FCC's Paperwork Checkup: Tower Sharing Gets a Bureaucratic Once-Over
Published Date: 12/18/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules about sharing infrastructure to make sure they’re still useful and not too much work. Businesses that share communication equipment might need to keep providing info, but the FCC wants to hear if this process can be easier or clearer. You’ve got until February 17, 2026, to share your thoughts—no extra fees, just your feedback!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Three infrastructure-sharing reporting duties
Under 47 U.S.C. 259, businesses that share communications infrastructure must comply with three information requirements: (1) file tariffs, contracts, or arrangements for public inspection; (2) provide timely information about planned deployments of new services and equipment to qualifying third parties; and (3) give notice when agreements end. These requirements apply to incumbent local exchange carriers and are part of the FCC's information collection (OMB 3060-0755).
60-day notice to protect customers
Incumbent carriers must give third parties (qualifying carriers) a 60-day notice before terminating a section 259 infrastructure-sharing agreement so customers are protected from sudden changes in service.
Documented paperwork time burden totals
The FCC estimates 75 respondents will produce 1,125 responses at about 1–2 hours per response, for a total annual burden of 2,025 hours and total annual cost listed as "No cost."
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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