NEWS Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). News Media Information 202 / 418-0500 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 1-888-835-5322 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MEDIA CONTACT: February 8, 2011 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253 Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov FCC ADVANCES DATA INNOVATION INITIATIVE Proposals Would Streamline, Improve Collection and Use of Data Washington, D.C. – As part of its Data Innovation Initiative, the Federal Communications Commission today launched two proceedings to ensure that it collects the data it needs to make sensible policy, streamlines its data collection program, and eliminates unneeded data collections that impose unnecessary burdens on filers. Consistent with those goals, the FCC approved a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to eliminate the first two programs in a series of data collections the Commission has identified as unnecessary, or for which the benefits do not outweigh the burdens. This first NPRM proposes eliminating 20-year-old requirements for certain telephone companies to submit what is known as comparably efficient interconnection and open network reporting data (CEI/ONA), which may no longer be necessary because of subsequent policy decisions. The FCC will review similar proposals for eliminating data collections in the coming months. The Commission also approved a second NPRM that seeks comment on whether and how to reform collection of data regarding broadband and local telephone service. Established in 2000, FCC’s Form 477 program requires broadband service providers to report the number of subscribers they have in each census tract they serve, and local and mobile telephone service providers to report subscribers at the state level. The NPRM seeks comment on whether modifications are now needed to better serve the FCC, consumers, and other stakeholders after more than a decade of rapid innovation in the marketplace for these services, while streamlining the data collection where possible. Separately, the FCC last week took steps to expand its Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) to include non-docketed proceedings. These electronic filings will provide the public with more information about the workings of the FCC, and save industry and the FCC staff time and money. Action by the Commission February 8, 2011, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 11-14). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn, Baker with Commissioner Copps concurring. Separate Statements issued by Chairman Genachowski and Commissioners McDowell, Clyburn and Baker. Docket No. 11-10 Action by the Commission February 8, 2011, by Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 11-15). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell, Clyburn and Baker. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell and Baker. -FCC- News about the Federal Communications Commission can also be found on the Commission’s web site www.fcc.gov.