Agency information collection activities: Proposed collection; comment request,
[Federal Register: December 2, 1998 (Volume 63, Number 231)]
[Notices]
[Page 66543-66544]
From the Federal Register Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]
[DOCID:fr02de98-54]
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission, Comments Requested
November 23, 1998. 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 collections, 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, 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 information techniques or other forms of information technology.
DATES: Written comments should be submitted on or before February 1, 1999. 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 Les Smith, Federal Communications, Room 234, 1919 M St., N.W., Washington, DC 20554 or via the Internet to lesmith@fcc.gov.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies of the information collections contact Les Smith at 202-418-0214 or via the Internet at lesmith@fcc.gov.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
OMB Control Number: 3060-0669.
Title: Section 76.946, Advertising of rates.
Form Number: N/A.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities.
Number of Respondents: 11,365.
Estimated Time Per Response: 0.5 hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirements.
Total Annual Burden: 5,683.
Total Annual Costs: None.
Needs and Uses: Section 76.946 states that cable operators that advertise rates for basic service and cable programming service tiers shall be required to advertise rates that include all costs and fees. Cable systems that cover multiple franchise areas having differing franchise fees or other franchise costs, different channel line-ups, or different rate structures may advertise a complete
[[Page 66544]]
range of fees without specific identification of the rate for each individual area. In such circumstances, the operator may advertise a ``fee plus'' rate that indicates the core rate plus the range of possible additions, depending on the particular location of the subscriber. The Commission has set forth this disclosure requirement to ensure consumer awareness of all costs and fees associated with basic service and cable programming service tier rates.
2OMB Approval Number: 3060-0674.
Title: Section 76.931, Notification of Basic Tier Availability, and Section 76.932, Notification of Proposed Rate Increase.
Form Number: N/A.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents: Business and other for-profit entities.
Number of Respondents: 11,365.
Estimated Time Per Response: 0.5 to 2.0 hours.
Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirements.
Total Annual Burden: 25,572 hours.
Total Annual Costs: None.
Needs and Uses: Section 76.931 states that a cable operator shall provide written notification to subscribers of the availability of basic tier service by November 30, 1993, or three billing cycles from September 1, 1993, and to new subscribers at the time of installation. This notification is to include the following information: (a) That basic tier service is available; (b) The cost per month for basic tier service; and (c) A list of all services included in the basic service tier. Section 76.932 states that a cable operator shall provide written notice to subscribers of any increase in the price to be charged for the basic service tier or associated equipment at least 30 days before any proposed increase is effective. These notice requirements ensure that subscribers are made aware of the price and availability of basic cable service and ensure that subscribers are given due notice of rate increases with basic cable service.
Federal Communications Commission. Magalie Roman Salas, Secretary.
[FR Doc. 98-32057Filed12-1-98; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-M
