More FCC paperwork pleading for public pity
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is asking the public and other agencies to help review and improve a paperwork process to make it easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your comments by October 29, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep things running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
One‑time IPCS data report required
If your company provides incarcerated people’s communications services (IPCS), you must file a one-time mandatory data submission using FCC Form 2303(a) and 2303(b). The collection is for 30 respondents with an estimated 165 hours per response (total annual burden 4,950 hours), requires an audited financial statement for calendar year 2025 and a signed certification, is required to obtain or retain benefits, and is filed through the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System.
Data will support permanent IPCS rate caps
The FCC’s 2026 Mandatory Data Collection is being used so the Commission can set permanent rate caps for audio and video incarcerated people’s communications services under the Martha Wright‑Reed Act. The Commission delegated this task to the Wireline Competition Bureau and the Office of Economics and Analytics, and the 2026 Mandatory Data Collection Order was released on September 21, 2026.
FCC asks small businesses to suggest burden reductions
The FCC invites public comment (due October 29, 2026) and specifically requests suggestions on how to further reduce paperwork burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002. Comments must be submitted at www.reginfo.gov and also sent to specified FCC contacts.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-19922, 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 some paperwork they want to collect. They especially want ideas on how to make things easier for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by October 29, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape these rules and reduce hassle!
2026-19920, Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, September 30, 2026
The FCC is holding an open meeting on September 30, 2026, to update rules that affect how they review environmental impacts and to free up more airwaves for satellite and mobile internet. These changes will speed up approvals and add over 1,000 megahertz of spectrum, boosting innovation and connectivity for everyone. If you want to attend, you’ll need to pass security checks, but you can also watch live online.
2026-19915, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on a form that businesses and nonprofits fill out about equal job opportunities in broadcasting. They want your thoughts on how to make this paperwork easier and clearer, especially for small businesses. If you have ideas or concerns, speak up by November 30, 2026—this helps keep the process smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-19917, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Connecticut’s Department of Social Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline, a program that helps low-income folks get discounted internet and phone service. This new data-matching program starts on October 29, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to cut down fraud and make sure help goes to the right people. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by October 29, 2026.
2026-19910, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking businesses and local governments to help review their paperwork rules for managing the 800 MHz radio band to reduce interference. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier and clearer, especially for small businesses. Comments are due by November 30, 2026, and this review won’t cost anyone extra but aims to save time and hassle.
2026-19918, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Georgia’s Department of Human Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline, a program that helps low-income folks get cheaper internet and phone service. This new data-matching program starts on October 29, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to stop fraud while making sure help goes to the right people. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are open until October 29, 2026.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-19918, Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Georgia’s Department of Human Services to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline, a program that helps low-income folks get cheaper internet and phone service. This new data-matching program starts on October 29, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to stop fraud while making sure help goes to the right people. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are open until October 29, 2026.
Next: 2026-19920, Sunshine Act; Open Commission Meeting Wednesday, September 30, 2026
The FCC is holding an open meeting on September 30, 2026, to update rules that affect how they review environmental impacts and to free up more airwaves for satellite and mobile internet. These changes will speed up approvals and add over 1,000 megahertz of spectrum, boosting innovation and connectivity for everyone. If you want to attend, you’ll need to pass security checks, but you can also watch live online.