FCC Pushes to Ditch Old Phone Rules for Internet Era
Published Date: 3/24/2026
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FCC wants to speed up the switch to all-internet networks by changing old rules that slow things down. Phone companies will see big changes in how they charge each other and their customers, with some fees disappearing and new ways to recover costs. These updates aim to make phone and internet services better and more modern, with feedback due by May 26, 2026.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.
Consider Phasing Out CAF ICC Support
The FCC seeks comment on phasing out Connect America Fund Intercarrier Compensation (CAF ICC) support after the transition of ICC charges to bill-and-keep, which could affect how carriers in high-cost or rural areas recover costs. This is a specific proposal in the NPRM adopted February 18, 2026; comments are due May 26, 2026.
Possible Effects on 911 Service Continuity
The FCC asks whether moving away from ICC and legacy TDM reliance could affect 911 service continuity and whether protections are needed, noting that some NG911 and 911 routing elements still rely on TDM equipment. This question is part of the NPRM adopted February 18, 2026; comments are due May 26, 2026.
Move Remaining Access Fees to Bill-and-Keep
The FCC proposes to transition the remaining intercarrier compensation (ICC) charges — including originating and some terminating switched access charges such as end office, tandem switching, common transport, and dedicated transport — to a bill-and-keep framework so carriers recover costs from their own subscribers instead of charging other carriers. The proposal is part of the FCC's NPRM adopted February 18, 2026, and comments on the NPRM are due May 26, 2026.
End Ex Ante Pricing and Detariff Telephone Access Charges
The FCC proposes eliminating ex ante pricing regulation and mandating nationwide detariffing of end-user Telephone Access Charges (TACs), letting carriers set and change end-user access charges without prior tariff approval while retaining complaint-based authority under sections 201, 202, and 208. This proposal is in the NPRM adopted February 18, 2026; comments are due May 26, 2026.
Remove Rate and Tariff Rules for Long-Distance Services
The FCC proposes eliminating rate regulation, tariffing obligations, and account record exchange requirements for interstate and international long-distance services, citing the longstanding competitiveness of those markets. This proposal appears in the NPRM adopted February 18, 2026; comments are due May 26, 2026.
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this federal register document and every other regulation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-10038 — Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee; Announcement of Meeting
The FCC is holding a remote meeting on June 10, 2026, for its Consumer Protection and Accessibility Advisory Committee. This group helps improve communication tech and fights robocalls, making things easier and safer for everyone. The public can join, ask questions, and share ideas—no cost to participate!
2026-10008 — Broadcast Station Rule Updates
The FCC is updating radio and TV broadcast rules to clear up confusion and ditch old, outdated steps. These changes help stations and applicants by making the process smoother and easier to understand. The new rules kick in on June 18, 2026, with no big costs expected for small broadcasters.
2026-09991 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is asking the public and agencies to share their thoughts on how it collects information to make sure it’s useful and not too much work. They want to cut down on paperwork, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. If you want to comment, you’ve got until July 20, 2026, so don’t miss out!
2026-10011 — Promoting Fair and Open Competitive Bidding in the E-Rate Program; Schools and Libraries Universal Service Support Mechanism
The FCC is making the E-Rate program fairer and easier to use for schools and libraries by creating a new online portal for competitive bidding. Starting June 18, 2026, this will help stop waste and fraud while making the whole process clearer and simpler. These changes affect anyone applying for E-Rate funds and aim to protect taxpayer money while speeding up how bids are reviewed.
2026-09840 — Information Collection Being Reviewed by the Federal Communications Commission
The FCC is checking in on its paperwork rules to make sure they’re useful and not too much work, especially for small businesses with fewer than 25 employees. They want your thoughts on how to make these forms easier and clearer. If you’re a business that deals with communication rules, you’ve got until July 17, 2026, to share your feedback—so don’t miss out!
2026-09819 — Accessible Emergency Information, and Apparatus Requirements for Emergency Information and Video Description: Implementation of the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act of 2010
The FCC wants to make sure emergency info on TV is easy to hear and read for everyone, especially during non-news shows. They’re updating rules so if emergency text crawls match the visual alerts, they just need to be read aloud too. Video providers and distributors should get ready to follow these changes, with feedback due by June 15, 2026—no big costs expected, just clearer emergency info for all!
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-05699 — Airworthiness Directives; Airbus Canada Limited Partnership (Type Certificate Previously Held by C Series Aircraft Limited Partnership (CSALP); Bombardier, Inc.) Airplanes
The FAA wants to fix a problem with certain Airbus Canada airplanes where some valves that control pressure have been failing. They’re asking airlines to update their flight manuals, avoid flying in certain icy conditions, and replace the faulty valves with better ones. Comments are open until May 8, 2026, and these changes will help keep flights safe without breaking the bank.
Next: 2026-05741 — Proposed Establishment of the Champlain Valley of Vermont Viticultural Area
The government wants to create a new wine region called the Champlain Valley of Vermont, covering over a million acres in western Vermont. This helps local winemakers label their wines with a special place name, making it easier for wine lovers to know where their bottle comes from. If you have thoughts, you’ve got until May 26, 2026, to share them—no cost to weigh in!