Notice2026-08269
Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 29, 2026
Issuing agencies
Federal Communications Commission
Abstract
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, 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. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it can further reduce the information collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
Full Text
<html>
<head>
<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)</title>
</head>
<body><pre>
[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 82 (Wednesday, April 29, 2026)]
[Notices]
[Pages 23094-23097]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-08269]
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
[OMB 3060-1035; FR ID 343192]
Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to
Office of Management and Budget
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Notice and request for comments.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY: As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens,
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. Pursuant to the Small Business
Paperwork Relief Act of 2002, the FCC seeks specific comment on how it
can further reduce the information collection burden for small business
concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
DATES: Written comments and recommendations for the proposed
information collection should be submitted on or before May 29, 2026.
ADDRESSES: Comments should be sent to <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>. Find this particular information collection by selecting
``Currently under 30-day Review--Open for Public Comments'' or by using
the search function. Your comment must be submitted into
<a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a> per the above instructions for it to be considered. In
addition to submitting in <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov">www.reginfo.gov</a> also send a copy of your
comment on the proposed information collection to Cathy Williams, FCC,
via email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#6b3b392a2b0d0808450c041d"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b1e1e3f0f1d7d2d29fd6dec7">[email protected]</span></a> and to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#c98aa8bda1b0e79ea0a5a5a0a8a4ba89afaaaae7aea6bf"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="92d1f3e6faebbcc5fbfefefbf3ffe1d2f4f1f1bcf5fde4">[email protected]</span></a>. Include in the
comments the OMB control number as shown in the SUPPLEMENTARY
INFORMATION below.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For additional information or copies
of the information collection, contact Cathy Williams at (202) 418-
2918. To view a copy of this information collection request (ICR)
submitted to OMB: (1) go to the web page <a href="http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain">http://www.reginfo.gov/public/do/PRAMain</a>, (2) look for the section of the web page called ``Currently
Under Review,'' (3) click on the downward-pointing arrow in the
``Select Agency'' box below the ``Currently Under Review'' heading, (4)
select ``Federal Communications Commission'' from the list of agencies
presented in the ``Select Agency'' box, (5) click the ``Submit'' button
to the right of the ``Select Agency'' box, (6) when the list of FCC
ICRs currently under review appears, look for the Title of this ICR and
then click on the ICR Reference Number. A copy of the FCC submission to
OMB will be displayed.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a
collection of information unless it displays a currently valid Office
of Management and Budget (OMB) 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 OMB
control number.
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, as
required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-
3520), the FCC invited the general public and other Federal Agencies to
take this opportunity to comment on the following information
collection. Comments are requested concerning: (a) 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; (b) the accuracy of the Commission's
burden estimates; (c) ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity
of the information collected; and (d) 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. Pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork Relief Act of
2002, Public Law 107-198, see 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4), the FCC seeks
specific comment on how it might ``further reduce the information
collection burden for small business concerns with fewer than 25
employees.''
OMB Control No.: 3060-1035.
Title: Part 73, Subpart F International Broadcast Stations.
Form No.: FCC Forms 309-IBFS, 310-IBFS, 311-IBFS, and 426.
Type of Review: Extension of a currently approved collection.
Respondents: Business or other for-profit entities.
Number of Respondents/Responses: 258 respondents; 258 responses.
Estimated Time per Response: 2-720 hours.
Frequency of Response: Recordkeeping requirement; On
[[Page 23095]]
occasion, semi-annual, weekly and annual reporting requirements.
Obligation To Respond: Required to obtain or retain benefits. The
statutory authority for this information collection is contained in
Sections 1, 4(i), 301, 303, 307, 308(b) 334, 336, 554 of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 301,
303, 307, 308(b), 334, 336, 554, and Part 73 of the Commission's rules.
Total Annual Burden: 20,125 hours.
Annual Cost Burden: $123,230.
Needs and Uses: The Federal Communications Commission
(``Commission'') is requesting that the Office of Management and Budget
(OMB) approve a revision of the information collection titled ``Part
73, Subpart F International Broadcast Stations'' under OMB Control No.
3060-1035.
The Commission has updated the International Bureau Filing System
(IBFS) to allow for filing of electronic forms directly into the system
through an integrated web-based program with fillable fields. The
integrated web-based program requires the use of an FCC Registration
Number (FRN) and includes support for Form 309-IBFS, 310-IBFS, and 311-
IBFS. The new system also includes a standardized form to file
frequency requests, Form 426, which were previously done through email
correspondence and approved as part of this collection. Applicants will
be required to submit these forms through the integrated web-based
program. Filing through the web-based program will reduce the burden
hours on the on applicants. Therefore, this information collection is
being revised to reflect the new form format for Forms 309-IBFS, 310-
IBFS and 311-IBFS, the new Form 426, and changes in costs associated
with the automated functions of the forms.
