FCC Invites Feedback to Ease Paperwork for Small Telecom Businesses
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to keep collecting important info but reduce the hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by December 29, 2025, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the rules and save time and money!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
You must file FCC Forms to get E‑Rate funds
If you seek E‑Rate funding, you must use FCC Forms 479, 486, and 500 (OMB Control No. 3060-0853) as part of an extension of this information collection. Universal service support will not be paid on an approved funding commitment prior to receipt of FCC Form 486, and the collection is required to obtain or retain benefits.
Off‑premises Wi‑Fi hotspots become ineligible
On September 30, 2025 the Commission adopted the Hotspots Order on Reconsideration that rescinds the 2024 Wi‑Fi Hotspots Order and removes eligibility of E‑Rate support for off‑premises use of wireless mobile internet services and Wi‑Fi hotspot devices; related certifications were removed from the information collection.
Paperwork burden rises by 10,044 hours
The FCC reports the hourly burden for FCC Forms 479, 486, and 500 will increase by 10,044 hours; total annual burden for this collection will be 78,319 hours across 84,010 respondents and 94,203 responses. Estimated time per response: 1 hour for Forms 479, 486, and 500; 0.75 hours to maintain/update an Internet Safety Policy; 0.5 hours for recordkeeping.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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