FCC Seeks Input on Reform Plan

On November 7, 2011, the Federal Communications Commission released a Preliminary Plan for Retrospective Analysis of Existing Rules (“Preliminary Plan”). The Preliminary Plan describes the Commission’s ongoing process of identifying outmoded or counterproductive rules and provides an overview of recent and current proceedings that include retrospective analysis. The Commission seeks comment generally on the Preliminary Plan and also seeks specific recommendations as outlined below.

The Commission is committed to being a responsive, efficient and effective agency that harnesses and promotes the technological and economic opportunities of the new millennium. As part of the Commission’s goal to be a model of excellence in government, the agency has, since 2009, undertaken far-reaching initiatives designed to achieve its statutory objectives while removing burdens on industry and promoting innovation and job growth.

In furtherance of these objectives, the Commission seeks comment on the following questions:
1) What additional steps should the Commission take to identify rules that should be changed, streamlined, consolidated, or removed?
2) How can the Commission further reduce burdens on industry and consumers while fostering competition, diversity and innovation?
3) Are there Commission rules or reporting requirements that are duplicative or that have conflicting requirements among its bureaus and offices or with other agencies?
4) Are there Commission rules or reporting requirements that could be modified to better accomplish their regulatory objectives?

In addition, commenters are encouraged to submit other suggestions that may help the Commission develop better regulations and processes. Commenters are asked to specifically identify the rules or reporting requirements they are addressing, and to provide specific suggestions for ways the Commission should modify such rules or reporting requirements, including alternative language where possible.

Comments Due: February 8, 2012
Reply Comments Due: February 22, 2012