FCC Opens Comment Period on Another Paperwork Collection
Published Date: 6/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on their info collection plans before July 18, 2025. This effort aims to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, while keeping the government running smoothly. Your feedback can help save time and money for everyone involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Leased‑access disclosure and timing rules
Under 47 CFR 76.970(h), cable operators must provide prospective leased‑access programmers, within 30 calendar days of a bona fide written request (45 days for systems subject to small system relief), information about available leased access set‑aside capacity, a complete schedule of full‑time leased access rates, rates for technical and studio costs, and, if requested, a sample leased access contract. Bona fide requests must be in writing and state the desired contract length, anticipated carriage start date, and nature of programming.
Billing, collections, and dispute timelines
Under 47 CFR 76.971, cable operators must provide billing and collection services to leased‑access programmers unless a third‑party service offering substantially equivalent cost and accessibility exists. Under 47 CFR 76.975, a person aggrieved by leased‑access denials or rates may file a petition but must first obtain a determination of the maximum permitted rate from an independent accountant; if parties cannot agree on a single accountant within five business days, each picks one on the sixth business day and those two have five business days to pick a third. Operators of systems with small system relief have 14 business days to select an accountant when no agreement is reached. Respondents have 30 days to answer a petition and replies to answers are due within 15 days.
Aggregate paperwork burden and cost estimates
For OMB Control Number 3060-0568 (leased access rules) the FCC estimates 2,677 respondents, 6,879 responses, estimated time per response of 0.5 to 40 hours, total annual burden of 17,131 hours, and total annual cost of $118,000. For OMB Control Number 3060-0960 (satellite non‑duplication/exclusivity) the FCC estimates 1,428 respondents, 9,806 responses, estimated time per response of 0.5 to 1 hour, and total annual burden of 9,352 hours (total annual costs: none).
Public comment window and small‑business focus
The FCC is asking for written comments on its information collections by July 18, 2025. The agency specifically requests ideas on how to "further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees." The notice also lists burden estimates for the collections (see OMB Control Numbers 3060-0568 and 3060-0960).
Application fee cap for leased‑access requests
Cable system operators may require an application fee for a system‑specific bona fide leased access request, capped at a maximum of $100 per request. This fee rule is stated in 47 CFR 76.970(h).
Documentation and contact‑disclosure obligations
Cable operators must maintain supporting documentation to justify scheduled leased‑access rates (including contracts, calculations of implicit fees, and adjustments). Operators also must publish or otherwise provide a contact name/title, telephone number, and email address for the person responsible for leased‑access information on their website or by alternate means.
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
2026-22408, Review of the Commission's Broadcast and Cable Equal Employment Opportunity Rules and Policies; Delete, Delete, Delete
The FCC is wiping out an old rule about equal job opportunities for broadcasters and cable companies because a court said it’s no longer valid. This change affects broadcasters and cable operators and takes effect immediately on November 3, 2026. No new costs or fees are involved—just a cleanup to keep the rules up to date and fair.
2026-22334, Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization; Correction
The FCC fixed a mix-up about when new rules for updating phone and internet networks take effect. These rules help companies switch from old systems to faster, modern ones more easily, starting October 15, 2026. This update mainly affects phone and internet providers and aims to speed up network improvements without extra costs or delays.
2026-22337, Unleashing the Power of Unlicensed Ultra-Wideband Devices; Petition of Robert Bosch LLC for Amendment of the Part 15 Subpart F Ultra-Wideband Rules; and Petition of Alliance for Automative Innovation et al. To Amend Part 15 of the FCC's Rules To Permit the Operation of Certain Ultra-Wideband Devices
The FCC wants to update rules for Ultra-Wideband (UWB) devices, which are used in things like tracking, health monitoring, and public safety. These updates will make it easier for new UWB tech to grow while protecting current users of the airwaves. Companies and innovators should share their thoughts by December 2, 2026, to help shape the future of UWB devices.
2026-22338, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
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 January 4, 2027, on how to make these forms easier and clearer. This review affects businesses that deal with radio interference reports and aims to keep things smooth without extra costs or hassle.
2026-22092, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want feedback from people and groups affected, including small businesses and governments, by December 28, 2026. This review could tweak how often and how long it takes to fill out forms, saving time and hassle for everyone involved.
2026-22081, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking for your thoughts on how to make their paperwork easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle and are open to ideas before November 30, 2026. If you have suggestions, now’s the time to speak up and help shape smarter, simpler rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-11191, Sunshine Act Meeting
The Chemical Safety and Hazard Investigation Board is holding a public Zoom meeting on June 25, 2025, to share updates on their safety work and investigations. This meeting replaces one originally set for July and helps the Board meet its yearly public meeting goals. Anyone interested in chemical safety can join for free, learn about new safety tips, and even speak up during the public comment time.
Next: 2025-11193, Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Defense is asking for public feedback by July 18, 2025, on a plan to keep protecting military members and their families from unfair credit terms. This info collection helps lenders follow rules that limit costly credit offers to service members. About 37,500 people respond, with quick 30-second checks, making sure the system stays fair without costing extra money or time.