Federal Register #2026-12234

FCC Proposes 2026 Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), through its Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics, is seeking public comment on a proposed 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for Incarcerated People's Communications Services (IPCS). - Government Buyer: - Federal Communications Commission (FCC) - Wireline Competition Bureau - Office of Economics and Analytics - Purpose: - Gather data from IPCS providers to inform the establishment of permanent rate caps for audio and video communications services for incarcerated individuals - Streamline and simplify reporting requirements, especially for small entities - Products/Services Requested: - One-time data collection service covering calendar year 2025 - Providers must report on company and contract information, revenues, cost allocations, payment processing services, safety and security measures, and payments to correctional facilities - Notable Requirements: - Elimination of ancillary service charges reporting - Simplified cost allocation reporting - Focus on reducing reporting burden for small entities - 90-day response window for providers after order adoption - No specific OEMs or commercial vendors are named, as this is a request for information and comment rather than a procurement of goods or services

Description

The Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau and Office of Economics and Analytics seek public comment on the proposed 2026 Mandatory Data Collection for incarcerated people's communications services (IPCS). The proposal aims to modify previous data collection efforts to obtain necessary data for setting permanent rate caps for audio and video IPCS while reducing reporting burdens on providers. The data collection includes updated instructions, templates, and certification forms, with a focus on streamlining reporting requirements and refining data categories. Comments are due by July 17, 2026, with reply comments due by August 3, 2026.

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