FCC seeks comments on paperwork—eyes glaze over
Published Date: 8/6/2026
Notice
Summary
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid OMB control number.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
One‑Time SLTE Disclosure for Cable Licenses
The FCC will require all submarine cable landing licensees to respond to a one-time information collection about Submarine Line Terminal Equipment (SLTE) on existing licensed cable systems. Licensees must disclose SLTE owners and operators, whether systems are insolvent, whether systems use equipment or services on the Commission's Covered List, and whether they use third‑party foreign adversary service providers or third‑party providers that can access the system from a foreign adversary country.
Paperwork Burden, Time, and Cost Estimates
The FCC estimates 236 respondents will each file one response that takes about 10 hours, for a total annual burden of 2,360 hours and a total annual cost of $35,400. The notice states responding is required to obtain or retain benefits, meaning licensees must comply to keep or get their submarine cable landing licenses.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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