Due to the partial government shutdown that began on October 1, 2025, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has suspended most operations. In a Public Notice, the FCC outlined the following impacts on the agency and those that rely on it:
What is still operating:
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- Limited systems remain accessible, including NORS, DIRS, CORES, EDOCS, ECFS, and the Broadcast Data Collection (BDC) Portal. Most systems will not have support staff available. Other systems and databases may not be available.
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- Spectrum auction systems and deadlines continue under Section 309(j) (due to independent auction funding).
What is paused:
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- Licensing (including renewals and transfers of control), rulemakings, non-urgent enforcement matters, consumer complaint handling, and most other filings.
Deadlines:
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- Filings due during the shutdown will be extended until the first business day after the FCC reopens. Exceptions: NORS and DIRS filings, spectrum auction activities (Section 309(j)), and provider responses to BDC fixed/mobile challenges or verification/audit requests.
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- Enforcement matter deadlines remain in effect unless the Enforcement Bureau has contacted a party directly regarding case-specific deadlines.
Backlogs:
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- Expect possible delays and slower processing once operations resume.
What You Should Do:
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- File time-sensitive matters as soon as possible using available systems. For filings made during the shutdown, once the agency re-opens, contact staff to confirm receipt.
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- Anticipate longer approval timelines and delays in Commission actions.
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- Continue meeting obligations that do not require FCC filings (such as public filing updates and website postings).
For questions about how the shutdown may affect your specific filings or compliance obligations, please contact Sherry Ross at Lerman Senter.
