Reforming Legacy Rules for an All-IP Future; Accelerating Network Modernization

What it does

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking to accelerate network modernization by proposing to reform regulations that have hindered the transition to all-internet Protocol (IP) networks. Building upon the Commission's longstanding efforts to reform the legacy intercarrier compensation (ICC) framework, the Commission proposes to move remaining ICC charges to a bill-and-keep framework and detariff them, and invites comment on this proposal. To enable carriers to recover costs from their end users, the Commission proposes to eliminate ex ante pricing regulation and tariffing of end-user charges, also referred to as Telephone Access Charges (TACs). Following the transition of ICC charges to bill-and-keep, the Commission seeks comment on phasing out Connect America Fund Intercarrier Compensation (CAF ICC) support. The NPRM also seeks comment on removing remaining regulatory obligations--including tariffing and outdated account information exchange requirements--for interstate and international long-distance services, given the longstanding competitiveness of these markets. In addition, the Commission seeks comment on the elimination of regulations that will no longer be necessary in a post-Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) environment and invites input on a transitional framework to ensure regulatory and market stability during the shift to an all-IP marketplace. Finally, the Commission encourages commenters to identify ways to promote technological modernization while enhancing long-term efficiency, competition, and service quality for consumers. In all these reforms, the Commission intends to proceed thoughtfully, mindful of the complex issues, transition timelines, and paramount connectivity goals.

The Federal Communications Commission's summary, as published in the Federal Register.

What it would change

6 parts of Title 47 of the Code of Federal Regulations:

47 CFR 43, 47 CFR 51, 47 CFR 54, 47 CFR 61, 47 CFR 64, 47 CFR 69

What happens next and when

Comments are due on or before May 26, 2026; reply comments are due on or before June 22, 2026. Written comments on the Paperwork Reduction Act proposed information collection requirements must be submitted by the public, Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and other interested parties on or before May 26, 2026.

The agency's dates, word for word.

Check it yourself

• The document in the Federal Register
• Title 47 on eCFR

The record as published

Source: the Federal Register (public domain). The document in the Federal Register