In the spirit of deregulation and to reduce its personnel and other associated costs, the FCC progressively yielded more of its control to broadcasters and eased licensing requirements. In 1980 the name of the Third Phone was changed to the Marine Radio Operator Permit and was subsequently renewed under that name. In 1983 testing stopped for the First Class license.
To reduce costs and align with de-regulatory trends, the FCC gradually relinquished control to broadcasters, easing licensing requirements. In 1980, the Third Phone's name was changed to the Marine Radio Operator Permit, which was later renewed under that name. Testing for the First Class license ended in 1983.