FCC Moves to Delete 21 Outdated Rules in Ongoing Cleanup

RADIO ONLINE | Thursday, November 20, 2025 | 10:50am CT

Federal Communications Commission (FCC)

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken another step in its wide-ranging overhaul of outdated regulations, moving forward with the deletion of 21 rules and requirements that no longer serve the public interest. The action affects 2,927 words across seven pages of the Code of Federal Regulations and is part of the agency's ongoing "In re: Delete, Delete, Delete" initiative.

The FCC said the targeted rules are unnecessary because they have expired, been superseded by law, or reference entities that no longer exist. Among the deletions is a rule tied to a board that dissolved more than a decade ago and another rendered moot in 2012 with the creation of FirstNet. The Commission is also proposing to remove language related to compliance deadlines that passed long ago. Officials emphasized that none of the changes affect the FCC's public-safety responsibilities.

The action stems from the agency's broader Delete proceeding, which solicits public input on regulations that may be outdated or burdensome. The FCC said the process has generated strong engagement and useful feedback that will guide future regulatory reviews.

This latest move continues a year-long effort to streamline the agency's regulatory framework. In recent months, the FCC has approved the removal of 396 wireless rules, 386 wireline rules, and 98 broadcast provisions, along with earlier eliminations of obsolete telegraph, rabbit-ear receiver, and phone-booth rules.

Chairman Carr and Commissioner Trusty approved the action. Commissioner Gomez concurred in part and dissented in part.