FCC Seeks Approval to Lighten Small Biz Paperwork Load
Published Date: 12/3/2025
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 open until January 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Large Form 477 Time Burden
If you are a reporting entity (business, not-for-profit, or state/local/tribal government), FCC Form 477 requires an average of 289 hours per response and must be filed semi‑annually. The FCC lists 3,400 respondents and 6,800 responses, for a total annual burden of 1,965,200 hours, and states the collection is required to obtain or retain benefits (OMB Control No. 3060-0816).
Small Business Burden Relief Input
The FCC is specifically asking for comments on how to reduce the Form 477 paperwork burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. You can submit comments about small‑business relief through the public comment process by January 2, 2026.
Public Broadband Availability Data
The FCC publishes broadband availability and mobile voice availability data that consumers, federal and state agencies, and analysts can use to determine broadband service availability by provider, technology, and speed. The Form 477 data support the Commission's work under section 706 of the Telecommunications Act of 1996 and are released to the public for use in evaluating broadband availability and adoption.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13724 — 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 comment 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 due by August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
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The FCC is checking in to make sure its paperwork isn’t too tricky or time-consuming for businesses, especially small ones. They’re asking for your thoughts on how to keep forms clear and useful while cutting down hassle. If you want to share your ideas, you’ve got until February 2, 2026, so don’t miss out!