FCC Seeks Feedback to Lighten Paperwork Load for Small Businesses
Published Date: 5/15/2026
Notice
Summary
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 open until June 15, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the rules and save time and money!
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Mandatory FCC Form 499 Filings
If your business contributes to the federal Universal Service Fund, the Telecommunications Relay Service fund, or numbering administration, you must file FCC Form 499-A (annual) and/or FCC Form 499-Q (quarterly). The collection (OMB Control Number 3060-0855) covers 8,000 respondents with 40,300 responses, requires between 0.25 and 25 hours per response, and totals 250,850 annual burden hours; the submission lists total annual cost as "No cost." The reported information is used to calculate FCC regulatory fees for interstate telecommunications service providers.
Small Businesses Asked About Paperwork Relief
The FCC invites public comments by June 15, 2026, on this information collection under the Paperwork Reduction Act and specifically requests input on how to reduce the burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees under the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act. Comments must be submitted at www.reginfo.gov and copies sent to the FCC contacts listed in the notice.
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: 2026-09817, Notice of Final Federal Agency Actions on Proposed Transportation Project in Utah
Utah is rolling out big upgrades on State Route 190 in Salt Lake County to make bus travel faster and easier. They’re adding a special bus lane, better bus stops, a new parking hub with 1,750 spaces, and a new road interchange to beat traffic jams. If you want to challenge these plans, you’ve got until October 13, 2026, to speak up—otherwise, the project moves full steam ahead!
Next: 2026-09823, Agency Information Collection Activities; Submission to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for Review and Approval; Comment Request; Non-Infrastructure Metrics
The Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration is asking for public feedback on how it collects information about non-infrastructure projects. This helps make sure the data they gather is useful and not too much work for communities and businesses. Comments are open until July 14, 2026, so anyone affected should speak up before then!