On July 13, 2021, the Commission released an Order titled, ``In the
Matter of Mandatory Electronic Filing of Section 325(c) Applications,
International Broadcast Applications, and Dominant Carrier Section
63.10(c) Quarterly Reports'' (FCC 21-87). Over the past decades, the
Commission has made significant progress to upgrade and modernize its
filing systems and procedures. The purpose of this Order is to require
that any remaining applications and reports administered by the
International Bureau and filed on paper or through an alternative
filing process be filed only electronically through the Commission's
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).
The information collected pursuant to the rules set forth in 47 CFR
part 73 Subpart F is used by the Commission to assign frequencies for
use by international broadcast stations, to grant authority to operate
such stations, and to determine if interference or adverse propagation
conditions exists that may impact the operation of such stations. If
the Commission did not collect this information, it would not be in a
position to effectively coordinate spectrum for international
broadcasters or to act for entities in times of frequency interference
or adverse propagation conditions. The orderly nature of the provision
of international broadcast service would be in jeopardy without the
Commission's involvement.
The full title and purpose of each application are summarized
below:
1. Application for Authority to Construct or Make Changes in an
International, Experimental Television, Experimental Facsimile, or a
Developmental Broadcast Station (FCC Form 309-IBFS)--The FCC Form 309-
IBFS is filed on occasion when the applicant is requesting authority to
construct or make modifications to the international broadcast station.
2. Application for an International, Experimental Television,
Experimental Facsimile, or a Developmental Broadcast Station License
(FCC Form 310-IBFS)--The FCC Form 310-IBFS is filed on occasion when
the applicant is submitting an application for a new international
broadcast station.
3. Application for Renewal of an International or Experimental
Broadcast Station License (FCC Form 311-IBFS)--The FCC Form 311-IBFS is
filed by applicants who are requesting renewal of their international
broadcast station licenses.
4. Application for International High Frequency Broadcasting--
Frequency Coordination Request (Form 426)--The FCC Form 426 is filed by
applicants who are requesting frequencies for an upcoming broadcast
season.
As part of and in addition to the FCC Forms 309-IBFS, 310-IBFS and
311-IBFS, this information collection includes the following
collections of information:
1. 47 CFR 1.1301 through 1.1319 cover certifications of compliance
with the National Environmental Policy Act and how the public will be
protected from radio frequency radiation hazards.
2. 47 CFR 73.702(a) states that six months prior to the start of
each season, licensees and permittees shall by informal written
request, submitted to the Commission electronically in the
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS), indicate for the season the
frequency or frequencies desired for transmission to each zone or area
of reception specified in the license or permit, the specific hours
during which it desires to transmit to such zones or areas on each
frequency, and the power, antenna gain, and antenna bearing it desires
to use. Requests will be honored to the extent that interference and
propagation conditions permit and that they are otherwise in accordance
with the provisions of section 47 CFR 73.702(a).
3. 47 CFR 73.702(b) states that two months before the start of each
season, the licensee or permittee must electronically inform the
Commission in IBFS as to whether it plans to operate in accordance with
the Commission's authorization or operate in another manner.
4. 47 CFR 73.702(c) permits entities to file requests for changes
to their original request electronically in IBFS for assignment and use
of frequencies if they are able to show good cause. Because
international broadcasters are assigned frequencies on a seasonal
basis, as opposed to the full term of their eight-year license
authorization, requests for changes need to be filed by entities on
occasion.
5. 47 CFR 73.702(d) (note) states that permittees who during the
process of construction wish to engage in equipment tests shall by
informal written request, submitted to the Commission in IBFS not less
than 30 days before they desire to begin such testing, indicate the
frequencies they desire to use for testing and the hours they desire to
use those frequencies.
6. 47 CFR 73.702(e) states within 14 days after the end of each
season, each licensee or permittee must file a report with the
Commission electronically in IBFS, stating whether the licensee or
permittee has operated the number of frequency hours authorized by the
seasonal schedule to each of the zones or areas of reception specified
in the schedule.
7. 47 CFR 73.702(h)(2) states that International Broadcast Stations
must submit sufficient antenna performance information electronically
in IBFS to ensure that during the hours of 0800-1600 UTC (Coordinated
Universal Time) antenna gain with reference to an isotropic radiator in
any easterly direction that would intersect any area in Region 2 shall
not exceed 2.15 dBi.
