FCC Asks: Are Our Forms Annoying Small Businesses Too Much?
Published Date: 4/25/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in with the public and agencies to make sure its paperwork isn’t too much of a hassle. They want to know if the info they collect is useful, clear, and easy to provide—especially for small businesses. This review helps keep things smooth and fair, with no penalties if the right approval number isn’t shown.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
FCC must show valid OMB number
The FCC may not conduct or sponsor any information collection unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. That means the agency should not require you to fill out paperwork that lacks a valid OMB number.
No penalty if OMB number missing
No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with an information collection subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act if that collection does not display a valid OMB control number. This means you cannot be fined or penalized for not providing information when the required OMB number is not shown.
Focus on reducing burden for very small businesses
The FCC is asking for public comment on ways to minimize the paperwork burden on respondents, explicitly including small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The agency is seeking input on how to reduce and simplify information collection for those small businesses.
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
2026-20362, 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.
2026-20157, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on a new information collection plan. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by November 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
2026-20158, 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. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses, and are updating forms related to international telecom authorizations. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the process!
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.
2026-20039, Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts
The FCC is switching TV channel 36 to channel 10 for WWDP in Norwell, Massachusetts, so the station can keep broadcasting without interruptions. RNN Boston License Co., the station’s owner, asked for this change and will quickly apply to operate on the new channel. This update takes effect on September 30, 2026, ensuring viewers keep enjoying their favorite shows smoothly.
2026-20038, Television Broadcasting Services Savannah, Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting wants to switch its Savannah TV station WVAN-TV from VHF channel 8 to UHF channel 18 to improve signal quality and help viewers get better access to local programs. This change won’t cause interference or loss of service and aims to boost your TV experience. Comments on this proposal are open until October 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-07161, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in with the public and other agencies to make sure its paperwork requests are useful and not too much of a hassle. They want to hear ideas on how to make forms clearer, easier, and less time-consuming—especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This review helps keep things fair and efficient, with no penalties if forms don’t have the right approval number.
Next: 2025-07163, Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture is asking for public feedback on a paperwork update that helps protect farmers and ranchers from unfair business practices. This update affects livestock and poultry producers who sell animals for meat, aiming to keep things fair and clear. Comments are open for 30 days after the notice, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!