FCC Asks: Is Our Bureaucracy Burdensome Enough?
Published Date: 4/30/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in with the public and businesses to make sure its paperwork isn’t too tricky or time-consuming. They want your thoughts on how to keep info collection useful, clear, and easy—especially for small businesses. Comments are due by June 29, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules that save time and hassle!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Accessibility Recordkeeping and Certification
Providers of advanced communications services and equipment manufacturers must keep records of accessibility efforts and certify annually to the FCC that they maintain those records; the FCC estimates 4,024 respondents, 48,056 responses, total annual burden of 90,187 hours, total annual cost $14,800, and estimated time per response from 0.5 to 35 hours.
Accessibility Rules Benefit People with Disabilities
The FCC requires telecommunications and advanced communications services and equipment to be accessible to individuals with disabilities under sections 255, 716, and 718 of the Communications Act; the rules also require a pre-filing dispute-assistance step before informal complaints and allow waivers when accessibility is not achievable.
Tower Construction Paperwork Burden
If you apply to build or collocate communications towers, you (or your company) must complete FCC Form 620 (New Tower) or Form 621 (Collocation) and submit them to the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) or Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) and the FCC before any construction. The FCC estimates 70,152 respondents and 70,152 responses, with estimated time per response of 1–5 hours, a total annual burden of 97,929 hours, and an annual cost burden of $13,087,425.
Tribal Notification via TCNS
Before filing FCC Form 620 or 621, applicants must complete the Tower Construction Notification System (TCNS) so Tribal Nations receive automated site notifications based on coordinates; Tribal Nations use these notifications to participate in review under section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
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: 2026-08428 — 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 keep collecting important info but reduce the hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until June 1, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the process!
Next: 2026-08431 — Privacy Act of 1974; System of Records
The Navy is updating its records system that tracks health info of service members and veterans for long-term research. They’re changing the system’s name, expanding its purpose, and allowing more info sharing outside the Department of Defense. These updates take effect now, but the public can comment on info-sharing rules until June 1, 2026.