FCC-19-72: FCC Grants Relief from Outdated Regulations, Paving the Way for Next-Generation Networks

On August 2, 2019, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced a significant regulatory shift under the designation FCC-19-72, reflecting the substantial changes in the voice services market over the past two decades. The FCC‘s new Order relieves legacy telephone companies, specifically price cap incumbent local exchange carriers (LECs), from outdated regulations that no longer align with the current technological landscape.

Key Changes and Implications

Relief from Legacy Obligations: Under FCC-19-72, the FCC has lifted two key requirements from the Telecommunications Act of 1996:

1. The obligation for incumbent LECs to offer analog voice-grade copper loops to competitors at regulated rates.
2. The requirement to provide legacy services for resale at regulated rates.

These regulations were initially designed to promote competition in the local telephone service market. However, with the rise of modern voice services offered by cable, mobile, fixed wireless, and over-the-top VoIP providers, the reliance on traditional copper-based telephone services has significantly diminished.

Market Evolution

The voice services market has transformed, with a notable migration away from plain old telephone service (POTS) towards more advanced, distance-agnostic voice services. As of the FCC‘s latest data, only a small fraction (55.8 million) of the nearly 455 million active voice subscriptions in the United States are provided by incumbent LECs.

Transition Periods

To ensure a smooth transition, the FCC has established a three-year period for competitive LECs and their customers to migrate to alternative voice services. A special five-year transition period is provided for Puerto Rico, considering the impact of the 2017 hurricanes on its communications infrastructure.

Impact on New and Existing Developments

FCC-19-72 accelerates the shift from outdated copper-based services to next-generation networks, which has significant implications for both new and existing developments:

• New Builds: The elimination of outdated requirements allows new developments to bypass the need for traditional copper lines and directly implement advanced technologies. Cellular dialers, which do not require physical hardlines, are becoming a preferred solution. This shift facilitates faster installation and more flexible service options, streamlining the process of setting up telecommunications infrastructure in new buildings.

• Existing Developments: As networks transition away from copper-based services, existing buildings must adapt by upgrading their infrastructure to support next-generation technologies. The decommissioning of legacy networks means that buildings relying on traditional dial tone services must transition to alternative solutions, such as cellular dialers or VoIP services, to maintain connectivity.

CriticalPath Communications: Your Partner in Transition

As the industry moves away from traditional dial tone services, CriticalPath Communications stands as a one-stop shop for designing and installing modern networks. Whether for new builds or legacy buildings, we specialize in implementing cellular dialers and next-generation internet solutions, ensuring seamless connectivity without the need for outdated copper infrastructure. Our expertise includes providing services for essential systems like elevator phone lines, ensuring compliance and safety.

For more information on how we can assist with your telecommunications needs, including solutions for elevator phone lines and more, contact CriticalPath Communications today. We are here to guide you through this pivotal change in the industry, offering reliable and future-proof telecom solutions.

Lets Connect

Get in touch with us at CriticalPath Communications. Let’s discuss how we can support your projects and make your workday smoother. Focus on what you do best, and leave the rest to us. With CriticalPath, achieving a temporary certificate of occupancy is just a phone call away.

-Caleb Thornton

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