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 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 TTY 202/418-2555 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: May 12, 2011 Thomas Sullivan: (202) 418-0411 Thomas.Sullivan@fcc.gov FCC ADVANCES ‘DATA INNOVATION INITIATIVE’: ELIMINATES UNNECESSARY REPORTING REQUIREMENTS ON INTERNATIONAL PHONE TRAFFIC Part of Continuing Effort To Streamline Data Collections, Knock Down Regulatory Barriers, Promote Jobs, Innovation, Economic Growth Washington, D.C. – As part of its Data Innovation Initiative, the Federal Communications Commission today eliminated more than 25 outdated and unnecessary reporting requirements related to international telephone traffic and revenue, and sought comment on additional reforms to streamline and modernize remaining international data collections under Part 43 of the Commission’s rules. These efforts further ensure that in today’s rapidly changing markets, the Commission only collects the data it needs to make sensible policy regarding international telecommunications services. In particular, the Commission eliminated the quarterly international traffic and revenue reporting requirements for large carriers and foreign-affiliated carriers, the annual circuit-addition report, and the telegraph toll division report. The Commission also eliminated the need to file separate international traffic and revenue reports for U.S. offshore points. The Commission concluded that the burdens to U.S. carriers serving international routes of providing those reports now outweigh the benefits of this data. In addition, the Commission sought comment on additional reforms to streamline and modernize international reporting requirements, including establishing minimum revenue thresholds for carriers needing to file certain reports, and simplifying the type and amount of information needed in the remaining reports. The Commission also seeks comment on whether the growth of international VoIP services and non- common carrier circuit services prevents the Commission from getting an accurate picture of the international telecommunications market if we do not collect data on these services. These reforms are part of the Commission’s Data Innovation Initiative, which the Commission initiated last year to ensure that data collections match the Commission’s data needs while avoiding unnecessary or excessive burdens on entities subject to Commission authority. They also complement the Commission’s Broadband Acceleration Initiative, focused on reducing regulatory burdens and other barriers to private- sector investment in broadband. Comments on the Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking will be due 30 days after publication in the Federal Register, with reply comments due 15 days thereafter. Action by the Commission, May 12, 2011, by First Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 11-76). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Copps, McDowell and Clyburn. Commissioner Baker not participating. – FCC – For further information, contact Thomas Sullivan, International Bureau at (202) 418-0411; (202) 418-0431 (TTY); email: Thomas.Sullivan@fcc.gov. For more news and information about the FCC please visit: www.fcc.gov