November 2025

FCC to Delete 21 Obsolete Rules

The Federal Communications Commission took action to move forward with the deletion of approximately 21 rules and requirements, totaling 2,927 words and covering 7 pages in the Code of Federal Regulations, that plainly no longer serve the public interest. This marks the latest action in the Commission’s “In re: Delete, Delete, Delete” docket, which seeks public input on identifying FCC rules for the purpose of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens.

FCC Announces Plan to Modernize Telecommunications Relay Services

The Federal Communications Commission announced a plan to modernize Telecommunications Relay Services through a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking information about how these services can continue to be delivered efficiently in the current IP-based environment.

FCC Proposes Upper C-Band Rules for 2027 Auction

The Federal Communications Commission took a step toward releasing a large swath of mid-band spectrum for America’s innovators when it voted to propose rules for 5G and 6G services in the Upper C-band (3.98-4.2 GHz). This proceeding will examine a range of options for the Upper C-band, including auctioning up to 180 megahertz, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the amount of spectrum for next-gen wireless services as generational aviation safety upgrades occur in the adjacent band. This item represents a milestone in implementing the spectrum provisions of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

What Did the FCC Just Do to California?

On November 20, the Federal Communications Commission's Wireline Competition Bureau released its decision to change how the Lifeline program is run in California. Specifically, the FCC decided to remove California's special permission to use its own Lifeline eligibility verification system instead of the federal system (the National Lifeline Accountability Database and  Lifeline National Eligibility Verifier). Starting February 1, 2026, California will lose its special permission to check eligibility for federal Lifeline applications using its own state system. Instead:

Federal Government Approves Texas Broadband Development Office’s $1.3 Billion Proposal to Provide High-Speed Internet Access Statewide

Acting Texas Comptroller Kelly Hancock announced that Texas’ final proposal for the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program, a roadmap for investing approximately $1.3 billion to close the state’s digital divide, has been approved by the federal government.

Analysis

What Did the FCC Just Do to California?

Benton Institute for Broadband & Society

Thursday, November 20, 2025

NTIA Announces Approval of Texas’ BEAD Final Proposal

The Department of Commerce’s National Telecommunications and Information Administration announced the approval of Texas’ Final Proposal to deliver universal broadband access throughout the state through the Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment program. The announcement makes Texas the 19th Final Proposal approved to date. Nineteen states and territories have been approved by NTIA, generating savings of $8 billion. In total, 53 of the 56 states and territories have submitted Final Proposals.

FCC Launches Review Of Network-Affiliate Relationships

Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr announced a review of the relationships between broadcast networks and their affiliates, calling into question contractual restrictions that penalize stations for pre-empting shows and those that prevent them from airing rival programming.