FCC Seeks Input on Radio Safety Paperwork Overhaul
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on a paperwork form used by businesses and local governments to make sure it’s still useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts by January 30, 2026, especially on how to make the process easier and less time-consuming. This review won’t cost much time—just about an hour per response—and helps keep things running smoothly for public safety communications.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Railroad Police Eligible for Interoperability
The FCC's amended rule in Section 90.20(xiv) allows railroad police officers (full- or part-time, including Amtrak and Alaska Railroad employees who qualify) to operate on nationwide interoperability and mutual aid channels if their employer holds a Private Land Mobile Radio (PLMR) license of any radio category. Employers must obtain concurrence from the relevant state interoperability coordinator or regional planning committee before applying for an FCC license or operating on those channels.
Small Paperwork Burden for Respondents
The FCC is seeking comments on an information collection (OMB Control Number 3060-1231) that lists 2 respondents and estimates 1 hour per response for a total annual burden of 2 hours and no cost. Comments are requested by January 30, 2026, and the agency asks for ideas to reduce burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees.
700 MHz Narrowband Public Safety Restriction
The rule states that eligibility for licensing on the 700 MHz narrowband interoperability channels is restricted to entities whose sole or principal purpose is providing public safety services. This limits which organizations may obtain licenses on those narrowband interoperability channels.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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