FCC's Paperwork Overhaul: Yawn or Your Input?
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in with the public to review and improve some paperwork rules they manage. They want to make sure the info they collect is useful, clear, and not too much work—especially for small businesses. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until June 29, 2026, to share them and help shape smarter, simpler rules that save time and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Written Agreements for Cooperative Ship Radio Use
Section 80.503 (OMB 3060-0297) requires written agreements when a shore station installs ship radio stations on commercial transport vessels; a copy must be kept with station records and made available for FCC inspection. The FCC lists 100 respondents, estimates 16 hours per response, and a total annual burden of 1,600 hours.
Comment Window to Cut Small-Biz Paperwork
The FCC is asking the public to comment on its paperwork collections and specifically requests ideas to reduce the burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. You can submit written comments on these collections through June 29, 2026 to help shape simpler rules and lower reporting time for small firms.
On-Board Station Recordkeeping Requirement
Licensees of on-board stations must keep equipment records showing the ship name and station ID, the number and type of repeaters and mobile units, and the dates equipment is added or removed under Section 80.413 (OMB 3060-0264). The FCC lists 1,000 respondents, estimates 2 hours per response, and a total annual burden of 2,000 hours.
Cable Certification Reconsideration Paperwork
Section 76.911 (OMB 3060-0560) covers petitions for reconsideration of certification related to cable operator effective-competition determinations. The FCC lists 15 respondents and 25 responses, with an estimated 2–10 hours per response and a total annual burden of 130 hours for preparing petitions, oppositions, replies, and competitor information requests.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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