Media Contact: 
Mark Wigfield, (202) 418-0253
mark.wigfield@fcc.gov

For Immediate Release

FCC STREAMLINES, ELIMINATES BURDENSOME TARIFF FILING RULES
Rules Reflected Bygone Days of Voluminous Paper Filings
  -- 
WASHINGTON, October 25, 2019—Continuing its work to eliminate needless regulatory burdens, the FCC updated several of its rules governing tariff filings.  Today’s action recognizes that the ability of carriers and interested parties to submit and view information electronically has obviated the need for tariff filing rules adopted decades ago when voluminous paper filings were the norm and deciphering them required lengthy review periods.

Tariffs filed with the FCC set out the rates, terms, and conditions that apply to certain telecommunications services.  In the past, carriers had to file paper copies of their tariffs and supporting documents at the FCC, where regulators and interested parties could review them.  But since 2011, the FCC has required that tariff filings be made through its Electronic Tariff Filing System, which enables online filing and review.  

The Report and Order adopted by the FCC today amends two rules that are more than 75-years-old and that bar cross-referencing between tariffs.  Today’s amendments allow a carrier to cross-reference its own tariffs and those of its affiliates.  Although such cross-references were difficult to follow when these often-massive tariffs were filed in paper form, they can now be easily accessed by clicking on a hyperlink.

The FCC also eliminated a requirement that price cap carriers file certain supporting information, called a “short form tariff review plan,” 90 days before the effective date of their annual access charge tariffs.  Electronic filings and regulatory developments have made early submission of this information unnecessary.

These rule changes will take effect 30 days after Federal Register publication of a summary of the Report and Order.

Action by the Commission October 25, 2019 by Report and Order (FCC 19-107).  Chairman Pai, Commissioners O’Rielly, Carr, Rosenworcel, and Starks approving.  Chairman Pai and Commissioner O’Rielly issuing separate statements.

WC Docket Nos. 18-276, 17-308

###

Media Relations: (202) 418-0500 / ASL: (844) 432-2275 / TTY: (888) 835-5322 / Twitter: @FCC / www.fcc.gov 

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).