Media Contact: 
Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253
mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC Modernizes Rules to Encourage Technology Transitions, Protect Consumers and 
Competition
Washington, D.C. (August 6, 2015) – The Federal Communications Commission today took steps 
to encourage the ongoing transition to next-generation communications networks by giving 
consumers a larger voice in the process, giving providers the certainty they need to invest, and 
protecting competition.
For the first time, the item adopted today requires providers to directly notify consumers of plans 
to retire copper networks at least three months in advance. And it increases the notice period for 
non-residential retail customers and interconnecting carriers from three months to at least six 
months. 
However, carriers will retain the flexibility to retire their copper networks in favor of fiber 
without prior Commission approval – as long as no service is discontinued, reduced, or impaired.
When carriers plan to discontinue, reduce, or impair service, Section 214 of the Communications 
Act requires that they first receive FCC approval. However, the FCC has never codified the 
criteria used to evaluate and compare replacement and legacy services. In a Further Notice, the 
Commission tentatively concludes that both consumers and industry would be served by 
clarifying these standards, and seeks comment on criteria, which include:
? Support for 911 services and call centers 
? Network capacity and reliability 
? Quality of both voice service and Internet access 
? Interoperability with devices and services, such as alarm services and medical monitoring 
? Access for people with disabilities, including compatibility with assistive technologies 
? Network security in any IP-supported network that is comparable to the legacy network 
? Coverage throughout the service area, either by the substitute network or via service from 
other provider
? Plan for outreach to affected consumers
Finally, the Commission addresses instances in which competitive providers combine their own 
facilities with the last-mile services of incumbent providers to reach small and medium-sized 
businesses and institutions, including schools, libraries, health care facilities, and government 
offices. As incumbent carriers prepare to stop offering some of these services, competitive 
carriers and the customers that depend on them face uncertainty. 
To preserve competition that exists in the marketplace today, the rules adopted today require that 
replacement services be offered to competitive providers at rates, terms and conditions that are 
reasonably comparable to those of the legacy services. This is an interim measure, pending the 
completion of the FCC’s special access proceeding which is examining these issues more 
broadly. The item also clarifies that a carrier that plans to discontinue a service that has only 
carrier customers must still follow the statutory process for discontinuance if the action would 
negatively impact retail users served by those carrier customers.
The item is available at https://apps.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-15-97A1.pdf.
Action by the Commission, August 6, 2015, by Report and Order, Order on Reconsideration, and 
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 15-97). Chairman Wheeler, Commissioners 
Clyburn and Rosenworcel approving. Commissioners Pai and O’Rielly dissenting. Chairman 
Wheeler, Commissioners Clyburn, Rosenworcel, Pai and O’Rielly issuing statements.
Docket #: 13-5
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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).