FCC Reviews Paperwork for Clarity and Efficiency
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in with the public and businesses to make sure its paperwork is useful and not too much of a hassle. They want your thoughts on how to keep forms clear, easy, and less time-consuming, especially for small businesses. Comments are due by June 29, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape these info collections and keep things running smoothly without extra costs or headaches.
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Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Tower Applicants: Forms and Section 106 Review
If you apply to build a new antenna support structure or collocate antennas, you must complete FCC Form 620 (New Tower) or FCC Form 621 (Collocation) and finish the Section 106 review before beginning construction. The FCC estimates 70,152 respondents, 1–5 hours per response, a total annual burden of 97,929 hours, and an annual cost burden of $13,087,425. Failure to complete the review before construction may violate section 110(k) of the National Historic Preservation Act and FCC rules.
Accessibility Rules for Providers and Manufacturers
Providers of advanced communications services and manufacturers of related equipment must make their services and documentation accessible to individuals with disabilities unless doing so is not achievable. The FCC estimates 4,024 respondents, 48,056 responses, 0.5–35 hours per response, a total annual burden of 90,187 hours, and total annual costs of $14,800.
Tribal Notice via TCNS Required Before Filings
Applicants proposing some new towers must complete the Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS) before filing Forms 620 or 621. TCNS sends automated notifications to Tribal Nations based on the site coordinates and designated geographic preference areas so Tribal Nations can participate in review prior to construction.
Pre-Filing Dispute Step for Accessibility Complaints
Before filing an informal complaint alleging violations of accessibility rules (sections 255, 716, or 718), complainants must first request dispute assistance from the FCC Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau's Disability Rights Office as a nondiscretionary pre-filing requirement. This step is required by the procedures the FCC adopted to facilitate dispute resolution.
No Penalty Without Valid OMB Control Number
The FCC states it may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless the collection displays a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number, and no person may be penalized for failing to comply with a collection that does not display a valid OMB control number.
Opportunity for Small Businesses to Comment by June 29, 2026
The FCC is specifically requesting ideas to minimize information-collection burdens on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees and asks that written PRA comments be submitted on or before June 29, 2026. Small businesses can submit comments to suggest ways to reduce time, cost, or complexity of forms.
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