Statement on Network Modernization and AI

FCC Headlines

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 28th, 2026

Summary

The FCC has issued a Report and Order addressing network modernization and the IP transition, aiming to remove outdated regulations while preserving consumer and public safety protections. The order emphasizes ensuring reliable 911 connectivity during network evolution and requires coordination with 911 authorities before service discontinuance.

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What changed

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Report and Order (WC Docket Nos. 25-209 and 25-208) that aims to accelerate network modernization and the transition to IP-based services. This order seeks to remove outdated or burdensome regulations that impede the deployment of advanced communications services, a strategy described as 'smart deregulation.' It emphasizes maintaining core protections for consumers, public safety, and national security, particularly concerning reliable 911 connectivity. The order requires service providers to coordinate with 911 authorities and key service providers before filing a request to discontinue a service.

This action provides greater clarity and predictability for service providers navigating technology transitions, particularly the IP transition. Compliance officers should review the specific requirements for coordination with 911 authorities and service providers when planning network changes or discontinuing services. While the order aims to foster innovation and economic benefits, it underscores the continued importance of public safety and consumer protection throughout the transition to next-generation infrastructure. The effective date is March 26, 2026.

What to do next

Review FCC Report and Order WC Docket Nos. 25-209 and 25-208 for specific requirements on network modernization and IP transition.
Ensure coordination with 911 authorities and key service providers prior to filing any service discontinuance requests.
Assess current network modernization plans against the 'smart deregulation' framework, ensuring consumer and public safety protections are maintained.

Source document (simplified)

STATEMENT OF COMMISSIONER OLIVIA TRUSTY

Re: Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes; Accelerating Network and

Service Modernization, WC Docket Nos. 25-209 and 25-208, Report and Order (March 26, 2026).

Like few other areas of communications policy, the IP transition brings together a range of issues, including: connectivity, innovation, public safety, and consumer protection. Addressing any one aspect requires the Commission to remain mindful of the broader ecosystem. Even as we look to the future, and the foundation for advanced technologies, like artificial intelligence, that same principle applies, requiring a focus on sustained innovation, robust and resilient connectivity, and a commonsense approach to regulation. That is the balance the Commission is striving to achieve in the IP transition. This approach, sometimes described as “smart deregulation,” involves removing outdated or unduly burdensome requirements that hinder the deployment of advanced communications services, while preserving core protections for consumers, public safety, and national security. Building on the Wireline Competition Bureau’s initial efforts, this item provides greater clarity and predictability for service providers navigating technology transitions, while preserving opportunities for stakeholders to raise concerns in the rare cases where issues may arise. I appreciate this item highlighting the tools Americans rely upon to access emergency assistance, foremost among them, the ability to call 911. As networks evolve, ensuring reliable 911 connectivity must remain a top priority. I am pleased this item takes steps to require coordination with 911 authorities and key service providers before a service discontinuance request is filed, helping to keep public safety front of mind throughout the transition. The IP transition holds tremendous promise for consumers and will position the United States to lead globally in new communications technologies and services. As we move from legacy networks to next-generation infrastructure, protecting existing consumer interests along the way is key to expanding our innovation capacity and delivering the economic benefits of these technology developments to all Americans. I look forward to continuing to work with Commission staff, industry, and stakeholders to strike the right balance. And I thank the Wireline Competition Bureau for their hard work on this important item.