Advancing Technology Transitions by Protecting Consumers, Competition and Public Safety in an IP-World

The transition to efficient, modern communications networks is bringing new and innovative services to consumers and businesses. The Federal Communications Commission’s approach to these technology transitions is simple: the shift to next-generation fiber and IP-based networks from analog switch- and copper-based networks is good and should be encouraged. But advances in technology will never justify abandonment of the core values that define the relationship between Americans and the networks they use to communicate. After an open, rigorous process, I will be circulating to my fellow Commissioners an item that would update the FCC’s rules to help deliver the promise of dynamic new networks, provide clear rules of the road for network operators, and preserve our core values, including protecting consumers and promoting competition and public safety.

Our new proposed rules would require providers of IP-based phone services to offer consumers the option to buy backup power. And I would stress the word option. It would be up to consumers to make the best choice for themselves. But to ensure that consumers understand their options, providers would be required to inform customers about service limitations from electricity outages and how to minimize those risks through backup power. We propose requiring that consumers be notified before the copper networks that serve their homes and businesses are retired. The item would require that replacement services be offered to competitive providers at rates, terms and conditions that are reasonably comparable to those of the legacy networks. This would be an interim solution pending the completion of a broader wholesale access proceeding. Bottom line: there has been competition for wholesale services before the technology transitions, and there will be competition in this market after these transitions. Again, we want to facilitate the transition to IP networks, which is why, consistent with longstanding policy, the proposed rules would NOT require FCC approval before carriers retire copper networks, as long as no service is discontinued, reduced or impaired.