Industry News

FCC Seeks Public Comments on Deregulation

In a Public Notice titled, “Delete, Delete, Delete,” The Federal Communications Commission says it is “taking action to promote the policies outlined by President Trump…” and are “seeking public input on identifying FCC rules for the purpose of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens. We seek comment on deregulatory initiatives that would facilitate and encourage American firms’ investment in modernizing theirimg networks, developing infrastructure, and offering innovative and advanced capabilities.” The Notice goes on to say, “The Communications Act directs the FCC to regularly review its rules to identify and eliminate those that are unnecessary in light of current circumstances, recognizing that in addition to imposing unnecessary burdens, unnecessary rules may stand in the way of deployment, expansion, competition, and technological innovation in communications that the Commission is directed to advance. Government-wide administrative law requires review of rules to ensure that unnecessary—or affirmatively detrimental—rules are not retained.” The public comment period runs through April 15 and the Commission encourages “commenters to consider certain policy factors including cost-benefit considerations, marketplace and technological changes, barrier to entry, and more, as well as statutory and regulatory retrospective review standards.” Read the complete Public Notice here.