FCC Seeks Input on Reducing Telecom Paperwork for Small Biz
Published Date: 8/24/2026
Notice
Summary
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal Agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it might further reduce the information collection burden for 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 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
4 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 4 costs, 0 mixed.
New Disclosure & Certification Rules
If you participate in FCC funding programs, you must disclose prior misconduct and certify compliance under penalty of perjury when required. Disclosures must report if you are presently excluded or disqualified, convicted of offenses listed in section 180.800(a), currently indicted or charged, or had a public transaction terminated within the preceding three years; if no disclosure is required you must instead certify that no disclosure is required.
Certify Compliance On Program Forms
For many FCC funding programs you must provide an assurance or certify compliance with the new suspension and debarment rules when you file program forms. Affected programs and forms named include Lifeline (FCC Form 481), Rural Health Care (FCC Forms 462, 466, 463, 469), E-Rate (FCC Forms 471, 479, 474), Cybersecurity Pilot (Pilot FCC Form 484 and Pilot Form(s) 474), High-Cost (FCC Form 481), TRS (applications and annual reports), and NDBEDP (applications for state certification). You must also ensure downstream contractors/subcontractors/consultants comply with reporting rules.
Paperwork Burden: 75,255 Respondents; 244,185 Hours
The FCC estimates 75,255 unique respondents and 170,259 unique responses for these collections, with an estimated 1-2 hours per response and a total annual burden of 244,185 hours. The FCC states 'Total Annual Cost: No Cost' and lists the new OMB control number as 3060-XXXX.
Obligation to Notify if Excluded
If you are an FCC program participant who is currently excluded on the effective date of these rules, you must notify the Commission of that status; if you are later suspended or debarred by another federal agency, you must notify the Commission within 30 days. These notifications are required to avoid distributing federal funds to ineligible participants.
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
2026-20607, Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to review and comment on their paperwork plans to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want feedback by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the time and hassle of filling out forms. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and save everyone time and money.
2026-20590, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for your thoughts on how it collects info about radiofrequency safety rules. This affects individuals, businesses, and governments who must report or share info sometimes. They want to make the process easier and clearer, especially for small businesses, and need your comments by December 7, 2026.
2026-20591, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for TV stations using Next Gen TV technology to make sure they're not too tricky or time-consuming. Businesses, governments, and nonprofits involved with local TV broadcasts might need to share info, but the FCC wants to keep it simple and clear. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 7, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-20676, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for cable companies and local governments to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps keep things fair and smooth for everyone involved.
2026-20681, Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork update aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your thoughts by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep everything running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.
2026-20464, Radio Broadcasting Services; Selmer, Tennessee
The FCC is removing a vacant FM radio channel (288A) in Selmer, Tennessee, because it’s too close to another station and breaks spacing rules. This change affects radio broadcasters and helps keep the airwaves clear and fair. The rule takes effect on November 12, 2026, with no costs involved for the public.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-17207, Application for Final Commitment for a Long-Term Loan or Financial Guarantee in Excess of $100 Million: AP300125XX
This Notice is to inform the public, in accordance with the Export-Import Bank Act of 1945, as amended, the Export-Import Bank of the United States ("EXIM") has received an application for final commitment for a long-term loan or financial guarantee in excess of $100 million. Comments received within the comment period specified below will be presented to the EXIM Board of Directors prior to final action on this Transaction.
Next: 2026-17210, 60-Day Notice of Proposed Information Collection: Capital Advance Section 811 Grant Application for Supportive Housing for Persons With Disabilities
HUD is seeking approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the information collection described below. In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act, HUD is requesting comment from all interested parties on the proposed collection of information. The purpose of this notice is to allow for 60 days of public comment.