FCC's Hilarious Rule Purge: Delete, Delete, Delete!
Published Date: 1/14/2026
Rule
Summary
The FCC is cleaning house by deleting 21 outdated rules that no longer help anyone, covering old tech and expired events. This change affects FCC licensees and the public, making regulations simpler and clearer starting March 16, 2026—unless someone objects by February 3. No money changes hands, just a smoother, smarter rulebook for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
FCC Deletes 21 Outdated Rules
The FCC will repeal approximately 21 rule provisions totaling 2,927 words (about 7 CFR pages) that the agency says are sun‑set, govern expired events, or regulate obsolete technology. The deletions take effect March 16, 2026 unless significant adverse comments are filed by February 3, 2026. The Commission says there is no change to fees or payments — this is a cleanup to simplify the rulebook.
Expired Compliance Deadlines Removed
The rule repeals specific provisions that set compliance deadlines which have passed, including 47 CFR 9.20 (sunset September 1, 2025), 4.17(e) (compliance deadline May 1, 2024), and 9.19(d)(1) (initial 911 reliability certifications deadline October 15, 2014), among others in parts 10 and 11. These repeals become effective March 16, 2026 unless significant adverse comment is received by February 3, 2026.
Obsolete-Technology Rules Deleted
The FCC removes provisions that regulate obsolete technologies, for example section 9.10(n) (dispatch service routing option for CMRS providers the Commission believes no longer exists), section 11.16 (priority-based processing procedures tied to an alert code deleted in 2012), and section 90.20(d)(28) (frequencies reserved for an air-to-ground radio service in Puerto Rico/Virgin Islands that no longer exists). These deletions take effect March 16, 2026 unless significant adverse comment is received by February 3, 2026.
Unused EAS Procedures and Reports Removed
The Commission deletes codified but unused Emergency Alert System (EAS) procedures and one‑time reporting requirements—examples include removing 11.11(e), 11.43, 11.47, and parts of 11.21 that describe an FCC "Mapbook" never developed and reporting deadlines that have passed or were never triggered. These changes are effective March 16, 2026 unless significant adverse comment is received by February 3, 2026.
Annual 911 Provider Certification Date
The revised rule text requires that on October 15 of each year, a certifying official of every covered 911 service provider must submit a certification to the Commission (see revised 47 CFR 9.19(c)). This requirement is part of the rule package that becomes effective March 16, 2026 unless significant adverse comment is received by February 3, 2026.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-20591, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for TV stations using Next Gen TV technology to make sure they're not too tricky or time-consuming. Businesses, governments, and nonprofits involved with local TV broadcasts might need to share info, but the FCC wants to keep it simple and clear. If you have thoughts, speak up by December 7, 2026, so the FCC can keep things smooth and fair without extra costs or hassle.
2026-20590, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking for your thoughts on how it collects info about radiofrequency safety rules. This affects individuals, businesses, and governments who must report or share info sometimes. They want to make the process easier and clearer, especially for small businesses, and need your comments by December 7, 2026.
2026-20676, Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission Under Delegated Authority
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules for cable companies and local governments to make sure the info they collect is useful and not too much work. They want your thoughts on how to make the process easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to share your ideas, send them in by December 7, 2026—this helps keep things fair and smooth for everyone involved.
2026-20607, Information Collections 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 review and comment on their paperwork plans to make things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want feedback by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the time and hassle of filling out forms. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary paperwork and save everyone time and money.
2026-20681, 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 aimed at making things easier, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your thoughts by November 9, 2026, to help reduce the hassle and keep everything running smoothly. This is part of a government effort to cut down on unnecessary forms and save time and money.
2026-20486, Information Collections Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and businesses to review and comment on some paperwork they collect to make sure it’s useful and not too much of a hassle. This review affects companies, nonprofits, and government groups, especially small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. Comments are due by December 7, 2026, and the FCC aims to keep things clear, quick, and fair without costing too much time or money.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-00587, Implementation of the Final Acts of the World Radiocommunication Conference (Geneva, 2015) (WRC-15), Other Allocation Issues, and Related Rule Updates
The FCC is updating U.S. radio frequency rules to match international agreements from the 2015 World Radiocommunication Conference. These changes help amateur radio operators, satellite services, and broadcast stations use the airwaves more efficiently starting February 13, 2026. This update affects businesses and hobbyists but won’t cause big costs or paperwork headaches.
Next: 2026-00628, Pyriofenone; Pesticide Tolerances
The EPA just set safe limits for pyriofenone pesticide residues on apples, berries, and cherries, helping farmers and food makers know the rules. These new limits start January 14, 2026, and anyone who disagrees has until March 16, 2026, to speak up. This move keeps our food safe without slowing down farming or food production.