FCC Notice on Telecommunications Reporting Worksheets and Related Collections

Regs.gov: Federal Communications Commission

Published March 12th, 2026

Detected March 14th, 2026

Summary

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a notice and is requesting comments on the extension of an existing information collection, specifically FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q. The comment period closes on May 11, 2026.

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What changed

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is seeking public comment on the extension of its information collection requirements related to Telecommunications Reporting Worksheets (FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q). This action, under the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA), aims to assess the necessity, utility, and accuracy of the current data collection, which is mandatory for businesses and non-profits contributing to federal universal service and other funds. The FCC is also soliciting feedback on minimizing burdens, particularly for small businesses.

Regulated entities, including businesses and non-profit institutions, are encouraged to submit written comments by May 11, 2026, to Nicole Ongele at PRA@fcc.gov or nicole.ongele@fcc.gov. The FCC is particularly interested in feedback regarding the accuracy of burden estimates, enhancing data quality, and reducing collection burdens through technology. Failure to comply with collections displaying a valid OMB control number (3060-0855) can result in penalties.

What to do next

Submit written comments on the information collection by May 11, 2026.
Review FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q for accuracy and utility.
Provide feedback on minimizing collection burdens, especially for small businesses.

Penalties

No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

Source document (simplified)

Content

ACTION:

Notice and request for comments.

SUMMARY:

As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995,
the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or the Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take
this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. 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.

DATES:

Written PRA comments should be submitted on or before May 11, 2026. If you anticipate that you will be submitting comments,
but find it difficult to do so within the period of time allowed by this notice, you should advise the contact listed below
as soon as possible.

ADDRESSES:

Direct all PRA comments to Nicole Ongele, FCC, via email PRA@fcc.gov and to nicole.ongele@fcc.gov.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

For additional information about the information collection, contact Nicole Ongele, (202) 418-2991.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

The FCC may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person
shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display
a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.

OMB Control Number: 3060-0855.

Title: Telecommunications Reporting Worksheets and Related Collections, FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q.

Form Number(s): FCC Forms 499-A and 499-Q.

Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.

Respondents: Business or other for profit and not-for-profit institutions.

Number of Respondents and Responses: 8,000 respondents; 40,300 responses.

Estimated Time per Response: 0.25 hours-25 hours.

Frequency of Response: Annually, quarterly, recordkeeping and on occasion reporting requirements.

Obligation To Respond: Mandatory. Statutory authority for this collection of information is contained in 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155, 157, 159, 201,
205, 214, 225, 254, 303(r), 715 and 719 of the Act, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 155, 157, 159, 201, 205, 214, 225, 254,
303(r), 616, and 620.

Total Annual Burden: 250,850 hours.

Total Annual Cost: No cost.

Needs and Uses: This information collection requires contributors to the federal universal service fund, telecommunications relay service
fund, and numbering administration to file, pursuant to sections 151, 225, 251 and 254 of the Act, a Telecommunications Reporting
Worksheet on an annual basis (FCC Form 499-A and/or on a quarterly basis (FCC Form 499-Q). The information is also used to
calculate FCC regulatory fees for interstate telecommunications service providers.

Federal Communications Commission.

Marlene Dortch, Secretary, Office of the Secretary. [FR Doc. 2026-04795 Filed 3-11-26; 8:45 am] BILLING CODE 6712-01-P