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FCC Lifts Unneeded Telecom Rules, Frees Millions for Investment, Consumer Benefit(Targeted News Service Via Acquire Media NewsEdge) WASHINGTON, May 17 -- The Federal Communications Commission issued the following news release: As part of its ongoing effort to remove barriers to investment and modernize for the digital age, the FCC unanimously agreed to lift over 120 regulatory requirements on phone companies that are unnecessary or outdated in today's telecommunications marketplace. At the same time, the Commission preserved vital protections to ensure competition, consumer protection, universal service and public safety. Among the rules retained: a requirement that companies notify consumers when services are being eliminated, an important protection as technological transitions transform the marketplace. Among the over 120 requirements lifted by the FCC today are rules that required: - Keeping paper records made redundant by digital databases - Detailed filing of property records no longer used by the FCC - Calling card records reporting that consumed 15,000 hours of compliance work annually The FCC continues to examine all of its rules to remove and streamline outmoded requirements where appropriate. Text of the item adopted by the Commission is available at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-13-69A1.pdf Action by the Commission May 10, 2013, by Memorandum Opinion and Order, Report and Order, Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, and Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 13-69). Chairman Genachowski, Commissioners Clyburn and Rosenworcel, with Commissioner Pai approving in part and concurring in part. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski and Commissioner Pai. Commissioner McDowell not participating. TNS-LE 130518-JF78-4353006 StaffFurigay (c) 2013 Targeted News Service |