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3060-0854 199810-3060-003
Historical Active
FCC
Truth-in-Billing Format -- CC Docket No. 98-170 (Proposed Rule)
New collection (Request for a new OMB Control Number)   No
Regular
Approved without change 12/23/1998
10/05/1998
OMB received a large number of comments from various sectors of the telecommunications industry and several state regulatory agencies. This is a very contentious issue with parties offering a number of valid criticisms and supporting views related to the FCC NPRM. After reviewing the comments submitted to OMB, it is apparent that, because this is a rulemaking and given the preliminary nature of the proposals contained in this item, OMB must review this collection upon release of the Report and Order related to CC Docket 98-170. OMB strongly encourages the FCC not to adopt an approach that imposes undue burden on wireless providers and small wireline services -- and urges flexibility be given to small companies that may experience significant cost and managerial issues related to implementation of any billing requirements. The FCC should also allow companies sufficient time to address their Year 2000 efforts as well as modifying their billing systems to meet any new requirements. OMB recommends that the FCC make a concerted effort to work with industry to establish voluntary guidelines in lieu of mandatory requirements that restrict the ability of firms to tailor their billing to meet the needs of customers. The FCC and states should cooperate to minimize conflicting or duplicative billing requirements. Comments indicate a general agreement that: a) new charges or services need to be easily identifiable on bill; b) definitions of services and other terms are difficult to reach and could be counterproductive; c) more information, including point of contact toll free numbers, for service providers or billing agents needs to be included in billing materials; d) materials should be clear, concise, and relatively simple; e) the FCC must account for costs of any changes to bills that will be passed on to consumers in making decisions; f) CMRS and other wireless firms that provide services only to businesses should be exempt from most new requirements that would be imposed on wireline carriers; g) every effort should be made so that billing standards are uniform across the nation; h) reseller information should be included (in a same format as service provider information); and i) where possible, market-based solutions should be adopted unless there is conclusive evidence that there is either a failure or the FCC cannot adequately enforce its current rules and therefore must enact regulations that affect billing practices. OMB believes these are reasonable recommendations that should be included in this rulemaking. The FCC shall submit this collection to OMB again following release of the Report and Order, prior to requiring compliance with any new billing format regulations.
  Inventory as of this Action Requested Previously Approved
12/31/2001 12/31/2001
1,800 0 0
185,400 0 0
9,000,000 0 0