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.
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
2026-13213 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for businesses and governments managing cybersecurity and supply chain risks. They want your thoughts on how to make these forms easier and clearer, especially for small businesses. If you’re involved, get your comments in by August 31, 2026, to help shape the process without adding extra costs or hassle.
2026-13220 — Information Collections 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’re reviewing some info collection forms and want comments by July 31, 2026. This effort aims to cut down hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees, without costing extra money or time.
2026-13163 — Notification of Cancelled Adjustment of Civil Monetary Penalties for Inflation
Good news for 2026! The Federal Communications Commission is keeping civil penalty amounts the same—no inflation increases this year. If you deal with FCC rules, your fines won’t get bigger starting June 17, 2026, so no surprise hikes in your wallet.
2026-13155 — Resilient Networks; Concerning Disruptions to Communications
The FCC is making it easier and faster for communication providers to report network problems during disasters. They’re cutting out extra paperwork, letting some providers skip reports, and adding new rules for public safety networks to keep everyone connected when it counts. These changes start June 30, 2026, helping emergency teams get better info without stressing out providers.
2026-12778 — FCC Adopts Application Limit and Eligibility Restrictions for New NCE Reserved Band FM Translator Station Applications in Upcoming 2026 Filing Window
Starting July 27, 2026, the FCC is setting new rules for folks applying to build noncommercial educational FM translator stations in the reserved band. Applicants can only submit a limited number of applications, and only certain groups will be eligible to apply. This helps keep things fair and organized for the upcoming 2026 filing window without extra costs for applicants.
2026-12798 — Sunshine Act Meetings; Open Commission Meeting Thursday, June 25, 2026
On June 25, 2026, the FCC will hold an open meeting to tackle big issues like cutting red tape for faster internet wiring and making sure kids stay safe online at schools and libraries. These changes could speed up internet access and protect children, affecting communities, schools, and local governments. The meeting starts at 10:30 a.m., and everyone can watch live online—no appointment needed!
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!