FCC Asks for Help Simplifying Anti-Robocall Paperwork
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re not too tricky or time-consuming, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep fighting illegal robocalls while making the process easier and clearer. If you have ideas or concerns, speak up by March 23, 2026, so the FCC can keep things fair and efficient without wasting anyone’s time or money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Carriers must report disconnected-number dates
If you are a reporting carrier (including wireless, wireline, and interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol providers that obtain numbers from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator), you must provide the most recent date each telephone number allocated or ported to you was permanently disconnected. The collection covers 1,514 respondents and 18,113 responses, with estimated time per response from 0.5 to 25 hours and a total annual burden of 16,866 hours.
Database helps avoid unwanted calls and liability
A reassigned numbers database will let voluntary users check whether a number was permanently disconnected before calling, helping protect consumers from unwanted calls and helping callers avoid potential Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) liability. The database may support high-volume and batch processing and will include contact information fields for reporting carriers.
FCC solicits small-business burden feedback
The FCC is asking for comments on ways to minimize the paperwork burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees as part of this information collection review. Comments must be submitted by March 23, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11653 — 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 July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11452 — Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make government paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want feedback by July 8, 2026, to help reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is part of a plan to keep things simple and efficient without costing extra money or time.
2026-11450 — 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 August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
2026-11353 — Reforming the High-Cost Program for an All-IP Future, Connect America Fund: A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Support
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2026-10840 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
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2026-10839 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with New Mexico’s Health Care Authority to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone services. This new matching program starts July 1, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and accurate. If you’re involved, now’s the time to send your comments by July 1, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00888 — Agency Information Collection Activities: Proposed Collection; Comment Request
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants your thoughts on their plan to collect some info from the public. They’re asking for comments by March 23, 2026, to make sure the process is clear, useful, and not too much work. This affects anyone who might provide info to CMS and helps keep things running smoothly without wasting time or money.
Next: 2026-00890 — 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 useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, easy, and helpful before March 23, 2026. If you’re a business that deals with inside wiring info, this could affect you and might save you time and hassle!