The Reference Information Center (RIC) is the official Commission custodian for designated records. The Center provides a convenient, central location for members of the general public wishing to research and obtain record information on applications, formal and informal proceedings, and FCC programs and activities. RIC handles the intake, processing, organization, maintenance, retrieval, and retirement of this record information. RIC’s customers are varied; they include industry associations, attorneys, academic researchers, and individual consumers. RIC also is responsible for managing and maintaining the Electronic Comment Filing System. This system, which allows comments to be filed with the Commission from remote locations, facilitates public participation in Commission proceedings.