On July 13, 2021, the Commission released an Order titled, “In the Matter of Mandatory Electronic Filing of Section 325(c) Applications, International Broadcast Applications, and Dominant Carrier Section 63.10(c) Quarterly Reports.” The purpose of this Order is to require that any remaining applications and reports administered by the International Bureau and filed on paper or through an alternative filing process be filed only electronically through the Commission’s International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).
Specifically, the Commission modified its rules to mandate the electronic filing of, among other things, applications for International Broadcast Stations, including applications for voluntary assignments and transfers of control. These mandatory electronic filing requirements will reduce costs and administrative burdens, result in greater efficiencies, facilitate faster and more efficient communications, and improve transparency to the public. The changes to section 73.3540 (c) and (d) state that “[f]or International Broadcast Stations, the application shall be filed electronically in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).” There are currently fewer than 20 International Broadcast stations subject to obligations in section 73.3540, and the International Bureau receives an average of one application involving voluntary transactions per year pursuant to section 73.3540.
With this submission to the Office of Management and Budget, the Commission is extending the information collection requirements for this collection for three years.
On behalf of this Federal agency, I certify that the collection of information encompassed by this request complies with 5 CFR 1320.9 and the related provisions of 5 CFR 1320.8(b)(3).
The following is a summary of the topics, regarding the proposed collection of information, that the certification covers:
(i) Why the information is being collected;
(ii) Use of information;
(iii) Burden estimate;
(iv) Nature of response (voluntary, required for a benefit, or mandatory);
(v) Nature and extent of confidentiality; and
(vi) Need to display currently valid OMB control number;
If you are unable to certify compliance with any of these provisions, identify the item by leaving the box unchecked and explain the reason in the Supporting Statement.