FCC Eyes Less Hassle for Small Biz Form-Filling
Published Date: 11/20/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans to make sure they’re not too much work, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to keep things simple and legal by getting approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Comments are due by December 22, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Broadcasters Face PSIP Reporting Burden
Broadcasters are required to provide the detailed PSIP program information; the collection lists 1,767 respondents with an estimated 0.50 hours per response and a total annual burden of 45,942 hours. This information collection is required to obtain or retain benefits under the Communications Act.
Operator Services Must Disclose Call Rates
Operator Service Providers must audibly disclose, at no charge and before connecting any interstate call, how to get rate quotations and any surcharges under 47 CFR 64.703(a); similar requirements apply to inmate calls under 47 CFR 64.710. The collection lists 1,418 respondents, 11,250,150 responses, and a total annual cost of $156,000.
Accessibility Rules Help Blind and Visually Impaired
Under the CVAA-related collections (sections 79.107–79.110), manufacturers and MVPDs must provide information and procedures so people who are blind or visually impaired can get accessible digital apparatus and navigation devices; the collection lists 5,599 respondents, 546,277 responses, a total annual burden of 39,350 hours, and an annual cost burden of $74,100. Consumers can use submitted information to request accessible devices and may provide reasonable proof of disability to obtain equipment or services at lower prices.
FCC Seeks Relief Input from Very Small Businesses
The FCC is asking the public for comments and specifically requests ideas on how to reduce paperwork burden for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. You can submit comments through www.reginfo.gov; comments are due by December 22, 2025.
TV Stations Must Send Detailed Program Guides
Under the ATSC PSIP standard A/65C, broadcasters must provide detailed program information in Event Information Tables (EITs) so digital TV receivers show things like closed captions, multiple streams, and program details. The rule replaces the older A/65-B standard by requiring more detailed program guide information.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11653 — 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 that aims to make things 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 (OMB) to keep collecting this info. Comments are due by July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11452 — Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make government paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want feedback by July 8, 2026, to help reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is part of a plan to keep things simple and efficient without costing extra money or time.
2026-11450 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
2026-11353 — Reforming the High-Cost Program for an All-IP Future, Connect America Fund: A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Support
The FCC is updating its High-Cost Program to better support broadband in rural and hard-to-reach areas, making sure networks are ready for the future with faster, smarter internet. This change helps boost American tech leadership and supports the shift to modern internet systems, with feedback due by early September 2026. It’s about making sure everyone stays connected as technology zooms ahead!
2026-10840 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Kentucky’s health department to double-check who really qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone service. This new computer matching program starts July 1, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and on track. If you want to speak up, send your comments by July 1, 2026!
2026-10839 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with New Mexico’s Health Care Authority to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone services. This new matching program starts July 1, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and accurate. If you’re involved, now’s the time to send your comments by July 1, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-20432 — Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service wants to keep collecting quick feedback from customers to improve their services. They’re asking for public comments by December 22, 2025, to make sure this info collection is useful and not too much work. This helps them serve you better without costing extra money or time.
Next: 2025-20434 — Notice for the Request of Applications: 2026-2027 EXIM Advisory Committees
The Export-Import Bank is looking for new members to join its 2026-2027 Advisory Committees, including one focused on Sub-Saharan Africa. If you have experience in exports or finance and want to help shape policies that support American jobs and global trade, now’s your chance! Applications are open from November 19 to December 19, 2025, so don’t miss out on this exciting opportunity to make a difference.