FCC Audits Paperwork for Rural Internet Funding Fairness
Published Date: 11/21/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some info they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much work for folks like businesses, nonprofits, and regular people. They want your thoughts on how to make this process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by January 20, 2026—no extra fees or penalties involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
A-CAM Fabric-Based Downward Adjustments
The FCC will add information collection requirements for a voluntary A-CAM location adjustment process for Revised A-CAM I and A-CAM II carriers using the Broadband Serviceable Location Fabric version used for the Broadband Data Collection as of June 30, 2026. Carriers will have a one-time window shortly after that Fabric is released to request a downward adjustment; the Wireline Competition Bureau may reduce funded locations and associated funding.
RDOF Unreasonable-Locations Process Launched
For certain Rural Digital Opportunity Fund (RDOF) carriers, the FCC will let carriers seek removal of locations deemed 'unreasonable to serve' after the Bureau publishes revised location totals in 2027. Carriers will have six months after that announcement to submit requests that identify Fabric Location IDs and evidence; WCB may request more information and will deny claims lacking requested evidence.
Estimated Respondent Burden and Timing
The FCC estimates this information collection will involve 115 respondents and 115 responses, with an estimated time per response of 5–40 hours and a total annual burden of 4,075 hours; responses are voluntary and total annual cost is listed as 'No Cost.'
Comment Window for Small Businesses
The FCC invites public comments on its information collections and asks for ideas to reduce burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments must be submitted on or before January 20, 2026.
ELAP Information Collection Eliminated
The Commission proposes to eliminate the information collection requirements related to the Eligible Locations Adjustment Process (ELAP) now that ELAP has ended. ELAP previously facilitated post-auction review of certain Connect America Fund Phase II Auction recipients' deployment obligations.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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