FCC Asks: How to Cut Paperwork for Small Biz Comms?
Published Date: 9/4/2026
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: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Enhanced A-CAM cybersecurity compliance
If you are an Enhanced A-CAM carrier, you had to implement operational cybersecurity and supply chain risk management plans by January 1, 2024 and submit those plans to USAC and certify submission by February 12, 2024. If you fail to submit and certify, 25% of your monthly support is withheld until you comply; if you change your plan substantively, you must submit the updated plan to USAC within 30 days.
A-CAM support extended to 15 years
The Commission extended the term of support for electing carriers by 10 years beyond the remaining five years for a total of 15 years, and set a methodology to provide support for locations without 100/20 Mbps broadband within a potential budget of no more than $1.27 billion annually, or no more than $1.33 billion annually if certain conditions are met. The program supports deployment of 100/20 Mbps in rural areas and applies to carriers receiving A-CAM or eligible legacy support by the end of 2028.
Paperwork burden: 27,000 hours
The FCC estimates this collection covers 450 respondents and 900 responses, with each response taking about 10 to 50 hours and a total annual burden of 27,000 hours. The collection is required to obtain or retain Enhanced A-CAM benefits and has no reported annual monetary cost.
FCC seeks input to reduce small-business burden
The FCC asks for specific comments on how to further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees; written comments are due October 5, 2026. The request targets ways to minimize reporting time or adopt automated collection techniques for small businesses.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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