FCC Reviews Phone Number Paperwork Burden for Businesses
Published Date: 1/20/2026
Notice
Summary
The FCC is checking in on a paperwork process that businesses must follow to keep phone number use fair and clear. They want your thoughts on how to make this easier, especially for small businesses, before March 23, 2026. This review won’t cost extra but asks about the time it takes—about 33 hours per business—to keep things running smoothly.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Mandatory FCC Numbering Audits
If your for-profit business (carriers that use telephone numbering resources) is selected for a random FCC audit under Section 52.15(k), you must respond and spend about 33 hours per response. The notice estimates 10 respondents, a total annual burden of 330 hours, and the obligation to respond is mandatory under 47 U.S.C. 251.
Risk of Penalties and Enforcement
Audited carriers that fail to respond to the FCC’s numbering audits can face penalties, and audit findings may lead to enforcement action based on the final audit report. The audits verify accuracy of FCC Form 502 and monitor compliance with FCC rules.
Request for Comments to Reduce Burden
The FCC is asking for public comments on ways to reduce the paperwork burden, including ways to further reduce burden on small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due on or before March 23, 2026.
Time Burden But No Direct Monetary Cost
The FCC estimates the collection imposes no direct annual monetary cost but does impose a total annual time burden of 330 hours (33 hours per response for 10 respondents). The notice lists "Total Annual Cost: No cost."
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-06535 — Notice Debarment; Federal E-Rate Program
Peretz Klein is banned from the federal E-Rate program and all related federal support programs for three years starting April 3, 2026 (or when he gets the official letter). This means he can’t take part in these programs that help schools and libraries get funding for internet and technology. The ban aims to keep the program fair and protect taxpayer money.
2026-06531 — Lifeline and Link Up Reform and Modernization; Bridging the Digital Divide for Low-Income Consumers; Telecommunications Carriers Eligible for Universal Service Support; Affordable Connectivity Program; Emergency Broadband Benefit Program
The FCC is updating rules to make sure low-income Americans get the Lifeline and Affordable Connectivity programs they need without waste or fraud. These changes will protect funding, help service providers follow the rules, and make the programs easier to use. If you want to share your thoughts, comments are due by May 4, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-06241 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules for businesses using Class B Automatic Identification System (AIS) equipment, which helps with marine safety. They want to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. If you have thoughts, speak up by June 1, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and clear without costing extra time or money.
2026-06240 — Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want to keep collecting important info but reduce the hassle, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are open until May 1, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape the rules and save time!
2026-06224 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and other agencies to help reduce paperwork by reviewing their information collection process. They want to know if the info they collect is useful, clear, and not too much work—especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you have thoughts, send them in by June 1, 2026, to help shape smarter, simpler rules without extra costs or hassle.
2026-06227 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until June 1, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00890 — Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on some paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses. They want your thoughts on how to keep things clear, easy, and helpful before March 23, 2026. If you’re a business that deals with inside wiring info, this could affect you and might save you time and hassle!
Next: 2026-00892 — Relocation of DOT's Docket Operations Office
The Department of Transportation is moving its Docket Operations Office to a new spot at 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Suite W58-213, starting January 2, 2026. This change affects all DOT agencies and keeps business hours the same, with no extra costs announced. Deliveries will switch locations on January 2, so everyone should update their records and plans accordingly.
Take It Personal
Get Your Personalized Policy View
Start a Free Government Policy Watch to see how policy affects your household, then upgrade to PRIA Full Coverage for year-round monitoring.
Already have an account? Sign in