FCC Invites Feedback on Streamlining Paperwork Rules
Published Date: 4/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re easy and useful for everyone—from businesses to local governments. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, cut down on hassle, and help small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, make sure to do it by June 29, 2026!
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Paperwork Burden & Comment Request
The FCC is asking for public comments by June 29, 2026, on its paperwork rules to reduce burden and make collections clearer, with special attention to small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. The collection at issue is OMB Control Number 3060-0411 (FCC Form 485), which estimates 2 respondents, 6 responses, 1–68 hours per response, a total annual burden of 151 hours, and total annual cost of $39,600.
No Damages for Mobile Data Roaming Complaints
When using the formal complaint procedure for data roaming disputes, the remedy of damages is not available for complaints against commercial mobile data service providers. The Commission adopted the Section 208-like procedures for data roaming complaints but expressly removed the damages remedy for those providers.
Deaf-Blind Program Complaints Use Formal Process
Complaints against programs certified under the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program (NDBEDP) are governed by the Commission's formal complaint procedures under 47 CFR 64.6217(c). The same rules used for Section 208 formal complaints apply to NDBEDP-related disputes.
Data Roaming Disputes Use Formal Rules
Disputes about compliance with data roaming obligations are governed by the Commission's formal complaint procedures (Part I, Subpart E and related rules). Those procedural rules cover filings, evidence, and the written record the Commission uses to decide data roaming complaints.
Time Limits for Certain Complaints
Certain formal complaints have statutory deadlines: a five-month deadline under 47 U.S.C. 208(b)(1) for challenges to the lawfulness of a charge, classification, regulation, or practice, and a 90-day deadline under 47 U.S.C. 271(d)(6) for some complaints against Bell Operating Companies. These deadlines shape how quickly some disputes must be resolved.
Electronic Filing Option for Formal Complaints
The information collection includes a process for electronically submitting a formal complaint against a common carrier. The Commission uses the electronically submitted information to decide if complaints are sufficient and to resolve disputes on the written record.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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