FCC Checks Box on Routine Paperwork Review Again
Published Date: 1/22/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re not too tricky or time-consuming. They want your thoughts on how to keep collecting info useful but easy, especially for small businesses. If you have ideas or concerns, speak up by March 23, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and fair for everyone involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Online FOIA Form Time Burden
If you submit a Freedom of Information Act or Privacy Act request to the FCC using the online form, the FCC estimates each response takes 0.08 hours. The form is voluntary and collects your contact information and a detailed description of the records you want.
Annual FOIA Collection Burden and Cost
The FCC estimates this FOIA/Privacy Act information collection covers 1,510 respondents and imposes a total annual burden of 121 hours and total annual cost of $7,300. The collection is an extension of a currently approved information collection (OMB Control Number 3060-1309).
Small Business Burden Reduction Focus
The FCC specifically asks for ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Small businesses may submit comments by March 23, 2026 to suggest ways to make the process easier or less costly.
What the FOIA Form Collects
The FCC's online FOIA/Privacy Act form collects the requester's contact information, a reasonable description of the records sought, and, if applicable, fee category, fee waiver, and expedited processing information. A proper FOIA request must reasonably describe the records so FCC staff can locate them.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-13724 — 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 August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-13725 — 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 to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape these changes!
2026-13765 — Review of Submarine Cable Landing License Rules and Procedures To Assess Evolving National Security, Law Enforcement, Foreign Policy, and Trade Policy Risks
The FCC just updated the rules for companies that want to land submarine cables—those underwater internet highways—on U.S. shores. These changes help protect national security, law enforcement, and trade interests by requiring new info from applicants. The new rules kick in on July 8, 2026, so affected companies should get ready to share more details, but no new fees are mentioned.
2026-13593 — Information Collection 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 tricky, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to make these forms easier and better, with a deadline to share ideas by September 4, 2026. This review affects about 200 businesses and nonprofits, each spending around 2 hours on these forms.
2026-13601 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in to make sure its paperwork rules are clear and not too tough on businesses, nonprofits, and local governments. They want your thoughts on how to keep info collection useful but easy, especially for small businesses. You’ve got until September 4, 2026, to share your ideas—so don’t miss out on shaping the future of FCC forms!
2026-13518 — Prohibiting Importation and Marketing of Previously Authorized Covered Communications Equipment Added to the Covered List in 2024 or Earlier
Starting July 16, 2026, the FCC is banning the import and sale of certain communications gear that was once allowed but now poses security risks. This affects companies dealing with equipment added to the risky list in 2024 or earlier, stopping them from bringing in or marketing these products. The move helps protect U.S. safety without canceling past approvals, but it means businesses must adjust quickly to avoid losses.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-01103 — 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP)
The U.S. Department of State wants your feedback on updating the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP), which helps Americans abroad stay safe by sharing travel info. If you’re a U.S. citizen or non-citizen national who travels, this affects you! They’re asking for comments by March 23, 2026, and it won’t cost you anything to participate—just about 5 minutes to update your info.
Next: 2026-01105 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules for businesses, nonprofits, and local governments involved with the Uniendo a Puerto Rico and Connect USVI funds. They want your thoughts on how to make these forms easier and less time-consuming, especially for small businesses. If you have ideas, send them in by March 23, 2026—this could save folks hours and maybe some headaches!