FCC asks: Still need this paperwork or can we simplify?
Published Date: 2/27/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts by April 28, 2025, on how to keep things clear and easy while still getting the info they need. This review affects businesses and government groups who report to the FCC, aiming to keep things smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Cable Operators Must Notify Subscribers of Scrambling Waivers
Under 47 CFR 76.630(a), cable operators that request waivers to scramble basic-tier signals must mail notice to subscribers no later than 30 calendar days after the waiver request was filed, inform the FCC in writing of the notification date, and make a copy of the waiver available for public inspection. The FCC estimates 1 respondent, 50,001 responses, 853 total annual burden hours, and $1,550 total annual cost.
FCC Seeks Comments to Reduce Paperwork Burden
The FCC is asking the public to comment by April 28, 2025 on its information collections to help reduce paperwork burdens. The agency specifically requests ideas to minimize burden on respondents, including small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
Time-Extension Filings for Station Construction (Sec. 90.155)
If you are a business or a state/local/tribal government licensee under 47 CFR 90.155, you may need to file applications (via FCC Form 601) for extensions of time to place stations in operation before construction deadlines. The FCC estimates 45 respondents, 397 responses, 1 hour per response, and 397 total annual burden hours; multilateration licensees must meet one-third population coverage in 5 years and two-thirds in 10 years and file maps and Form 601 at those benchmarks.
Temporary Authority Filings for Cable Relay Stations (47 CFR 78.33)
Cable television relay station operators may file informal requests for Special Temporary Authority (STA) under 47 CFR 78.33 to install or operate equipment differently or to conduct field surveys. The FCC estimates 3 respondents, 3 responses, 4 hours per response, 12 total annual burden hours, and $600 in total annual costs.
Subscribers Can Comment on Scrambling Waiver Requests
If a cable operator mails a waiver notice under 47 CFR 76.630(a), individuals may mail comments to the FCC by no later than 30 days from the date the notification was mailed, sending comments to the Media Bureau, Washington, DC 20554 and a copy to the cable operator; operators may file reply comments within 7 days after subscriber comments are due.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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