FCC to Chat Faster Internet, Less Red Tape on Thursday
Published Date: 7/23/2025
Notice
Summary
The Commission is meeting on July 24, 2025, to discuss updates that make it easier and faster to build better internet and phone services. They want to cut red tape for companies, protect consumers from sneaky charges, and modernize rules for auctions and network changes. These changes aim to save money, speed up service improvements, and keep customers safe.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 5 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Easier Network Changes for IP Transition
On July 24, 2025 the Commission will consider revising its network change disclosure rules and section 214(a) discontinuance processes to eliminate regulatory barriers and costs and encourage a swift transition to IP-based networks and advanced communications services for consumers. The item is described in the meeting as a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to update those processes (no dollar amounts specified).
Faster Pole Attachments to Speed Broadband
The Commission will consider a Fifth Report and Order and Fourth Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in WC Docket No. 17-84 to promote broadband deployment by improving pole attachment processes, including greater collaboration between utilities and attachers, establishing a timeline for large pole attachment requests, and speeding contractor approval. The item also seeks comment on defining the term "pole" for section 224 and resolving two petitions for reconsideration.
AWS-3 Auction Rules and Small Business Credits
In GN Docket Nos. 25-70 and 25-71 the Commission will consider updating 10-year-old AWS-3 service-specific designated entity eligibility requirements and related part 1 competitive bidding rules to align those requirements with the Commission's current auctions practice, including applying new average annual gross revenue benchmarks for small business bidding credits. The proposal would affect eligibility for auction bidding credits and the AWS-3 auction rules.
Modernizing Slamming and Billing Protections
The Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in CG Docket No. 17-169 and CC Docket No. 98-170 to modernize and simplify slamming (unauthorized carrier changes) and Truth-in-Billing rules so they reflect the evolved telecommunications marketplace while retaining core protections against unauthorized switches and related charges. The item aims to reduce regulatory burdens that may stifle innovation while keeping consumer protections.
Georouting 988 Texts to Local Crisis Centers
In WC Docket No. 18-336 the Commission will consider a Fourth Report and Order that would require wireless providers to transmit data enabling text messages sent to the 988 Lifeline to be routed to the closest local crisis center based on a person's general geographic location.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
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2026-16993, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
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2026-16997, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC or Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collections. Comments are requested concerning: whether the proposed collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees.
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2026-16740, Information Collection Being Submitted to the Office of Management and Budget for Emergency Review and Approval
As part of its continuing effort to reduce paperwork burdens, and as required by the Paperwork Reduction Act (PRA) of 1995, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) invites the general public and other Federal agencies to take this opportunity to comment on the following information collection. Comments are requested concerning: Whether the collection of information is necessary for the proper performance of the functions of the Commission, including whether the information shall have practical utility; the accuracy of the Commission's burden estimate; ways to enhance the quality, utility, and clarity of the information collected; ways to minimize the burden of the collection of information on the respondents, including the use of automated collection techniques or other forms of information technology; and ways to further reduce the information collection burden on small business concerns with fewer than 25 employees. The Commission may not conduct or sponsor a collection of information unless it displays a currently valid control number. No person shall be subject to any penalty for failing to comply with a collection of information subject to the PRA that does not display a valid Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number.
2026-16615, Unified Agenda of Federal Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions-2026
Executive Order 12866, Regulatory Planning and Review (Sep. 30, 1993), requires each agency to publish a regulatory agenda (Agenda) of regulations under development or review during the next year which will be included in the Unified Agenda of Regulatory and Deregulatory Actions (Unified Agenda). 58 FR 51735 (Oct. 4, 1993). The Agenda required by Executive Order 12866 must include all regulations the agency expects to develop or review during the next 12 months, regardless of whether they may have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities. Executive Order 12866 provides that agencies may combine this agenda with the regulatory flexibility agenda required under the RFA. To help keep the public informed of significant rulemaking proceedings and meet its obligations under the RFA and Executive Order 12866, the Commission has prepared Agenda entries providing a brief description and summary of each regulatory activity that is currently planned for the 12 months, subject to revision, including the objectives and legal basis for each, and the name and telephone number of an agency official who is knowledgeable about items in the agenda. The Commission's Agenda entries published in the Federal Register are only those entries for rules that are likely to have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities pursuant to the RFA. The Commission's complete list of regulatory and deregulatory actions for the Unified Agenda will be published on the internet in a searchable format at www.reginfo.gov.
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