The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has taken two steps towards modernization. One is aimed at the networks themselves and the other at the Code of Federal Regulations that administer it.
The FCC has issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) aimed at examining the best ways of transitioning away from the last vestiges of copper in U.S. telecommunications networks.
The press release notes that only a small fraction of people still subscribe to standalone copper-based voice service. However, the FCC’s interconnection requirements require incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs) to maintain the outdated infrastructure. This is expensive and impedes the advanced services that will become available once ubiquitous next-generation networks are deployed.
The FCC’s NPRM is pushing modernization by proposing to eliminate burdensome legacy interconnection regulations that originated with Section 251 of the Communications Act of 1934.
The FCC also seeks comment on whether eliminating the LEC-specific interconnection regulatory framework will affect other statutory frameworks or FCC rules. Finally, comments are requested on whether the communication should revisit other provisions and rules that may be rendered redundant if incumbent LEC-specific interconnection obligations in section 251 are eliminated.
The second FCC modernization move was the repeal of about 396 rule provisions and rule parts that total 58,218 words and cover approximately 137 pages in the Code of Federal Regulations. The press release offered examples such as market aggregation limits that sunset more than 20 years ago, rules for obsolete “radioprinter operations” in maritime systems, and requirements for licenses that the FCC hasn’t issued in more than a decade.
The new administration is all-in on modernization; at the July open meeting, the FCC announced moves in its Build America Agenda. One rule related to pole attachments and one on the transitioning from copper lines. It sought comments on revisions to network change disclosure rules and section 214(a) discontinuance processes to eliminate regulatory barriers and costs.
