FCC Seeks Comments on Deregulation and Rule Deletion

FCC Seeks Comments on Deregulation and Rule Deletion

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has opened a new docket entitled Delete, Delete, Delete. It is seeking industry input to identify FCC regulations that impose unnecessary regulatory burdens, especially on small or rural providers. The Commission is specifically seeking comments on deregulatory initiatives that would facilitate American investments in modernizing networks, developing infrastructure, and offering innovative services.

While carriers of all sizes face regulatory burdens, the FCC specifically mentions small or rural providers as bearing disproportionate compliance burdens, as regulatory compliance frequently involves significant fixed costs regardless of company size. This initiative presents an important opportunity for providers to identify specific rules that create unnecessary operational challenges or impede their ability to effectively serve rural communities.

In its public notice, the Commission specifically asks whether certain regulations “pose a barrier to competitive entry into the communications marketplace” or unfairly disadvantage certain businesses based on size. Recognizing that regulations can disproportionately impact providers, the public notice seeks comments on the following areas:

• Disproportionate compliance burdens such as rules that impose fixed compliance costs regardless of company size, which create a heavier burden on smaller providers.
• Barriers to rural deployment, such as regulations that impede network deployment or service expansion in rural areas.
• Outdated technology requirements such as rules that fail to account for the unique technical and operational challenges faced by providers serving remote communities.

Comment Deadline

Comments are due by April 11, 2025, with reply comments due April 28, 2025. JSI encourages clients to participate in this important proceeding by sharing your experiences with burdensome regulations with us by March 28, 2025. While larger industry associations will likely address broader regulatory frameworks, your input on specific rules that disproportionately impact smaller providers is invaluable.

JSI can help you identify problematic regulations, develop effective arguments for reform, and prepare comments that highlight your unique challenges. For example, while operator services regulations and 1980s era infrastructure cost allocation regulations are ripe for deletion, other compliance duties have become acute pain points for providers and disproportionately impact small carriers.

For assistance with submitting comments or to discuss specific regulations that create unnecessary burdens for your company, please contact Douglas Meredith or Brett Hallagan.