8. 47 CFR 73.702(i) Note 4 specifies that seasonal requests for
frequency-hours will be only for transmissions to zones or areas of
reception specified in the basic instrument of authorization. Changes
in such zones or areas will be made only on separate application for
modification of such instruments electronically in IBFS.
[[Page 23096]]
9. 47 CFR 73.702(j) requires a showing of good cause made
electronically in IBFS a licensee may be authorized to operate on more
than one frequency at any one time to transmit any one program to a
single zone or area of reception.
10. 47 CFR 73.702(m) requires a showing made electronically in IBFS
that good cause exists for not having its requested number of
frequency-hours reduced and that operation of its station without such
reduction would be consistent with the public interest may be
authorized the frequency-hours requested, when the total maximum number
of frequency-hours which will be authorized to all licensees of
international broadcasting stations during any one day for any season
is 100.
11. 47 CFR 73.713--Program Tests:
(a) Upon completion of construction of an international
broadcasting station in accordance with the terms of the construction
permit, the technical provisions of the application therefor, and the
rules and regulations and the applicable engineering standards, and
when an application for station license has been filed showing the
station to be in satisfactory operating condition, the permittee may
request authority to conduct program tests. Such request shall be
electronically filed with the FCC in the International Filing System
(IBFS) at least 10 days prior to the date on which it is desired to
begin such operation. All data necessary to show compliance with the
terms and conditions of the construction permit must be filed with the
license application.
(b) Program tests shall not commence until specific Commission
authority is received. The Commission reserves the right to change the
date of the beginning of such tests or to suspend or revoke the
authority for program tests as and when such action may appear to be in
the public interest, convenience, and necessity.
(c) Unless sooner suspended or revoked, program test authority
continues valid during Commission consideration of the application for
license and during this period further extension of the construction
permit is not required. Program test authority shall be automatically
terminated by final determination upon the application for station
license.
(d) All operation under program test authority shall be in strict
compliance with the rules governing international broadcasting stations
and in strict accordance with representations made in the application
for license pursuant to which the tests were authorized.
(e) The granting of program test authority shall not be construed
as approval by the Commission of the application for station license.
12. 47 CFR 73.731--Licensing requirements:
(a) A license for an international broadcasting station will be
issued only after a satisfactory showing has been made in regard to the
following, among others:
(1) That there is a need for the international broadcasting service
proposed to be rendered.
(2) That the necessary program sources are available to the
applicant to render the international service proposed.
(3) That the production of the program service and the technical
operation of the proposed station will be conducted by qualified
persons.
(4) That the applicant is legally, technically and financially
qualified and possesses adequate technical facilities to carry forward
the service proposed.
(5) That the public interest, convenience and necessity will be
served through the operation of the proposed station.
13. 47 CFR 73.732--Authorizations--Authorizations issued to
international broadcasting stations by the Commission will be
authorizations to permit the construction or use of a particular
transmitting equipment combination and related antenna systems for
international broadcasting, and to permit broadcasting to zones or
areas of reception specified on the instrument of authorization. The
authorizations will not specify the frequencies to be used or the hours
of use. Requests for frequencies and hours of use will be made by
electronic filing in the International Bureau Filing system (IBFS) as
provided in Sec. 73.702. Seasonal schedules, when issued pursuant to
the provisions of Sec. 73.702, will become attachments to and part of
the instrument of authorization, replacing any such prior attachments.
14. 47 CFR 73.759(c)(2) states that the transmission of regular
programs during maintenance or modification work on the main
transmitter, necessitating discontinuance of its operation for a period
not to exceed 5 days. (This includes the equipment changes which may be
made without authority as set forth elsewhere in the rules and
regulations or as authorized by the Commission by letter or by
construction permit. Where such operation is required for periods in
excess of 5 days, request therefor shall be made electronically in the
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS) in accordance with Sec.
73.3542 of this chapter.)
15. 47 CFR 73.759(d) states that the licensee or permittee must
keep records of the time and results of each auxiliary transmitter test
performed at least weekly.
16. 47 CFR 73.761 states that specific authority, upon electronic
filing of a formal application (FCC Form 309) therefor in the
International Bureau Filing System (IBFS), is required for some changes
specified in this section. Other changes, not specified in this
section, may be made at any time without the authority of the
Commission: Provided, that the Commission shall be immediately notified
electronically in IBFS thereof and such changes shall be shown in the
next application for renewal of license.
17. 47 CFR 73.762(b) requires that licensees notify the Commission
in by electronic filing in the International Bureau Filing System
(IBFS) of any limitation or discontinuance of operation of not more
than 10 days.
