FCC Seeks OMB Nod for More Paperwork Burdens
Published Date: 4/9/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to make sure any new information collection has proper approval and follows the rules. Comments are due by May 11, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Reimbursement access tied to compliance
Providers of advanced communications service may apply for the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program for funding to remove and replace covered equipment from designated companies (Huawei and ZTE). Participation is voluntary, but complying with the FCC's information collection requirements is required to obtain Reimbursement Program support.
Paperwork burden: hours and cost
If you are a business responding to FCC Form 5640 (OMB Control No. 3060-1270), the FCC estimates 3,500 respondents and 6,584 responses, with each response taking 0.5–12 hours. The collection has a total annual burden of 20,236 hours and total annual cost of $472,500; comments are due May 11, 2026.
New detailed spending reports required
FCC Form 5640 was revised in 2023 to add a question requiring program participants to describe in detail how Reimbursement Program funds were spent, including accounting of covered equipment permanently removed and replacement equipment obtained.
Small businesses invited to request relief
The FCC specifically seeks comment from small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees on how to reduce the information collection burden; submit comments by May 11, 2026 via www.reginfo.gov and by email to the FCC contacts listed in the notice.
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