FCC Seeks Feedback to Lighten Paperwork Load on Small Businesses
Published Date: 4/9/2026
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 keep collecting important info but reduce the hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until May 11, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 5 costs, 0 mixed.
Reimbursement Program: Compliance Required
Participation in the Secure and Trusted Communications Networks Reimbursement Program is voluntary, but if you want reimbursement you must comply with the program's information collection requirements (FCC Form 5640). Compliance is mandatory to obtain or retain Reimbursement Program support under 47 U.S.C. 1603-1604.
Estimated Time and Dollar Burden Reported
The FCC reports this information collection (OMB Control No. 3060-1270) covers 3,500 respondents and 6,584 responses with estimated time per response of 0.5 to 12 hours. The total annual burden is 20,236 hours and total annual cost is $472,500, with responses due on an annual, semiannual, or recordkeeping basis.
USF Funds Ban for Designated Companies
The FCC prohibits future use of Universal Service Fund (USF) monies to purchase, maintain, improve, modify, obtain, or otherwise support equipment or services produced or provided by companies the Commission has designated as posing a national security threat. The Commission has designated Huawei Technologies Company and ZTE Corporation (and their affiliates) as covered companies.
Detailed Spending Accounting Added to Form 5640
In 2023 the FCC updated FCC Form 5640 to add a question requiring program participants to describe in detail how they spent Reimbursement Program funds, including accounting for covered equipment and services removed and the replacement equipment or services obtained.
FCC Seeks Small‑Business Paperwork Relief
The FCC is asking for specific comment on how to further reduce information collection burden for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. You can submit ideas by the public comment process ending May 11, 2026.
Ownership‑Change Notification Requirement
Reimbursement Program participants are required to notify the Commission of changes in ownership so the FCC has accurate participant information and to help guard against waste, fraud, and abuse.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-09822 — Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program
The FCC is making sure that the labs and companies testing telecom devices play by the rules and keep national security tight. They’re speeding up reviews for trusted labs, improving how they check devices after approval, and setting up secret ways to report problems. These changes start June 15, 2026, and affect testing labs, device makers, and publicly traded companies, with no big costs expected.
2026-09821 — Promoting the Integrity and Security of Telecommunications Certification Bodies, Measurement Facilities, and the Equipment Authorization Program
The FCC wants to stop recognizing test labs and certification bodies in places that don’t have trade agreements with the U.S. They’re also looking to upgrade how they use data and protect important tech secrets and national security. If you’re involved in telecom testing or certification, get ready for changes and share your thoughts by mid-June 2026!
2026-09837 — Sunshine Act Meeting; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, May 20, 2026
On May 20, 2026, the FCC will hold an open meeting to tackle big issues like stopping illegal robocalls, making broadband data easier to manage, and boosting network safety during emergencies. These changes will affect phone companies, internet providers, and anyone who relies on safe, reliable communication. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m., and the public can watch live online—no appointment needed!
2026-09819 — Accessible Emergency Information, and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010
The FCC wants to make sure emergency info on TV is easy to hear and read for everyone, especially during non-news shows. They’re updating rules so if emergency text crawls match the visual alerts, they just need to be read aloud too. Video providers and distributors should get ready to follow these changes, with feedback due by June 15, 2026—no big costs expected, just clearer emergency info for all!
2026-09820 — Information Collection 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 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 June 15, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape simpler rules without any extra costs or penalties.
2026-09838 — Auction of FM Broadcast Construction Permits Scheduled for February 2, 2027; Comment Sought on Competitive Bidding Procedures for Auction 114
The FCC is gearing up for Auction 114 on February 2, 2027, where folks can bid on permits to build new FM radio stations. They want your thoughts on how the bidding should work and the starting prices, with comments due by June 9, 2026. This is a big chance for broadcasters to grab new spots on the dial and for the FCC to make sure the auction is fair and fun!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-06862 — Submission for OMB Review, Comment Request, Proposed Collection: 2027-2029 IMLS Grant Application Forms
The Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) is updating its grant application forms for 2027-2029 and asking for public feedback by May 10, 2026. This update aims to make applying easier and less time-consuming for museums and libraries seeking funding. If you’re involved with these organizations, now’s the time to help shape the process and keep things smooth and simple!
Next: 2026-06868 — Procurement List; Proposed Deletions
The government plans to remove certain products and services made by nonprofit groups that employ people who are blind or severely disabled from its official buying list. This affects items like carrying cases, fire hoses, and helmet covers used mainly by the Department of Defense. If you want to share your thoughts, you have until May 9, 2026, so act fast!