18. 47 CFR 73.762(c) states that the licensee or permittee must
request by electronic filing in IBFS and receive specific authority
from the Commission to discontinue operations for more than 10 days
under extenuating circumstances.
19. 47 CFR 73.782 requires that licensees retain logs of
international broadcast stations for two years. If it involves
communications incident to a disaster, logs should be retained as long
as required by the Commission.
20. 47 CFR 73.3533 Application for construction permit or
modification of construction permit.
(a) Application for construction permit, or modification of a
construction permit, for a new facility or change in an existing
facility is to be made on the following forms:
(1) FCC Form 301, ``Application for Authority to Construct or Make
Changes in an Existing Commercial Broadcast Station.''
(2) FCC Form 309, ``Application for Authority to Construct or Make
Changes in an Existing International or Experimental Broadcast
Stations.'' For International Broadcast Stations, applications shall be
filed electronically in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).
(3) [Reserved]
(4) FCC Form 340, ``Application for Authority to Construct or Make
Changes in a Noncommercial Educational Broadcast Station.''
(5) FCC Form 346, ``Application for Authority to Construct or Make
Changes in a Low Power TV, TV Translator or TV Booster Station.''
[[Page 23097]]
(6) FCC Form 349, ``Application for Authority to Construct or Make
Changes in an FM Translator or FM Booster Station.''
(7) FCC Form 318, ``Application for Construction Permit for a Low
Power FM Broadcast Station.''
(b) The filing of an application for modification of construction
permit does not extend the expiration date of the construction permit.
Extension of the expiration date must be applied for on FCC Form 307,
in accordance with the provisions of Sec. 73.3533.
(c) In each application referred to in paragraph (a) of this
section, the applicant will provide the Antenna Structure Registration
Number (FCC Form 854R) of the antenna structure upon which it will
locate its proposed antenna. In the event the antenna structure does
not already have a Registration Number, either the antenna structure
owner shall file FCC Form 854 (``Application for Antenna Structure
Registration'') in accordance with part 17 of this chapter or the
applicant shall provide a detailed explanation why registration and
clearance of the antenna structure is not necessary.
21. 47 CFR 73.3536(b)(2) Application for license to cover
construction permit.
(a) The application for station license shall be filed by the
permittee pursuant to the requirements of Sec. 73.1620 Program tests.
(b) The following application forms shall be used:
(1)
i. Form 302-AM for AM stations, ``Application for New AM Station
Broadcast License.''
ii. Form 302-FM for FM stations, ``Application for FM Station
License.''
iii. Form 302-TV for television stations, ``Application for TV
Station Broadcast License.''
(2) FCC Form 310, ``Application for an International or
Experimental Broadcast Station License.''
(3) [Reserved]
(4) FCC Form 347, ``Application for a Low Power TV, TV Translator
or TV Booster Station License.''
(5) FCC Form 350, ``Application for an FM Translator or FM Booster
Station License.''
(6) FCC Form 319, ``Application for a Low Power FM Broadcast
Station License.''
(c) Eligible low power television stations which have been granted
a certificate of eligibility may file FCC Form 302-CA, ``Application
for Class A Television Broadcast Station Construction Permit Or
License.''
22. 47 CFR 73.3539 Application for renewal of license.
(a) Unless otherwise directed by the FCC, an application for
renewal of license shall be filed not later than the first day of the
fourth full calendar month prior to the expiration date of the license
sought to be renewed, except that applications for renewal of license
of an experimental broadcast station shall be filed not later than the
first day of the second full calendar month prior to the expiration
date of the license sought to be renewed. If any deadline prescribed in
this paragraph falls on a nonbusiness day, the cutoff shall be the
close of business of the first full business day thereafter. For
International Broadcast Stations, applications shall be filed
electronically in the International Bureau Filing System (IBFS).
(b) No application for renewal of license of any broadcast station
will be considered unless there is on file with the FCC the information
currently required by Sec. Sec. 73.3612 through 73.3615, inclusive,
for the particular class of station.
(c) Whenever the FCC regards an application for a renewal of
license as essential to the proper conduct of a hearing or
investigation, and specifically directs that it be filed by a date
certain, such application shall be filed within the time thus
specified. If the licensee fails to file such application within the
prescribed time, the hearing or investigation shall proceed as if such
renewal application had been received.
(d) Renewal application forms titles and numbers are listed in
Sec. 73.3500, Application and Report Forms.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary, Office of the Secretary.
[FR Doc. 2026-08269 Filed 4-28-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
</pre><script data-cfasync="false" src="/cdn-cgi/scripts/5c5dd728/cloudflare-static/email-decode.min.js"></script></body>
</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 29, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.