FCC Calls for Input on Streamlining Network Improvement Paperwork
Published Date: 5/13/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is asking businesses and the public to review and comment on their paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too time-consuming. They want to cut down on red tape, especially for small businesses, and are updating some forms related to network improvements. Comments are due by July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help save time and money!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
FCC Seeks Comments To Cut Red Tape
The FCC is asking the public to comment on information collection rules to reduce paperwork burdens, with an explicit request to find ways to reduce the burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Written comments are due on or before July 13, 2026.
Blanket Grandfathering Authority for Carriers
The FCC granted blanket Section 214(a) authority allowing carriers to grandfather legacy voice services, lower-speed data services (below 25 Mbps download / 3 Mbps upload), and interconnected VoIP provisioned over copper without filing a Section 214 application when grandfathering those services.
Expanded Direct Notice to 911 Stakeholders
Carriers seeking to discontinue services that support interconnection trunks or exchange of traffic must show that at least 90 days before filing they provided a designated point of contact to facilitate transition and directly notified 911 authorities, 911 service providers, and directly interconnecting local exchange carriers in the affected area.
No-Filing Rule When There Are No Customers
Carriers are no longer required to file an application to discontinue, reduce, or impair any service for which they have had no customers and no requests for service for at least a 30-day period immediately preceding the discontinuance. Separately, a carrier may permanently discontinue a service after showing it had emergency discontinuance authority, had no customers or reasonable requests for service during the 60-day period immediately preceding the permanent discontinuance, and that an adequate replacement service is available throughout the affected area.
31-Day Automatic Grant & Streamlining Rules
The FCC applied a uniform 31-day automatic grant period to all discontinuance applications, adopted content requirements for discontinuance applications, and created a consolidated rule for technology-transition discontinuances that makes applications eligible for streamlined processing if the applicant certifies that one or more of five specified replacement-service categories is available throughout the affected area.
Paperwork Burden Estimates and Response Details
The notice provides OMB control numbers and burden estimates: OMB 3060-0149 lists 78 respondents and 90 responses with an estimated 6–10 hours per response totaling 648 annual hours; OMB 3060-0741 lists 4,452 respondents and 450,838 responses with an estimated 0.5–4.5 hours per response totaling 452,623 annual hours. Both collections report 'Total Annual Cost: No cost.'
Conditional Forbearance for Resellers
The Commission granted conditional forbearance relief under Section 214(a) for resellers discontinuing resold services when the reseller's wholesale provider is engaging in a technology transition discontinuance, provided the discontinuing resellers give reasonable notice to their customers.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20192, [WC Docket Nos. 25-208, 25-209; FCC 26-19; FR ID 370342] Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Accelerating Network Modernization
The FCC is making it easier and faster for phone and internet companies to upgrade old networks to new, faster technology. These changes affect companies that provide phone and internet services and will start on October 15, 2026. This update cuts red tape and helps bring better service to customers sooner, without extra costs slowing things down.
2026-20157, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The FCC is asking the public and small businesses to help reduce paperwork by commenting on a new information collection plan. If you have fewer than 25 employees, your input is especially welcome! Comments are due by November 2, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to shape how the FCC collects info and possibly save time and money.
2026-20158, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. They want to reduce the burden, especially for small businesses, and are updating forms related to international telecom authorizations. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in and help shape the process!
2026-20039, Television Broadcasting Services Norwell, Massachusetts
The FCC is switching TV channel 36 to channel 10 for WWDP in Norwell, Massachusetts, so the station can keep broadcasting without interruptions. RNN Boston License Co., the station’s owner, asked for this change and will quickly apply to operate on the new channel. This update takes effect on September 30, 2026, ensuring viewers keep enjoying their favorite shows smoothly.
2026-20038, Television Broadcasting Services Savannah, Georgia
Georgia Public Broadcasting wants to switch its Savannah TV station WVAN-TV from VHF channel 8 to UHF channel 18 to improve signal quality and help viewers get better access to local programs. This change won’t cause interference or loss of service and aims to boost your TV experience. Comments on this proposal are open until October 30, 2026, so now’s the time to speak up!
2026-20005, Renewal of the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee
The FCC is renewing the Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee (CPAAC) for two more years because it helps protect consumers and improve access for people with disabilities. This committee advises on new communication technologies and their impact, making sure everyone benefits. No big budget changes were mentioned, so it’s business as usual with a focus on keeping consumer voices heard.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-09567, Agency Information Collection Request. 30-Day Public Comment Request
The Office of Minority Health wants to keep collecting info through its Think Cultural Health website, which helps health pros learn about cultural and language differences. They’re asking the public to share thoughts by June 12, 2026, to make sure the process is easy and useful. This is just an extension—no new costs or big changes, just keeping the helpful tools going strong!
Next: 2026-09569, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to reduce paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until July 13, 2026, so don’t miss out on shaping how the FCC works!