Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Submitted to OMB for Review and Approval

FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

Notice of Public Information Collection(s) Submitted to OMB for

Review and Approval

July 23, 1999.

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 30,

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 Judy Boley, Federal Communications

Commission, Room 1-C804, 445 12th Street, SW, Washington, DC 20554 or

via the Internet to [email protected].

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 [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

OMB Control Number: 3060-0854.

Title: Truth-in-Billing Format--CC Docket No. 98-170.

Form Number: N/A.

Type of Review: Revision of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for-profit.

Number of Respondents: 3,099.

Estimated Time Per Response: 1 to 80 hours.

Frequency of Response: On occasion reporting requirement, third

party disclosure requirement.

Total Annual Burden: 194,388 hours.

Total Annual Cost: $1,800,000-$9,000,000.

Needs and Uses: This is a resubmission of the information

collection requirements contained in CC Docket 98-170, Truth-in-Billing

and Billing Format Order. On July 2, 1999, the Office of Management and

Budget (OMB) disapproved both the collection itself and the

Commission's request for emergency approval. The Commission has

addressed the concerns expressed by OMB in a separate cover letter

accompanying the request for OMB approval.

Increasingly, consumers are concerned about telephone bills that do

not provide sufficient information in a user-friendly format to enable

them to understand the services being provided and the charges

assessed, and to identify the entities providing those services. Lack

of clarity in telephone bills has been a significant contributing

factor in the growth of telecommunications-related fraud such as

slamming (unauthorized changes in a consumer's telecommunications

carrier) and cramming (unauthorized charges appearing on a consumer's

telephone bill).

In the attached First Report and Order (Order), the Commission is

effecting the following collections of information to ensure that

telephone bills contain the information necessary for consumers to

determine the validity of charges assessed on the bills and to combat

telecommunications fraud. They are as follows: (a) Clear identification

of service providers; (b) separation of charges by service provider and

highlighting new service provider information; (c) full and non-

misleading billed charges; and (d) clear and conspicuous disclosure of

inquiry contacts.

The information will be used by consumers to help them understand

their telephone bills.

Consumers need this information to protect themselves against fraud

and to resolve billing disputes on their own.

Federal Communications Commission.

William F. Caton,

Deputy Secretary.

[FR Doc. 99-19474 Filed 7-29-99; 8:45 am]

BILLING CODE 6712-01-P