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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20464, Radio Broadcasting Services; Selmer, Tennessee
The FCC is removing a vacant FM radio channel (288A) in Selmer, Tennessee, because it’s too close to another station and breaks spacing rules. This change affects radio broadcasters and helps keep the airwaves clear and fair. The rule takes effect on November 12, 2026, with no costs involved for the public.
2026-20486, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. This review affects companies, nonprofits, and government groups, especially small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by December 7, 2026, and the FCC aims to keep things clear, quick, and fair without costing too much time or money.
2026-20487, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they're helpful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep stopping illegal text messages while making the process easier and clearer. If you have ideas or concerns, send them in by December 7, 2026—this affects businesses and local governments who report on unwanted texts.
2026-20485, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re easy and useful for businesses and nonprofits. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, cut down on hassle, and help small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps the FCC keep things running smoothly without wasting time or money.
2026-20362, Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics Adopt 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services
The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics are rolling out new rules for companies that provide phone and communication services to people in jail. Starting in 2026, these providers must submit detailed data using special forms by December 21, 2026. This helps keep communication fair and transparent, affecting all service providers and potentially impacting costs and service quality.
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-21802, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget for Review and Approval; Renewable Energy on the Outer Continental Shelf and Alternate Uses of Existing Facilities on the Outer Continental Shelf
The Bureau of Ocean Energy Management wants to update and renew its paperwork rules for companies working on renewable energy and reusing old facilities out on the ocean shelf. This affects businesses involved in offshore wind, solar, and other clean energy projects, asking them to provide info in a clearer, easier way. Comments on these changes are open until January 2, 2026, helping keep the process smooth and efficient without extra costs.
Next: 2025-21808, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Delegated Authority
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!