FCC begs for comments on its endless forms
Published Date: 9/29/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 4 costs, 1 mixed.
New Space Launch Services licensing steps
Commercial space launch operators must apply for a non-exclusive 10-year nationwide spectrum license via FCC Form 601, select a new Space Launch Services radio service code, and use a new Schedule P to register launch sites and stations. For each launch, operators must complete third-party frequency coordination and then register final approved technical and operating parameters in the Universal Licensing System before the launch.
900 MHz license application changes
The FCC will revise FCC Form 601 to add a new radio service code for 900 MHz broadband and to accept Schedule N and updated Eligibility Certification and Transition Plan attachments to allow both 3/3 and 5/5 MHz broadband applications. The form will also include a new question requiring applicants to address any spectrum shortfall related to the anti-windfall payment requirement.
License reaggregation application requirements
Licensees seeking to reaggregate geographic-area wireless licenses must file a license modification using FCC Form 601 and include five specific attachments: (1) certification of prerequisites, (2) electronic map and table of licenses, (3) certification that licenses share the same FCC Registration Number, (4) per-license list of special conditions, and (5) per-license list of waivers (or a waiver filing statement).
DSRC shutdown and C-V2X updates
Dedicated Short Range Communications (DSRC) stations must discontinue operations in the 5895-5925 MHz portion of the band by December 14, 2026, and no new DSRC station license applications were accepted after February 11, 2025. The FCC proposes removing DSRC references from FCC Form 601 and adding support for cellular vehicle-to-everything (C-V2X) service in the form and ULS database; the Commission anticipates these form updates will not increase burden or cost.
IP CTS user registration and two-week service grace
For Internet Protocol Captioned Telephone Service (IP CTS), providers must submit user registration information to the TRS User Registration Database so users can be verified. Providers may provide compensable service to a new IP CTS user for up to two weeks after submitting the user's information if the user's identity is verified within that period. The Commission also amended registration and verification to facilitate registering IP CTS users in carceral facilities.
Small businesses invited to cut paperwork
The FCC is asking for public comment on its paperwork collections and specifically requests ideas on how to reduce the information-collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. Comments must be submitted by October 29, 2026 at www.reginfo.gov and by email to the FCC contacts listed in the notice.
EBS programming question removed from Form 601
Consistent with prior rule changes eliminating the Educational Broadband Service (EBS) programming requirement in Sec. 27.1203, the FCC proposes to remove Question 54 from FCC Form 601 that asked EBS applicants whether they comply with the former programming requirements.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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