Commissioner Trusty Statement on Network Modernization and Service Changes

FCC Headlines

Published March 26th, 2026

Detected March 28th, 2026

Summary

The FCC has issued a Report and Order to accelerate network modernization and service changes by removing outdated requirements, while preserving consumer and public safety protections. The order aims to provide greater clarity for service providers navigating technology transitions, particularly the IP transition, and ensures coordination with 911 authorities before service discontinuance.

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What changed

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has issued a Report and Order concerning WC Docket Nos. 25-209 and 25-208, titled 'Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes; Accelerating Network and Service Modernization.' This order aims to facilitate the IP transition by removing outdated or burdensome regulations that hinder the deployment of advanced communications services. It seeks to provide greater clarity and predictability for service providers while maintaining essential consumer protections and ensuring robust public safety, particularly regarding 911 services. A key provision requires coordination with 911 authorities and service providers before filing a service discontinuance request.

This action is expected to streamline technology transitions for telecommunications firms, fostering innovation and positioning the U.S. as a leader in new communications technologies. Compliance officers should review the specific requirements for service providers regarding network modernization and the updated procedures for service discontinuance requests, ensuring adherence to new coordination protocols with 911 authorities. While the order promotes 'smart deregulation,' it emphasizes the preservation of core consumer and public safety protections throughout the IP transition.

What to do next

Review the Report and Order for specific requirements related to network modernization and service changes.
Ensure coordination with 911 authorities and key service providers prior to filing any service discontinuance requests.
Update internal compliance procedures to reflect 'smart deregulation' principles while maintaining consumer and public safety protections.

Source document (simplified)

Federal Communications Commission "FCC XX-XXX"

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.