning bidders seeking to become authorized to receive Phase II auction support. In its Phase II Auction Order on Reconsideration, FCC 18-5, the Commission modified its previously-adopted letter of credit rules to provide some additional relief for Phase II auction support recipients by reducing the costs of maintaining a letter of credit. Based on the Commission's experience with auctions and consistent with the record, this two-stage application process balances the need to collect information essential to conducting a successful auction and authorizing Phase II support with administrative efficiency. Under this information collection, the Commission will collect information from Connect America Fund Phase II auction winning bidders to determine the recipients of Phase II auction support. To aid in collecting this information, the Commission has created FCC Form 683, which the public will use to provide the disclosures and certifications that must be made by Phase II auction winning bidders in the Connect America Fund Phase II auction seeking to become authorized for Phase II support. Commission staff will review the information collected in FCC Form 683 as part of the post-selection review process to determine whether a long-form applicant is eligible to receive Phase II support. Federal Communications Commission. Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2018-17479 Filed 8-14-18; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
![Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2018 / Rules and Regulations 40457
(3) Persons and vessels permitted to collection requirements for review and Title: Application for Connect
enter this safety zone must transit at approval by OMB, as required by the America Fund Phase II Auction
their slowest safe speed and comply Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of Support—FCC Form 683.
with all lawful directions issued by the 1995, on June 7, 2018. OMB approved Form Number: FCC Form 683.
COTP or the designated representative. the new information collection Type of Review: New information
(d) Information broadcasts. The COTP requirements on July 31, 2018. The collection.
or a designated representative will information collection requirements are Respondents: Business or other for-
inform the public of the enforcement contained in the Commission’s Connect profit entities, Not-for-profit
times and date for this safety zone America Fund Orders, FCC 14–54, institutions, and State, Local or Tribal
through Broadcast Notices to Mariners published at 79 FR 39164, July 9, 2014, Governments.
(BNMs), Local Notices to Mariners FCC 16–64, published at 81 FR 44414, Number of Respondents and
(LNMs), and/or Marine Safety July 7, 2016 and FCC 18–5, published at Responses: 400 respondents; 800
Information Broadcasts (MSIBs) as 83 FR 15982, April 13, 2018. The OMB responses.
appropriate. Control Number is 3060–1256. The Estimated Time per Response: 2–12
Commission publishes this document as hours (on average).
Dated: August 10, 2018. Frequency of Response: Annual
K.M. Luttrell, an announcement of the effective date of
the rules published on July 7, 2016 and reporting requirements, on occasion
Captain, U.S. Coast Guard, Captain of the reporting requirement.
Port Sector New Orleans. April 13, 2018. If you have any
Obligation to Respond: Required to
comments on the burden estimates
[FR Doc. 2018–17595 Filed 8–14–18; 8:45 am] obtain or retain benefits. Statutory
listed below, or how the Commission
BILLING CODE 9110–04–P authority for this information collection
can improve the collections and reduce
47 U.S.C. 154, 254 and 303(r) of the
any burdens caused thereby, please
Communications Act of 1934, as
contact Nicole Ongele, Federal
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS amended.
Communications Commission, Room 1– Total Annual Burden: 5,600 hours.
COMMISSION A620, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, Total Annual Cost(s): No Cost.
47 CFR Part 54 DC 20554. Please include the OMB Nature and Extent of Confidentiality:
Control Number, 3060–1256, in your Although most of the information
[WC Docket No. 10–90; FCC 14–54, 16–64, correspondence. The Commission will
and 18–5]
collected in FCC Form 683 will be made
also accept your comments via email at available for public inspection, the
PRA@fcc.gov. To request materials in Commission will withhold certain
Connect America Fund accessible formats for people with information collected in FCC Form 683
AGENCY: Federal Communications disabilities (Braille, large print, from routine public inspection.
Commission. electronic files, audio format), send an Specifically, the Commission will treat
ACTION: Final rule; announcement of email to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the certain financial and technical
effective date. Consumer and Governmental Affairs information submitted in FCC Form 683
Bureau at (202) 418–0530 (voice), (202) as confidential. In addition, an
SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal 418–0432 (TTY). applicant may use the abbreviated
Communications Commission
Synopsis process under 47 CFR 0.459(a)(4) to
(Commission) announces that the Office
request confidential treatment of the
of Management and Budget (OMB) has As required by the Paperwork audited financial statements that are
approved, for a period of three years, an Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3507), submitted during the post-selection
information collection associated with the Commission is notifying the public review process. However, if a request for
the rules for the Connect America Fund that it received OMB approval on July public inspection for this technical or
Phase II auction contained in the 31, 2018, for the information collection financial information is made under 47
Commission’s Connect America Fund requirements contained in 47 CFR CFR 0.461, and the applicant has any
Orders, FCC 14–54, FCC 16–64, and 54.315(b) and (c) and the amendment to objections to disclosure, the applicant
FCC 18–5. This document is consistent 47 CFR 54.315(c)(1)(ii) published at 81 will be notified and will be required to
with the Connect America Fund Orders, FR 44414, July 7, 2016 and 83 FR 15982, justify continued confidential treatment.
