FCC Reviews Phone Number Paperwork Burden for Businesses
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on a paperwork process that businesses must follow to keep phone number use fair and clear. They want your thoughts on how to make this easier, especially for small businesses, before March 23, 2026. This review won’t cost extra but asks about the time it takes—about 33 hours per business—to keep things running smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory FCC Numbering Audits
If your for-profit business (carriers that use telephone numbering resources) is selected for a random FCC audit under Section 52.15(k), you must respond and spend about 33 hours per response. The notice estimates 10 respondents, a total annual burden of 330 hours, and the obligation to respond is mandatory under 47 U.S.C. 251.
Risk of Penalties and Enforcement
Audited carriers that fail to respond to the FCC’s numbering audits can face penalties, and audit findings may lead to enforcement action based on the final audit report. The audits verify accuracy of FCC Form 502 and monitor compliance with FCC rules.
Request for Comments to Reduce Burden
The FCC is asking for public comments on ways to reduce the paperwork burden, including ways to further reduce burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due on or before March 23, 2026.
Time Burden But No Direct Monetary Cost
The FCC estimates the collection imposes no direct annual monetary cost but does impose a total annual time burden of 330 hours (33 hours per response for 10 respondents). The notice lists "Total Annual Cost: No cost."
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-16995, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16993, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16997, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
2026-16996, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for public feedback on a new paperwork collection related to space launch coordination. This affects businesses, nonprofits, and governments who might spend 4 to 16 hours filling out forms. Comments are due by October 19, 2026, helping the FCC reduce hassle and improve the process without extra costs.
2026-16740, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16615, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-2026
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (Sep. 30, 1993), requires each agency to publish a regulatory agenda (Agenda) of regulations under development or review during the next year which will be included in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda). 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). The Agenda required by Executive Order 12866 must include all regulations the agency expects to develop or review during the next 12 months, regardless of whether they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Executive Order 12866 provides that agencies may combine this agenda with the regulatory flexibility agenda required under the RFA. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings and meet its obligations under the RFA and Executive Order 12866, the Commission has prepared Agenda entries providing a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity that is currently planned for the 12 months, subject to revision, including the objectives and legal basis for each, and the name and telephone number of an agency official who is knowledgeable about items in the agenda. The Commission's Agenda entries published in the Federal Register are only those entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities pursuant to the RFA. The Commission's complete list of regulatory and deregulatory actions for the Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 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!
Next: 2026-00892, Relocation of DOT's Docket Operations Office
The Department of Transportation is moving its Docket Operations Office to a new spot at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Suite W58-213, starting January 2, 2026. This change affects all DOT agencies and keeps business hours the same, with no extra costs announced. Deliveries will switch locations on January 2, so everyone should update their records and plans accordingly.