FCC Pushes OMB for Less Paperwork, More Efficiency Now
Published Date: 4/16/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to review and comment on their paperwork rules to make them easier and less time-consuming. This effort aims to cut down on unnecessary forms, especially helping small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by May 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help save time and money!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New Submarine Cable Forms and Security Reporting
The FCC will revise OMB Control No. 3060-0944 to add and revise submarine cable forms, including new Foreign Adversary Annual Report, One-Time Covered List Certification, and One-Time Cybersecurity and Physical Security Certification forms; respondents are business and state/local/tribal governments. Estimated respondents: 429; responses: 472; estimated time per response: 4 to 320 hours; total annual burden: 14,180 hours; total annual cost: $4,354,490.
New Filing Requirements for Low Power TV Stations
Changes to FCC Form 2100 Schedule C require low power television (LPTV) and TV translator stations filing displacement applications to include an exhibit explaining displacement; channel-sharees may cease sharing by filing a major modification; applicants who exceed interference levels under agreement must submit the agreement. Estimated respondents: 910; responses: 910; time per response: 2–2.5 hours; total annual burden: 4,090 hours; annual cost burden: $4,698,511.
Annual Capacity Reporting Changes for Submarine Cables
The FCC revised the annual circuit capacity reporting (OMB 3060-1156) so Filing Entities must file a Capacity Holder Report (replacing the Cable Operator Report) that includes domestic cable capacity, identified sales/leases of fiber pairs or spectrum with U.S. and foreign landing points, and information about submarine line terminal equipment (SLTE). Estimated respondents: 133; responses: 266; time per response: 1 to 20 hours; total annual burden: 2,793 hours; total annual cost: $12,000.
600 MHz Notification Requirement Removed
The FCC eliminated the requirement in 47 CFR 73.3700(g)(4) that wireless licensees assigned 600 MHz frequencies notify low power TV and TV translator stations of the wireless licensee’s intent to commence operations and likelihood of harmful interference. This change is submitted to OMB under control number 3060-1216. Estimated respondents: 1,236; responses: 40,686; total annual burden: 6,570 hours; annual cost burden: $961,800.
Small Businesses Asked to Help Cut Paperwork
The FCC is asking the public and specifically seeks comment on how to reduce information-collection burdens for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due on or before May 18, 2026 via www.reginfo.gov and to FCC contacts listed in the notice.
Call Sign Changes for Class A and LPTV Stations
The FCC revised station identification rules (OMB 3060-0466) to require that Class A and low power TV stations have call signs appropriate for their service designation; stations without appropriate call signs must file a call sign change. Grandfathering is allowed for existing call signs. Estimated respondents: 29,146; responses: 29,146; time per response: 0.166–1 hour; total annual burden: 26,884 hours; total annual costs: none.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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