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.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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