FCC Again: Help Cut Our Paperwork Hassle!
Published Date: 3/4/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on their information collection plans. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by April 3, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Time burden on cable operators
If you operate a cable system, the information collection under 47 CFR 76.1713 (OMB Control No. 3060-0500) covers 10,750 respondents and 21,500 responses with an estimated 1–17 hours per response and a total annual burden of 193,500 hours. Maintaining complaint records and related reporting is required to obtain or retain benefits under the Communications Act.
Exam records protect examinees from overcharging
If you take a commercial operator license exam, the COLEM records rules (OMB Control No. 3060-0537) are intended to prevent examinees from being overcharged and to reduce fraud by examiners. The collection covers 3,742 respondents and 3,742 responses with estimated time per response of 0.44 to 30 hours and a total annual burden of 19,132 hours.
Recordkeeping burden for COLEM managers
If you are a Commercial Operator License Examination Manager (COLEM), the extension request (OMB Control No. 3060-0537) imposes recordkeeping and occasional reporting requirements on 3,742 respondents, with estimated time per response from 0.44 to 30 hours and a total annual burden of 19,132 hours. The Commission is requesting a three-year extension of this collection.
Cable subscribers get complaint process
If you subscribe to cable TV, cable system operators must have a process to resolve complaints about television signal quality and must keep related records for at least one year. Complaints must be referred first to the local franchising authority and the cable operator before being referred to the FCC (OMB Control No. 3060-0500).
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20464, Radio Broadcasting Services; Selmer, Tennessee
The FCC is removing a vacant FM radio channel (288A) in Selmer, Tennessee, because it’s too close to another station and breaks spacing rules. This change affects radio broadcasters and helps keep the airwaves clear and fair. The rule takes effect on November 12, 2026, with no costs involved for the public.
2026-20486, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. This review affects companies, nonprofits, and government groups, especially small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by December 7, 2026, and the FCC aims to keep things clear, quick, and fair without costing too much time or money.
2026-20487, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they're helpful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep stopping illegal text messages while making the process easier and clearer. If you have ideas or concerns, send them in by December 7, 2026—this affects businesses and local governments who report on unwanted texts.
2026-20485, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re easy and useful for businesses and nonprofits. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, cut down on hassle, and help small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps the FCC keep things running smoothly without wasting time or money.
2026-20362, Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics Adopt 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics are rolling out new rules for companies that provide phone and communication services to people in jail. Starting in 2026, these providers must submit detailed data using special forms by December 21, 2026. This helps keep communication fair and transparent, affecting all service providers and potentially impacting costs and service quality.
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-03451, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want feedback by April 3, 2025, to help reduce the time and hassle of filling out forms. This effort aims to save time and possibly money for everyone involved.
Next: 2025-03453, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork rules to make them easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and need approval from the Office of Management and Budget by April 3, 2025. This effort helps save time and keeps things fair without adding extra costs.