FCC Seeks Comments on Another Paperwork Collection
Published Date: 10/19/2026
Notice
Summary
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork collection they want to keep or change. They especially want ideas to make things easier for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by November 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 1 mixed.
Relocation deadlines and reimbursement rules
The Commission requires new Upper C-band licensees to reimburse eligible incumbent Fixed Satellite Service (FSS) operators for reasonable and necessary transition costs as part of a relocation framework. The Order sets a Primary Transition Deadline of December 30, 2030 for the top 75 Partial Economic Areas (PEAs) and a Final Transition Deadline of June 30, 2031 for the remaining PEAs; terrestrial wireless operations may begin July 1, 2031 or once Certifications of Completion are validated and associated incentive payments have been made.
Real-time auction-communication disclosure
The Upper C-band Clearinghouse and the Relocation Coordinator must make real-time disclosures of the content, timing, and parties to communications with or from auction applicants whenever the auction-related communications prohibition applies (per 47 CFR 27.1413(c)(10) and 27.1414(c)(4)(i)). The FCC has submitted a new information collection (OMB Control Number 3060-XXXX) covering this requirement, estimating 2 respondents, up to 12 responses, 1 hour per response, and a total annual burden of 12 hours.
Auction and licensing timeline
Congress directed that licenses for the 3.98–4.2 GHz band be granted no later than July 4, 2027, and the Commission tentatively scheduled the competitive bidding (auction) to begin in April 2027. This sets a concrete timetable for entities planning to bid for new Upper C-band licenses.
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
2026-21484, Establishment of the 4.9 GHz Band Manager Selection Federal Advisory Committee
The FCC is setting up a new advisory committee to pick the best manager for the 4.9 GHz band, which helps public safety communications run smoothly. This group will review applications and recommend who should coordinate this important radio space, making sure it stays up-to-date and useful. The committee will work for up to one year, helping keep our communities safer with better tech.
2026-21280, Wireless Telecommunications Bureau Seeks Comment on Proposed Rebate Categories and Amounts for Radio Altimeter Retrofits To Support the Upper C-band Transition
The FCC wants your thoughts on how to give rebates to airplane owners who need to upgrade their radio altimeters. This upgrade is required by the FAA to make room for new wireless services in the Upper C-band. Comments are open until October 26, 2026, and this rebate plan will help cover retrofit costs for affected aircraft owners.
2026-21347, Modernizing the Commission's National Environmental Policy Act Rules
The FCC wants to speed up and simplify how it checks the environmental impact of building communication towers and other infrastructure. They’re asking for ideas on how to make these reviews cheaper and faster, especially around historic sites and endangered species rules. If you’re involved in building or managing communication networks, get ready to share your thoughts by November 18, 2026!
2026-21324, Upper C-Band (3.98-4.2 GHz); Expanding Flexible Use of the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz Band
The FCC is making new rules official for companies using the 3.7 to 4.2 GHz band, especially those running space stations and earth stations. These changes help clear up reporting requirements and set deadlines for payments and transitions, affecting over 3,000 businesses. The new rules kick in on October 19, 2026, aiming to speed up flexible use of this valuable spectrum while keeping things fair and organized.
2026-21352, Privacy Act System of Records
The FCC is updating its records system for the National Deaf-Blind Equipment Distribution Program to better track who’s involved and prevent fraud. This affects state programs and others applying for certification to help distribute special equipment. Changes take effect October 19, 2026, with a chance to comment by November 18, 2026, and no new costs are expected.
2026-21313, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on a paperwork process that helps keep phone calls secure by managing special ID tokens. Businesses that handle these tokens need to report occasionally, and the FCC wants your thoughts on making this easier and clearer. Comments are due by December 18, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the rules and reduce hassle!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-21322, Agency Information Collection Activity Under OMB Review: Income and Asset Statement in Support of Claim for Pension or Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation (D.I.C.)
The VA is renewing its form that helps veterans and their families report medical expenses to get the right pension or benefits. If you’re applying for or updating your claim for pension or Parents' Dependency and Indemnity Compensation, this form affects you. Comments on this update are open until November 18, 2026, and filling out the form takes about 30 minutes.
Next: 2026-21327, Information Collection Requirement; Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) Part 215 Negotiation
The Department of Defense wants to keep collecting info from businesses involved in contract negotiations under DFARS Part 215 for three more years. This helps DoD manage contracts better and affects about 193 companies, each spending around 4 hours on this yearly. Comments on this plan are open until December 18, 2026, so speak up if you have ideas to make it easier or clearer!