FCC Begs for Ideas to Slim Down Government Forms
Published Date: 3/2/2026
Notice
Summary
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’re reviewing some information collections and want feedback by April 1, 2026. This effort aims to cut down on hassle without costing extra money or time for those involved.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Payphone Reporting Burden on Providers
If you operate payphone services or are a local exchange carrier involved in payphone compensation processes, you are subject to information collection under Part 64. The FCC reports 400 respondents, 16,820 responses, an average 2.66 hours per response, a total annual burden of 44,700 hours, and total annual cost of $832,000.
Paperwork for Telephone Equipment Makers
If you make or are responsible for telephone terminal equipment, you must provide information under 47 CFR part 68 to show the equipment won’t harm the telephone network. The FCC reports 41,403 respondents with 44,423 responses, estimated time per response of 0.25–40 hours, a total annual burden of 12,869 hours, and total annual cost of $508,250.
New Pole-Attachment Notice and Timeline Rules
The FCC revised pole-attachment rules (Order rel. July 25, 2025) requiring attachers to give written advance notice for large orders (e.g., orders over 300 poles or 0.5% of a utility’s poles up to the lesser of 3,000 poles or 5% of poles; larger thresholds up to the lesser of 6,000 poles or 10% of poles). The Order also sets new timelines (utilities must notify within 15 days if they cannot meet certain deadlines), requires a meet-and-confer for very large orders, adds a self-help remedy for make-ready estimates under safeguards, prohibits utility-imposed application-size limits, and requires utilities to respond to contractor-addition requests within 30 days. The FCC lists 1,359 respondents, 185,584 responses, estimated time per response 0.25–5 hours, total annual burden 146,264 hours, and total annual cost $1,800.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
2026-20157, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on a new information collection plan. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by November 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
2026-20158, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses, and are updating forms related to international telecom authorizations. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the process!
2026-20039, Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts
The FCC is switching TV channel 36 to channel 10 for WWDP in Norwell, Massachusetts, so the station can keep broadcasting without interruptions. RNN Boston License Co., the station’s owner, asked for this change and will quickly apply to operate on the new channel. This update takes effect on September 30, 2026, ensuring viewers keep enjoying their favorite shows smoothly.
2026-20038, Television Broadcasting Services Savannah, Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting wants to switch its Savannah TV station WVAN-TV from VHF channel 8 to UHF channel 18 to improve signal quality and help viewers get better access to local programs. This change won’t cause interference or loss of service and aims to boost your TV experience. Comments on this proposal are open until October 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-20005, Renewal of the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee
The FCC is renewing the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee (CPAAC) for two more years because it helps protect consumers and improve access for people with disabilities. This committee advises on new communication technologies and their impact, making sure everyone benefits. No big budget changes were mentioned, so it’s business as usual with a focus on keeping consumer voices heard.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-04107, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering; Amended Notice of Meeting; Amended Notice of Meeting
Heads up! The National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering moved their big advisory meeting from March 19 to March 16, 2026, and changed the time to 3–5 p.m. Also, Dr. Thomas Cheever is now the go-to contact instead of Dr. Anna Taylor. This meeting is private, so no public attendance, but it’s key for folks involved in biomedical imaging research and funding decisions.
Next: 2026-04109, Submission for OMB Review; Comment Request
The Department of Agriculture wants to keep collecting info about how pigs are inspected to make sure meat is safe and labeled right. They’re updating the rules to make the paperwork easier and less time-consuming for farmers and inspectors. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until April 1, 2026, to share them online—no extra costs, just a smoother process!