FCC demands emergency comments on routine paperwork burdens
Published Date: 8/20/2026
Notice
Summary
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the 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 Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid 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 Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
Space Station Transition Plan Deadline
If you are an eligible space station operator, you must submit a detailed transition plan to the FCC by November 5, 2026 describing steps, timelines, and estimated costs to clear 4.0–4.16 GHz in the contiguous United States. The FCC estimates 2,720 hours per eligible space station transition plan and that there will be 3,003 respondents overall.
Incumbent Clearing Deadlines Set
All incumbent Fixed Satellite Service operations in the contiguous United States must clear 4.0–4.16 GHz by December 30, 2030 for the top 75 Partial Economic Areas (PEAs) and by June 30, 2031 for all other areas. The December 30, 2030 deadline aligns with the FAA aircraft radio altimeter retrofit deadline for the top 75 PEAs.
Incumbent Earth Station Lump-Sum Choice
If you operate an incumbent earth station, you can either accept reimbursement for actual relocation costs or opt out and take a per-site lump-sum payment based on the announced average estimated cost. If you want the lump sum, you must make an irrevocable election no later than 60 days after the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau announces the lump-sum amounts; the FCC estimates 32 hours per lump-sum election.
License Buyers Must Cover Relocation Costs
Potential bidders for Upper C-band licenses will be required to pay the reasonable and necessary relocation costs of incumbent space station and earth station operators if they become licensees. The statute requires the Commission-administered auction of the 3.98–4.14 GHz licenses to be completed by July 4, 2027.
Paperwork Burden and Estimated Costs
The FCC estimates this information collection will involve 3,003 respondents, a total annual burden of 104,160 hours, and total annual costs of $540,000; responding is required to obtain or retain benefits. The FCC also estimates emergency OMB processing and one-time reporting.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-16993, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
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.
Next: 2026-16996, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for public feedback on a new paperwork collection related to space launch coordination. This affects businesses, nonprofits, and governments who might spend 4 to 16 hours filling out forms. Comments are due by October 19, 2026, helping the FCC reduce hassle and improve the process without extra costs.