Media Contact: 
Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0509
mark.wigfield@fcc.gov
For Immediate Release
FCC STREAMLINES RULES TO SPEED TRANSITION TO 
MODERN BROADBAND NETWORKS
WASHINGTON, November 16, 2017—The Federal Communications Commission today enacted 
reforms that will better enable providers to invest in next-generation networks.  The FCC is also 
seeking comment on additional reforms, including how the FCC can expedite rebuilding and 
repairing broadband infrastructure after natural disasters. With broadband an essential component 
of modern life, the FCC is working to ensure its rules allow carriers to invest in modern networks 
rather than devote scarce resources to outmoded legacy services.
One set of changes approved govern access to utility poles and conduits, which can be a costly 
and time-consuming barrier to broadband deployment. Changes include rules that: 
? Reduce costs faced by broadband providers by barring pole owners from charging for
certain costs they have already recovered from others (called make-ready fees).
? Speed resolution of pole attachment disputes by the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau through 
use of a 180-day “shot clock.” 
? Allow local providers equal access to each other’s poles.
Another set of reforms revise rules that needlessly delay or even stop companies from replacing
copper with fiber and that delay discontinuance of technologies from the 1970s in favor of 
services using Internet Protocol (IP) technologies. The reforms will:
? Allow providers to notify customers, including federal agencies, earlier of upcoming
network changes and copper retirements.
? Reduce consumer confusion and carrier burden caused by duplicative Commission-
mandated copper retirement notices.
? Speed the timeframe for upgrading copper to fiber.
? Expedite applications filed by carriers seeking to: (1) stop taking new customers for low-
speed voice and data services; (2) discontinue previously “grandfathered” low-speed data 
services; and (3) discontinue low-speed services for which there are no customers.
? Eliminate section 214(a) discontinuance requirements for solely wholesale services.
? Reverse a 2014 interpretation that diverted investment from next-generation networks by 
requiring carriers to receive FCC approval before upgrading legacy services.
Today’s actions do not affect providers’ obligations to comply with 911 service requirements 
regardless of the technology a provider uses. In addition, all voice services remain subject to 
requirements that they support access by people with disabilities, regardless of technology.
Action by the Commission November 16, 2017 by Report and Order, Declaratory Ruling, and 
Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Order (FCC 17-154). Chairman Pai, Commissioners
O’Rielly and Carr approving.  Commissioner Clyburn dissenting.  Commissioner Rosenworcel 
approving in part and dissenting in part.  Chairman Pai, Commissioners Clyburn, O’Rielly, Carr 
and Rosenworcel issuing separate statements.
WC Docket No. 17-84
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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. Cir. 1974).