FCC Deletes Dead Rules: Cable Regs Get a Clean Sweep
Published Date: 8/26/2025
Rule
Summary
The FCC’s Media Bureau is cleaning up old rules that courts have already tossed out. This means cable and satellite companies won’t have to follow outdated program carriage and encoding rules anymore. These changes help everyone by making the rules clearer and simpler, with no new costs or deadlines to worry about.
No Economic Impacts Identified for this Document
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-11653 — Information Collection Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and other agencies to comment on a paperwork update that aims to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want to reduce the hassle of filling out forms and need approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to keep collecting this info. Comments are due by July 13, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to weigh in!
2026-11452 — Information Collections Being Submitted for Review and Approval to Office of Management and Budget
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is asking the public and small businesses to share their thoughts on how to make government paperwork easier and less time-consuming. They want feedback by July 8, 2026, to help reduce the burden, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. This is part of a plan to keep things simple and efficient without costing extra money or time.
2026-11450 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until August 7, 2026, so don’t miss your chance to help shape smarter rules!
2026-11353 — Reforming the High-Cost Program for an All-IP Future, Connect America Fund: A National Broadband Plan for Our Future High-Cost Universal Support
The FCC is updating its High-Cost Program to better support broadband in rural and hard-to-reach areas, making sure networks are ready for the future with faster, smarter internet. This change helps boost American tech leadership and supports the shift to modern internet systems, with feedback due by early September 2026. It’s about making sure everyone stays connected as technology zooms ahead!
2026-10840 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with Kentucky’s health department to double-check who really qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone service. This new computer matching program starts July 1, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and on track. If you want to speak up, send your comments by July 1, 2026!
2026-10839 — Privacy Act of 1974; Matching Program
The FCC and USAC are teaming up with New Mexico’s Health Care Authority to double-check who qualifies for Lifeline and the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), which help low-income folks get discounted internet and phone services. This new matching program starts July 1, 2026, runs for 18 months, and aims to keep these benefits fair and accurate. If you’re involved, now’s the time to send your comments by July 1, 2026!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-16332 — Accelerating Wireline Broadband Deployment by Removing Barriers to Infrastructure Investment
The FCC is making it easier and faster for internet companies to put wires on utility poles by setting clear deadlines and improving teamwork between utilities and attachers. These changes help speed up broadband internet access for everyone and affect utility companies, contractors, and internet providers. The new rules start rolling out soon, aiming to boost infrastructure investment without extra costs.
Next: 2025-16354 — Safety Zone; Chesapeake Bay, Baltimore, MD
The Coast Guard is setting up a safety zone around the M/V W SAPPHIRE in Chesapeake Bay near Baltimore to keep people and boats safe during firefighting and salvage work. No one can enter this area without special permission, protecting first responders and the environment. This temporary rule affects boaters nearby and helps ensure everyone stays safe while the work gets done.