FCC Invites Feedback on Slimming Down Its Paperwork Burden
Published Date: 11/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on their plan to collect information, aiming to cut down paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to make sure the process is easy and fair, and no one faces penalties without a valid approval number. Comments are due by December 17, 2025, so now’s the time to speak up!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Annual Paperwork Burden for IPCS Providers
If you are an incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS) provider, the FCC says 35 businesses will file 43 responses and the paperwork will take between 5 and 240 hours per response, totaling 10,565 hours of burden per year. Responding is mandatory and the OMB control number for this collection is 3060-1222.
Lower IPCS Rates for Incarcerated People
The FCC says its 2024 IPCS Order reforms IPCS regulation and "significantly lowers the IPCS rates that incarcerated people and their loved ones will pay." Those reforms implement the Martha Wright-Reed Just and Reasonable Communications Act of 2022 and cover services regardless of technology used.
FCC Seeks Small Business Paperwork Relief Ideas
The FCC specifically asks for comments on how to reduce information collection burdens for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, per the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act. You can submit comments on these ideas by December 17, 2025 at www.reginfo.gov and to FCC contacts listed in the notice.
Alternate Pricing Plans Allowed with Consumer Safeguards
The FCC adopted new rules allowing IPCS providers to offer optional alternate pricing plans subject to specific consumer protection and disclosure requirements codified at 47 CFR 64.6140(c)-(f). The rules require the alternate plans to comply with general IPCS rules and include safeguards so providers cannot use plans to evade IPCS rules.
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
2026-19313, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for public feedback on a new paperwork form related to choosing managers for the 4.9 GHz radio band. This affects businesses, nonprofits, and local governments who must spend about 120 hours to complete it once. Comments are due by November 23, 2026, and the FCC wants to make sure the process is clear and not too time-consuming, especially for small groups.
2026-19305, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for companies and groups that handle emergency 911 info, especially for internet phone services. They want to make sure the forms are useful, clear, and not too much work—especially for small businesses. If you have thoughts, speak up by November 23, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and efficient without costing extra time or money.
2026-19329, Radio Broadcasting Services; Various Locations
The FCC is bringing back some empty FM radio channels in different towns because previous licenses were canceled. These channels meet all the rules and are ready for new applications, but the FCC isn’t accepting applications just yet. This change starts on September 22, 2026, and could open new chances for radio stations soon.
2026-19314, Information Collection 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 comment on a paperwork update aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and are accepting feedback until October 22, 2026. This effort helps save time and money by cutting down unnecessary paperwork.
2026-19307, 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 not too tricky or time-consuming for businesses, governments, and nonprofits. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, useful, and easy, especially for small businesses. If you want to share your ideas, you’ve got until November 23, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-19309, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on a form that AM radio stations use to report their signal settings, making sure it’s still useful and not too much work. They want feedback from businesses and nonprofits by November 23, 2026, to keep the process smooth and easy, especially for small groups. This review won’t cost much time—just about an hour per response—and helps keep paperwork light and clear.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-19998, TRISO-X, LLC; Special Nuclear Material License Application for the TRISO-X Fuel Fabrication Facility; Draft Environmental Impact Statement
The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is reviewing TRISO-X, LLC’s plan to build a new fuel factory in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, that makes special nuclear fuel. They’ve extended the time for the public to share their thoughts until December 8, 2025. This project could impact local communities and the environment while boosting advanced nuclear fuel production.
Next: 2025-20003, VA National Academic Affiliations Council, Notice of Meeting
The VA National Academic Affiliations Council is holding a public virtual meeting on December 3, 2025, to discuss updates and plans about VA’s partnerships with academic institutions. Veterans, educators, and the public can join, share ideas, and hear about changes that support VA’s educational mission. No money changes are announced, but this meeting shapes how VA trains future healthcare pros.