FCC Slashes Rules to Speed Up Cell Towers and WiFi
Published Date: 9/30/2025
Notice
Summary
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, the Commission will meet to tackle big changes that affect phone, internet, and TV services. They’ll look at cutting red tape slowing down new towers and wires, update old rules that no longer make sense, and decide how schools get funding for Wi-Fi. These moves aim to speed up tech upgrades, save money, and help everyone get better connections faster.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Examining Wireline Deployment Delays
On September 30, 2025 the Commission will consider a Notice of Inquiry to examine whether state and local laws and rules impose excessive delays and fees that unlawfully block deployment of wireline telecommunications infrastructure. The review would look at whether those delays and fees impede building wires and other equipment and discourage investment in upgrades.
Freeing Wireless Towers from Local Burdens
At the September 30, 2025 meeting the Commission will consider a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking comments on reforms to remove unlawful state and local regulatory burdens on wireless infrastructure like towers. The proposal aims to make it easier to build wireless infrastructure so upgrades happen faster and investment is encouraged.
School Bus Wi‑Fi Ineligible for E‑Rate
The Commission will consider a Declaratory Ruling aligning E-Rate eligibility with section 254 of the Communications Act and clarifying that providing Wi-Fi or similar access-point equipment on school buses is ineligible for E-Rate funding. That means schools cannot use E-Rate funds to pay for bus Wi‑Fi equipment or service.
Off‑Premises Hotspots Ineligible for E‑Rate
The Commission will consider an Order on Reconsideration that finds section 254 of the Communications Act does not permit funding of off-premises use of Wi‑Fi hotspots and internet services, making such off-site hotspot and internet service ineligible for E-Rate support. Schools and libraries cannot use E-Rate to fund off‑premises student internet access.
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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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