FCC Seeks Ideas to Slim Down Telecom Form Nightmares
Published Date: 3/12/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for businesses and nonprofits that fill out telecom forms. 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 May 11, 2026—this could save time and money for thousands of folks!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory FCC Forms 499-A/499-Q Filing
If your business or nonprofit contributes to the Federal Universal Service Fund, the Telecommunications Relay Service fund, or numbering administration, you must file FCC Form 499-A (annual) and/or Form 499-Q (quarterly). The collection is mandatory (OMB Control Number 3060-0855), covers about 8,000 respondents and 40,300 responses, takes from 0.25 to 25 hours per response, and totals 250,850 burden hours annually. The information also is used to calculate FCC regulatory fees for interstate telecommunications service providers.
Opportunity to Reduce Paperwork Burden for Small Firms
The FCC is asking for public comments on ways to reduce the paperwork burden for these telecom reporting forms, including ideas to use automated collection methods and to further reduce burden specifically on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments must be submitted by May 11, 2026.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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