Federal Communications Commission Frees Eleven Inefficient and Obsolete Regulations
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) recently held an open meeting in July, where they approved several initiatives aimed at modernizing the nation's communications infrastructure. The commission passed all six of its proposed measures, including updates to bidding rules for the upcoming AWS-3 spectrum licenses auction.
One of the key decisions was the launch of a proposed rulemaking to accelerate the transition from copper line networks to more modern, IP-based networks. This move is expected to bring about faster and more reliable services for consumers.
In a significant step, the FCC also approved updates to its pole attachment rules, with the aim of making it easier and faster to deploy broadband networks. This decision is expected to boost the deployment of high-speed internet across the country.
The FCC also approved a notice for proposed rulemaking to modernize slamming and truth-in-billing rules. Slamming refers to the illegal practice of switching a customer's telephone service provider without their authorization, while truth-in-billing rules are designed to ensure that customers are billed accurately and transparently.
The FCC's spectrum authority was restored by the "One Big Beautiful Bill" signed by President Trump on July 4. With this restoration, the commission is now able to move forward with its spectrum management plans, including the upcoming AWS-3 spectrum auction. The AWS-3 spectrum includes the bands 1695-1710 MHz, 1755-1780 MHz, and 2155-2180 MHz.
The FCC approved rules that require wireless providers to route 988 text messages to local crisis centers based on general geographic location. This decision is expected to improve the handling of mental health emergencies by directing texts to the appropriate local crisis center.
However, not all commissioners were in agreement with the FCC's recent decisions. Commissioner Anna Gomez, the lone Democrat commissioner on the panel, expressed concerns about the FCC's use of a direct final rule to swiftly delete obsolete rules. Gomez's worry is that this approach compromises the integrity of the public engagement and regulatory oversight process, which is essential for informed policymaking in communications.
Gomez also raised concerns about the erasure of rules without seeking public comment. She dissented from the direct final rule, citing the potential for unintended consequences and the importance of maintaining accountability and ensuring all stakeholders have adequate opportunity to weigh in before rule eliminations take effect.
The D.C.-based nonprofit Public Knowledge also expressed objections to the direct final rule, claiming it might empower the FCC to gut any rules deemed "obsolete, unlawful, anticompetitive, or otherwise no longer in the public interest."
With the confirmation of Olivia Trusty, a Republican, the commission now has a 2-1 majority. The commission has a full list of the rules being repealed available on its website. The FCC will announce auction application deadlines and bidding procedures for the AWS-3 spectrum auction in the coming months.
[1] Source: FCC Press Release, "FCC Takes Action to Modernize Slamming and Truth-in-Billing Rules," July 14, 2021. [2] Source: FCC Press Release, "FCC Takes Action to Accelerate Transition to IP-Based Networks," July 14, 2021. [3] Source: FCC Press Release, "FCC Takes Action to Modernize Pole Attachment Rules," July 14, 2021.
The FCC's decision to modernize slamming and truth-in-billing rules could potentially lead to more accurate and transparent billing for consumers, reducing instances of unauthorized service transfers.
In an effort to enhance communications infrastructure, the FCC approved a notice for proposed rulemaking to accelerate the transition from traditional copper line networks to IP-based networks, which could enable faster and more reliable broadband services. This transition might also involve IP-based technologies such asVoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) and streaming radio services.
