FCC Asks: Is Our Data Collection Too Burdensome?
Published Date: 9/10/2026
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.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Paperwork Burden and Cost Estimates
The FCC estimates 4,171 respondents and 4,223 responses for this information collection, with total annual burden of 37,129 hours and an annual cost burden of $7,159,040. The notice invites public comment on the collection and sets a PRA comment deadline of November 9, 2026.
Baseline Licenses and Easier Modifications
Under the Second Report and Order released August 8, 2025 (FCC 25-48), earth station operators may receive a baseline license without identifying a specific satellite point of communication and can more easily add or remove identified points of communication. The Order also expands the list of license modifications that do not require prior Commission authorization.
Faster Renewals and Longer Filing Windows
The Commission adopted a 30-day shot clock for earth station renewal applications and also expanded timeframes to file license renewal applications for earth stations and replacement applications for NGSO space stations, as described in the August 8, 2025 Second Report and Order. These changes alter how quickly the FCC processes renewals and how long applicants have to file.
New NGSO/GSO Protection and Certification Rules
The Report and Order released May 1, 2026 (FCC 26-26) replaces the EPFD framework with performance-based GSO protection criteria. As relevant here, an NGSO FSS applicant must either certify it has completed coordination with any operational co-frequency GSO network or submit a compatibility showing using a degraded throughput methodology for Commission approval.
Temporary Authority for Non‑U.S. Grantees
The August 8, 2025 Second Report and Order provides that non-U.S. licensed market access grantees can receive the equivalent of a grant of special temporary authority (STA). This gives those grantees a pathway to temporary operational authority under FCC rules.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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