NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C.  20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action.  Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
News Media Information 202 / 418-0500
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 1-888-835-5322
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
June 9, 2011 Mark Wigfield, 202-418-0253
Email: mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
FCC ENABLES CARRIERS TO REPLACE PAPER FILINGS WITH ONLINE FILINGS
Electronic Filing Eases Burden on Carriers, Increases Transparency for Public
Washington, D.C. – As part of its Data Innovation Initiative and an agency-wide transition from paper to 
electronic filing, the Federal Communications Commission today expanded electronic filing of 
information about rates, terms, and conditions of telecommunications services. This reform will improve 
public access to information and reduce burdens on carriers.
Although dominant local carriers have filed their tariffs electronically since 1998, competitive local 
providers and other nondominant carriers still submit hundreds of filings annually on paper and computer 
diskette. Enabling use of the FCC’s existing Electronic Tariff Filing System (ETFS) for all tariff filings 
will create a uniform system of online access that not only increases transparency for consumers and 
reduces burdens on industry, but also eases tariff enforcement and facilitates tracking of industry trends.
The FCC launched its Data Innovation Initiative last year to modernize and streamline how the agency 
collects, uses, and disseminates data so that the best data possible drive FCC decisions. Data initiatives 
include appointment of a chief data officer, a comprehensive review of the FCC’s data collections, 
proposals to overhaul collections of broadband data, and elimination of unnecessary data collections.
Under the new electronic filing rules, nondominant carriers will be required to make their initial 
electronic filings no more than 60 days after the rules become effective. The rules become effective 120 
days after publication in the Federal Register, or after approval by the Office of Management and Budget, 
whichever date is later.
Action by the Commission, June 9, 2011, by Report and Order (FCC 11-92).  Chairman Genachowski, 
Commissioners Copps, McDowell, and Clyburn. Separate statements issued by Chairman Genachowski, 
Commissioners Copps, McDowell, and Clyburn.
Docket Number: 10-141
Wireline Competition Bureau Staff Contact:  Pamela Arluk at 202-418-1471
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