FCC Deletes More Obsolete Rules in Effort to Cut Red Tape and Improve Modern Network Deployment

In its latest installment of the “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding, the Federal Communications Commission voted to remove a number of outdated procedures by rescinding obsolete provisions relating to the FCC’s Office of Economics and Analytics and the Office of International Affairs, cutting unnecessary regulatory burdens so licensees can move faster and focus on modern network deployment. The identified 18 rules targeted for removal cover over 6,400 words and more than 10 pages in the Code of Federal Regulations.  To eliminate unnecessary burdens faced by the public, the FCC’s “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding has sought comment on every rule, regulation, or guidance document for possible rescission.  The proceeding has produced overwhelming public comment and constructive feedback that will be considered both in Delete and other proceedings. This Direct Final Rule is the FCC’s seventh in the series to modernize the Commission’s regulatory framework.  In December, the FCC approved the deletion of 36 rules on long-forgotten technologies that regulate obsolete equipment like analog cable receivers and long-gone cordless phones.  The FCC has been focused on eliminating outdated rules since the “Delete, Delete, Delete” proceeding began last summer which has resulted in reduced regulatory unnecessary burdens, accelerated infrastructure deployment, promoted network modernization, spurred innovation, and streamlined the regulatory process.