FCC Expands Electronic Filing for Carriers

As part of its Data Innovation Initiative and an agency-wide transition from paper to electronic filing, the Federal Communications Commission expanded electronic filing of information about rates, terms, and conditions of telecommunications services. This reform will improve public access to information and reduce burdens on carriers. Although dominant local carriers have filed their tariffs electronically since 1998, competitive local providers and other nondominant carriers still submit hundreds of filings annually on paper and computer diskette. Enabling use of the FCC’s existing Electronic Tariff Filing System (ETFS) for all tariff filings will create a uniform system of online access that not only increases transparency for consumers and reduces burdens on industry, but also eases tariff enforcement and facilitates tracking of industry trends.

Under the new electronic filing rules, nondominant carriers will be required to make their initial electronic filings no more than 60 days after the rules become effective. The rules become effective 120 days after publication in the Federal Register, or after approval by the Office of Management and Budget, whichever date is later.