which stated that the Commission April 13, 2018. Under 5 CFR part 1320, To the extent that an applicant seeks to
would publish a document in the an agency may not conduct or sponsor have other information collected in FCC
Federal Register announcing the a collection of information unless it Form 683 or during the post-selection
effective date of the new information displays a current, valid OMB Control review process withheld from public
collection requirements. Number. No person shall be subject to inspection, the applicant may request
DATES: The amendment to any penalty for failing to comply with confidential treatment pursuant to 47
§ 54.315(c)(1)(ii) published at 83 FR a collection of information subject to the CFR 0.459.
15982, April 13, 2018 is effective Paperwork Reduction Act that does not Privacy Act Impact Assessment: No
August 15, 2018. display a current, valid OMB Control impact(s).
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Number. The OMB Control Number is Needs and Uses: The Commission
Alexander Minard, Wireline 3060–1256. The foregoing notice is will use the information collected under
Competition Bureau at (202) 418–7400 required by the Paperwork Reduction this information collection to determine
or TTY (202) 418–0484. For additional Act of 1995, Public Law 104–13, whether Connect America Fund Phase II
information concerning the Paperwork October 1, 1995, and 44 U.S.C. 3507. auction winning bidders are eligible to
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
Reduction Act information collection The total annual reporting burdens receive Phase II auction support. In its
requirements contact Nicole Ongele at and costs for the respondents are as USF/ICC Transformation Order and
(202) 418–2991 or via email at follows: Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking,
Nicole.Ongele@fcc.gov. OMB Control Number: 3060–1256. FCC 11–161, 76 FR 78385, December 16,
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OMB Approval Date: July 31, 2018. 2011, the Commission comprehensively
Commission submitted new information OMB Expiration Date: July 31, 2021. reformed and modernized the high-cost
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![40458 Federal Register / Vol. 83, No. 158 / Wednesday, August 15, 2018 / Rules and Regulations
program within the universal service Under this information collection, the Regional Office, telephone: 727–824–
fund to focus support on networks Commission will collect information 5305, email: lauren.waters@noaa.gov.
capable of providing voice and from Connect America Fund Phase II SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: NMFS
broadband services. The Commission auction winning bidders to determine manages the Gulf reef fish fishery,
created the Connect America Fund and the recipients of Phase II auction which includes gray triggerfish, under
concluded that support in price cap support. To aid in collecting this the Fishery Management Plan for the
areas would be provided through a information, the Commission has Reef Fish Resources of the Gulf of
combination of ‘‘a new forward-looking created FCC Form 683, which the public Mexico (FMP). The Gulf of Mexico
model of the cost of constructing will use to provide the disclosures and Fishery Management Council (Council)
modern multi-purpose networks’’ and a certifications that must be made by prepared the FMP and NMFS
competitive bidding process (the Phase II auction winning bidders in the implements the FMP under the
Connect America Fund Phase II auction Connect America Fund Phase II auction authority of the Magnuson-Stevens
or Phase II auction). The Commission seeking to become authorized for Phase Fishery Conservation and Management
also sought comment on proposed rules II support. Commission staff will review Act (Magnuson-Stevens Act) by
governing the Connect America Fund the information collected in FCC Form regulations at 50 CFR part 622. All gray
Phase II auction, including basic auction 683 as part of the post-selection review triggerfish weights discussed in this
design and the application process. process to determine whether a long- temporary rule are in round weight.
