FCC Seeks Input to Cut Paperwork Hassle for Tiny Businesses
Published Date: 12/1/2025
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to share their thoughts on a paperwork update that could make life 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 by the end of 2025. If you have ideas or concerns, now’s the time to speak up before December 31, 2025!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
24‑Hour Traceback for Gateway Providers
If you are a gateway voice service provider, you must fully respond to a traceback request within 24 hours of receipt. The rule says the 24‑hour clock runs only during business hours (8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., Monday–Friday, excluding federal legal holidays) and requests received outside business hours are deemed received at 8:00 a.m. on the next business day.
All Voice Providers Must Respond
All voice service providers (originating, terminating, or intermediate) are required to respond fully and in a timely manner to traceback requests from the FCC, civil or criminal law enforcement, and the industry traceback consortium. This places a duty on every covered provider to cooperate with traceback efforts.
Mandatory Robocall Mitigation Steps
The Commission adopted robocall mitigation requirements including mandatory blocking, a 'know your upstream provider' requirement, and a general mitigation requirement to prevent foreign‑originated illegal robocalls from reaching consumers.
Paperwork Burden on For‑Profit Respondents
The FCC seeks OMB approval to extend this information collection (OMB Control Number 3060-1303) covering 6,493 respondents and 311,664 responses, with an estimated 0.25 hours per response and a total annual burden of 77,916 hours; total annual cost is listed as "No cost." The FCC also requests specific comment on reducing burden for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees and sets a comment deadline of December 31, 2025.
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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
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21615 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
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.
Next: 2025-21617 — Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re easy and useful for everyone, especially small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear and simple while collecting important info from companies and governments. If you want to share your ideas, you’ve got until January 30, 2026, so don’t miss out!