STATEMENT OF
COMMISSIONER JESSICA ROSENWORCEL
Re: Technology Transitions, GN Docket No. 13-5; USTelecom Petition for Declaratory Ruling That 
Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers Are Non-Dominant in the Provision of Switched Access 
Services, WC Docket No. 13-3; Policies and Rules Governing Retirement Of Copper Loops by 
Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers, RM-11358.
Today we are focused on the future because our networks are changing.  To understand how, take 
a look at the not-so-distant past.  A year ago, when we last visited the issues in this proceeding, there were 
85 million traditional phone lines across the country—down from nearly 200 million at the turn of the 
millennium.  But now our most recent data show that the number of traditional phone lines has fallen 
again—to 73 million lines.  That’s a decrease of 14% in one year alone.  Meanwhile, Americans are 
increasingly choosing other ways to communicate—including a growing number of VoIP and wireless 
connections.  
This is what network change looks like—and our decision today recognizes this reality and 
embraces this change.  It has my full support.    
We acknowledge that our traditional distinction between certain dominant and non-dominant 
services is out of date and out of touch.  As a result, we change our policy framework for incumbent 
providers offering interstate switched access.  This means less red tape and a more competitive playing 
field.  
We also provide a clear path for providers to retire legacy service and move to next generation 
voice technologies, while ensuring key functions like access to 911 are available over what is new and 
next.    
Finally, our decision takes steps to make sure that consumers are informed about network change.  
This is critical.  We require providers to develop outreach plans and keep users informed about how 
network updates can affect their service.  
There are four values that have always informed our communications policy—public safety, 
universal access, competition, and consumer protection.  They have capably guided us in the past, they 
are supported in our decision today, and I believe they can continue to guide us as we navigate the 
network change in our future.