FCC Seeks Ideas to Slim Down Small Business Paperwork Burdens
Published Date: 3/25/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until April 24, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape simpler rules!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Carriers Must Report Disconnected Numbers
If you are a reporting carrier (including wireless, wireline, or interconnected VoIP providers that obtain numbers from the North American Numbering Plan Administrator), you must provide the most recent permanent disconnect date for each telephone number to the reassigned numbers database. The FCC estimates 1,514 respondents and 18,113 responses, with each response taking 0.5 to 25 hours and a total annual burden of 16,866 hours (OMB Control Number 3060-1273); the collection is required to obtain or retain benefits and the FCC states total annual cost: no cost.
Database Helps Avoid Unwanted Calls and Lawsuits
The reassigned numbers database will include telephone numbers and the most recent permanent disconnection date so voluntary users can check whether a number was permanently disconnected before calling. That helps protect consumers from unwanted calls and helps callers avoid potential Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) liability.
Technical Rules Will Include Privacy Safeguards
The FCC has asked the North American Numbering Council to develop technical requirements for the reassigned numbers database that will specify interoperability, data formats, high-volume and batch query options, and safeguards to protect subscriber privacy and database security. The technical document will also cover recordkeeping of service providers' reporting and accounting.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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