FCC Trying to Ease Copper Retirement for Telcos

The FCC this week released orders hoping to ease telcos’ transition away from legacy copper and get those networks replaced with newer technology.

The various streamlining measures are for “clearing some of the regulatory underbrush that needlessly delays the retirement of those copper networks,” said FCC chair Brendan Carr.

Carr also intends to keep consumer protections “…including requiring interoperability and guarding against price hikes by ensuring that consumers transitioning to new networks get access to services at similar or lower price points.”

What are the changes?

First, the announcement states that the action will add clarification that helps streamline procedures “more often when they apply to discontinue copper lines.” 

A waiver will allow service providers to phase out their copper networks “not only in cases where replacement voice services are available on a stand-alone basis, but in cases where those services are available on a bundled basis,” and adds that consumer pricing protections will remain.

There is an “order that waives unnecessary requirements that kicked in whenever a provider stopped offering a legacy service to new customers.

Finally, an order will be adopted “that waives costly and excessive notice requirements in cases where they provide no demonstrable benefit. “

Reaction

Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO of trade group USTelecom, praised the actions:

“Broadband providers appreciate Chairman Carr’s laser focus on cutting through red tape and outdated mindsets to accelerate the work of connecting all Americans,” said Spalter in a statement. “Today’s decision marks a significant step forward in transitioning outdated copper telephone lines to next-generation networks that better meet the needs of American consumers. These are common-sense changes that will help turbocharge investment in advanced broadband infrastructure, sustain and grow a skilled broadband workforce, bring countless new choices and services to more families and communities, and fuel our innovation economy.”

While many are likely hoping for fiber upgrades, there’s no guarantee that wireless won’t also play a big role.

Senior IT reporter for Ars Technica Jon Brodkin believes this will be a major point: “The key question for people using old copper service is whether they will ever get a big upgrade to fiber lines for phone and Internet access or if they'll have to make do with wireless replacements that vary greatly in quality and speed.”