FCC Asks: Can We Make Telecom Paperwork Less Painful?
Published Date: 11/28/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is reviewing its paperwork rules for telecom companies that get universal service support to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much of a hassle. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by January 27, 2026—this could save time and money for everyone involved!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
FCC Seeks Paperwork-Reduction Ideas
The FCC is asking the public for comments on its paperwork requirements to reduce burden and make filings more useful. It specifically asks for ideas to further reduce the information-collection burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees and requests comments by January 27, 2026.
New Relinquishment Notice Timing Requirement
If an eligible telecommunications carrier (ETC) intends to relinquish its ETC designation, it must provide advance notice to the state commission and to the FCC, and must notify the FCC of the state authority’s decision within 10 days of that decision. These filings must be submitted whether or not the ETC is currently receiving federal support (Administrative Order dated October 20, 2023).
Current Information-Collection Burden: Hours Reported
The FCC reports this information collection (OMB Control No. 3060-1081) covers 24 respondents with 28 responses, an estimated 1 to 40 hours per response, a total annual burden of 808 hours, and is a one-time reporting requirement. Responding is required to obtain or retain universal-service-related benefits.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10296 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is asking the public and businesses 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 July 21, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
2026-10299 — 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 share their thoughts 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 open until June 22, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-10038 — Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee; Announcement of Meeting
The FCC is holding a remote meeting on June 10, 2026, for its Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee. This group helps improve communication tech and fights robocalls, making things easier and safer for everyone. The public can join, ask questions, and share ideas—no cost to participate!
2026-10011 — Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism
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2026-09991 — 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 July 20, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-10008 — Broadcast Station Rule Updates
The FCC is updating radio and TV broadcast rules to clear up confusion and ditch old, outdated steps. These changes help stations and applicants by making the process smoother and easier to understand. The new rules kick in on June 18, 2026, with no big costs expected for small broadcasters.
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