FCC Eases Copper Shutdowns, Wireless to Fill the Gap

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC), led by Chairman Brendan Carr, is streamlining the process for telecom companies to retire old copper networks, paving the way for increased wireless deployment. This move, part of Carr’s broader initiative to reduce regulatory burdens, aims to accelerate the transition to modern, high-speed infrastructure.

Faster Networks or Wireless Compromise?

For consumers relying on legacy copper services like traditional phone lines and DSL, the key question is whether they’ll see upgrades to fiber optic connections or be transitioned to wireless alternatives. While fiber offers superior speed and reliability, its deployment is costly, and some providers, like AT&T, may opt for wireless in less densely populated areas. AT&T’s plans involve phasing out copper in its 21-state footprint but deploying fiber only in select areas.

Deregulation Gains Traction

An AT&T executive highlighted that a Republican-led FCC would further simplify networks and facilitate customer migration. While the FCC’s recent changes could assist AT&T in replacing copper with wireless across most states, California stands as an exception. The California Public Utilities Commission previously denied AT&T’s request to abandon its landline obligations.

Consumer Protections Maintained?

While the FCC emphasizes facilitating wireless deployment, Chairman Carr states the agency will maintain consumer protections. These include interoperability requirements and safeguards against price hikes, ensuring consumers transitioning to new networks have access to services at comparable or lower price points. However, critics worry about the quality and reliability of wireless as a copper replacement.

Rule Changes Implemented

The FCC’s Wireline Competition Bureau adopted the changes, clarifying how telcos can decommission copper lines without extensive performance testing. This “clarification” simplifies the “adequate replacement test,” which ensures replacement services offer comparable performance. The FCC argues this removes confusion and speeds up the transition process.

Harold Feld, senior VP at Public Knowledge, argues that eliminating testing requirements means that companies don’t have to prove anything when replacing copper lines.

Industry Praises the Changes

USTelecom, a telecom lobby representing major players like AT&T and Verizon, successfully petitioned for a waiver allowing replacement voice services to be bundled with broadband, rather than offered stand-alone. The FCC argues this waiver reduces costs and frees up capital for investment. Jonathan Spalter, USTelecom President and CEO, lauded Chairman Carr’s focus on cutting red tape and connecting Americans.

Spalter avoided using the word “fiber,” but instead referred vaguely to next-generation networks.

More Deregulation to Come

The FCC also waived requirements related to “grandfathering” legacy services and filing network change disclosures. Chairman Carr promises further actions to ease regulations on telecom companies. He aims to free up billions of dollars for new networks by reducing the burden of maintaining outdated copper lines.

Carr believes his actions will provide incentives for providers to invest and build new networks.

Source: Ars Technica