In the Connect America Fund Phase II form applicant is eligible to receive The 2018 recreational annual catch
auction, service providers will compete Phase II support. limit (ACL) for Gulf gray triggerfish
to receive support of up to $1.98 billion Federal Communications Commission. specified in 50 CFR 622.41(b)(2)(iii) is
over 10 years to offer voice and Marlene Dortch, 241,200 lb (109,406 kg) and the
broadband service in unserved high-cost Secretary, Office of the Secretary. recreational ACT is 217,100 lb (98,475
areas. The Commission adopted new [FR Doc. 2018–17479 Filed 8–14–18; 8:45 am] kg).
rules to implement the reforms, conduct BILLING CODE 6712–01–P As specified by 50 CFR
the Phase II auction, and determine 622.41(b)(2)(i), NMFS is required to
whether Phase II auction winning close the recreational sector for gray
bidders are eligible to receive Phase II DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE triggerfish when the recreational ACT is
support. In its April 2014 Connect reached, or is projected to be reached,
America Order, FCC 14–54, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric by filing a notification to that effect with
Commission adopted various rules Administration the Office of the Federal Register. NMFS
regarding participation in the Phase II has determined the 2018 recreational
auction, the term of support, and the 50 CFR Part 622 ACT for Gulf gray triggerfish was
eligible telecommunications carrier reached. Accordingly, this temporary
[Docket No. 121004518–3398–01]
(ETC) designation process. In its Phase rule closes the recreational sector for
II Auction Order, FCC 16–64, the RIN 0648–XG421 Gulf gray triggerfish effective at 12:01
Commission adopted rules to govern the a.m., local time, August 17, 2018, and it
Phase II auction, including a two-stage Reef Fish Fishery of the Gulf of will remain closed through the end of
application process that includes a pre- Mexico; 2018 Recreational the fishing year on December 31, 2018.
auction short-form application to be Accountability Measure and Closure During the recreational closure, the
submitted by parties interested in for Gulf of Mexico Gray Triggerfish bag and possession limits for gray
bidding in the Phase II auction and a AGENCY: National Marine Fisheries triggerfish in or from the Gulf EEZ are
post-auction long-form application that Service (NMFS), National Oceanic and zero. The prohibition on possession of
must be submitted by winning bidders Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Gulf gray triggerfish also applies in Gulf
seeking to become authorized to receive Commerce. state waters for a vessel issued a valid
Phase II auction support. In its Phase II ACTION: Temporary rule; closure. Federal charter vessel/headboat permit
Auction Procedures Public Notice, FCC for Gulf reef fish.
18–6, 83 FR 13590, March 29, 2018, the SUMMARY: NMFS implements an As specified in 50 CFR 622.34(f),
Commission adopted the final accountability measure (AM) for the there is a seasonal closure for Gulf gray
procedures for the Phase II auction, gray triggerfish recreational sector in the triggerfish at the beginning of each
including the long-form application exclusive economic zone (EEZ) of the fishing year from January 1 through the
disclosure and certification Gulf of Mexico (Gulf) for the 2018 end of February; therefore, after the
requirements for winning bidders fishing year through this temporary rule. closure implemented by this temporary
seeking to become authorized to receive NMFS has projected that the 2018 rule is effective on August 17, 2018, the
Phase II auction support. In its Phase II recreational annual catch target (ACT) recreational harvest or possession of
Auction Order on Reconsideration, FCC for Gulf gray triggerfish has been met. Gulf gray triggerfish will not again be
18–5, the Commission modified its Therefore, NMFS closes the recreational permitted until March 1, 2019.
previously-adopted letter of credit rules sector for Gulf gray triggerfish on
to provide some additional relief for August 17, 2018, and it will remain Classification
Phase II auction support recipients by closed through the end of the fishing The Regional Administrator for the
reducing the costs of maintaining a year on December 31, 2018. This closure NMFS Southeast Region has determined
letter of credit. Based on the is necessary to protect the Gulf gray this temporary rule is necessary for the
Commission’s experience with auctions triggerfish resource. conservation and management of Gulf
daltland on DSKBBV9HB2PROD with RULES
and consistent with the record, this two- DATES: This temporary rule is effective gray triggerfish and is consistent with
stage application process balances the at 12:01 a.m., local time, on August 17, the Magnuson-Stevens Act and other
need to collect information essential to 2018, until 12:01 a.m., local time, on applicable laws.
conducting a successful auction and January 1, 2019. This action is taken under 50 CFR
authorizing Phase II support with FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: 622.41(b)(2)(i) and is exempt from
administrative efficiency. Lauren Waters, NMFS Southeast review under Executive Order 12866.
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Document Created: 2018-08-15 01:25:26
Document Modified: 2018-08-15 01:25:26
| 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 amendment to Sec. 54.315(c)(1)(ii) published at 83 FR 15982, April 13, 2018 is effective August 15, 2018. | |
| Contact | Alexander Minard, Wireline Competition Bureau at (202) 418-7400 or TTY (202) 418-0484. For additional information concerning the Paperwork Reduction Act information collection requirements contact Nicole Ongele at (202) 418-2991 or via email at [email protected] | |
| FR Citation | 83 FR 40457 |
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