FCC Tweaks Phone Network Equipment Reporting Rules
Published Date: 12/22/2025
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for businesses that connect equipment to phone networks. They want your thoughts on how to make forms easier and less time-consuming, especially for small businesses. If you have ideas or concerns, send them in by February 20, 2026—this could save time and money for thousands of companies!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork Rule Applies to Equipment Makers
If you are a business that makes or connects terminal equipment to the telephone network, you must provide information under 47 CFR part 68 to demonstrate compliance and to enable product traceability. The FCC lists 41,403 respondents and 44,423 responses, with estimated time per response of 0.25 to 40 hours and a total annual burden of 12,869 hours and total annual cost of $508,250.
Manufacturers Must Enable Traceability
Manufacturers or responsible parties must provide information so terminal equipment complies with criteria that protect the telephone network and so products can be traced to the responsible party. This information supports network protection and consumer tracing under 47 CFR part 68.
Carriers Must Warn of Service Disconnection
Incumbent local exchange carriers must provide Part 68 information to warn subscribers of impending disconnection when a subscriber's terminal equipment is causing telephone network harm, and must inform subscribers if a network facility change requires modification of their equipment.
Small Businesses Invited to Suggest Burden Cuts
The FCC is asking for comments on ways to reduce the paperwork burden, including specific steps to further reduce burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are requested by February 20, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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