According to a Federal Register Notice, the FCC is seeking comments regarding potential changes to the Form 498. Proposed changes to the 498 include:
Adding an additional field for a company’s Federal Registration Number (FRN);
Adding a column for the Study Area Code Company Name;
Adding the ability for a carrier to designate an alternate bank account for the payment of BEAR funds;
Adding a box and supplemental sheet that allows respondents to include information about affiliates;
Updating the Principal Communications Types to include additional business types as listed on the FCC Form 499-A;
Adding a box on the form that will allow service providers to cease participation in an associated program without having to deactivate their entire SPIN.
Comments to the proposed changes are due on September 18, 2012