FCC is Going to be Busy with Delete, Delete, Delete

Reducing regulations, especially after the massive expansion in the size and scope of the federal government during the Biden administration, will increase investment and stimulate the economy.  That is one of the reasons President Trump signed an executive order (EO) on January 31, 2025, to cut 10 regulations for every new regulation, and another EO on April 9, 2025, to reduce anti-competitive regulations.

Regulations often impose duplicative and onerous rules and restrictions on businesses and consumers, which raise costs and create uncertainty, leading to a decline in investment.  After President Trump made deregulation a high priority, agencies like the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) are taking his initiative to heart.  On March 12, 2025, the agency opened a docket seeking comments on “every rule, regulation, or guidance document that the FCC should eliminate for the purposes of alleviating unnecessary regulatory burdens.”  This effort is known as Delete, Delete, Delete.

Citizens Against Government Waste weighed in on this proceeding on April 11, 2025, by spotlighting seven regulations the organization believes are no longer needed.  The comments cover broadband labeling; expansion of cybersecurity requirements; expansion of data breach reporting rules; restrictions on data caps; expansion of the Universal Service Fund’s E-Rate program to include off-campus wi-fi hotspots; handset unlocking; and media ownership rules.

The proceeding has generated more than 1,125 comments and reply comments, which will provide the FCC with valuable insight on which regulations should be consolidated or cut.  When this process is completed, the telecommunications industry will be freed up to focus on innovation, new technology, and faster service to homes and businesses across the country rather than wasting time and money complying with unnecessary regulations.