FCC Tweaks Electronic Reporting Rules: Yawn-Worthy Paperwork Check
Published Date: 3/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re still useful and not too much of a hassle, especially for small businesses and local governments. They want your thoughts by May 29, 2026, to help keep things clear and easy. This review affects about 50 groups who file electronic reports, each taking around 2 hours, so it’s all about saving time and keeping info useful!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Estimated Annual Paperwork Burden
The FCC estimates this collection covers 50 respondents making 250 responses, with an estimated 2 hours per response. That totals 500 hours and a total annual cost of $250,000 for the respondents.
Mandatory Electronic LMS Filings
If you operate a low-power TV or translator station, certain notices and applications must be filed electronically in the FCC’s Licensing and Management System (LMS) under 47 CFR 74.734, 74.735, and 74.763. That includes Change of Control Point Notices, Suspension and Resumption of Operations Notices, Special Temporary Authority requests, and application attachments required by those sections.
Suspension/Resumption Filing Deadlines
Under 47 CFR 74.763(b), a licensee may discontinue operation for up to 30 days; no later than the 10th day of discontinued operation you must file a Suspension of Operations Notice electronically in LMS. If you resume before 30 days, you must file a Resumption of Operations Notice in LMS, and if you need more time you must request Special Temporary Authority via LMS no later than the 30th day.
Required File Formats for Technical Attachments
47 CFR 74.735(c)(4),(6),(7) require azimuth plane patterns to be submitted as PDF attachments in LMS sized to be easily viewed, and if a matrix pattern is used, similar tabulations must be provided as a spreadsheet attachment in LMS. These technical attachments must be uploaded in those electronic formats.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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