FCC Deletes Obsolete Telegraph, Rabbit-Ear Receiver, Phone Booth Rules

The Federal Communications Commission voted to remove 11 outdated and useless rule provisions—covering 39 regulatory burdens, 7,194 words, and 16 pages—from its books as part of its “In Re: Delete, Delete, Delete” docket. This action repeals rule provisions identified throughout the agency that plainly do not serve the public interest any longer because they govern obsolete technology, outdated marketplace conditions, expired deadlines, or repealed legal obligations. The item repeals restrictions on phone booth closures, captioning on analog TV receivers, auction obligations that sunset 20 years ago, and references to long-repealed telegraph rules.