What They Are Saying: Stakeholders Applaud the IP Transition

Chairman Carr Leads the Way on Network Modernization 

FCC to Vote on Thursday to Expedite Copper Wire Retirement 
in Favor of Modern Infrastructure
   
WASHINGTON, March 25, 2026—Tomorrow, the Federal Communications Commission will vote on a decision that will get communities off of old and slow copper lines and onto new, high-speed networks.  If approved, this FCC action will allow providers to retire their decades-old and increasingly expensive copper line networks, freeing up tens of billions of dollars annually for the roll out of upgraded, high-speed networks to more Americans.  This marks another step forward in the FCC’s Build America Agenda.

Chairman Carr issued the following statement:

“President Trump is working to unleash new infrastructure builds in communities all across the country.  And the FCC will act this week to accelerate the construction of new, high-speed networks.   For too long, outdated regulations required providers to pour billions of dollars into aging, copper-line networks, rather than allowing them to upgrade consumers to next-gen connection.  The FCC corrects course today.  This will free up tens of billions of dollars annually for the roll out of upgraded, high-speed networks to more Americans, while retaining or adopting safeguards to protect consumers and public safety.” 

Chairman Carr added, “I have been very pleased to see the broad support expressed for this action.”

What they are saying:

AT&T: “We appreciate Chairman Carr and the Commission for their focus to modernize our nation’s communications networks and streamline outdated rules.  By updating long-standing rules to reflect today’s communications landscape, the FCC is helping accelerate the transition from outdated copper to newer technologies that better meet our customers’ needs for high-speed connectivity.  In turn, this clears a path for greater investment and improved customer experiences.  We look forward to continued engagement to ensure these modernized rules deliver more reliable connectivity and sustained U.S. leadership in communications infrastructure.” ~ Rhonda Johnson, Executive Vice President, Federal Regulatory Relations

American Consumer Institute: “commends the FCC for its draft order to modernize outmoded communications networks and equip consumers with the tools needed to access the networks of the future economy.  As the American Consumer Institute has demonstrated time and again, copper networks serve consumers poorly.  Broad agreement among experts in past FCC filings demonstrates that it is time for the nearly-100-year-old Section 214 requirements that prop up these failing networks to be swept into the dustbin of history.

“The draft order makes no mention of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence technologies.  Still, retiring copper wire and modernizing American networks are desperately needed first steps in readying the broadband ecosystem for increased data demands spurred on by mass AI adoption.” 
~ Logan Kolas, Director of Technology Policy

Brightspeed: “Our strategy is centered on transforming legacy infrastructure into a modern, fiber-first network that delivers the speed, reliability and performance our customers expect.  The FCC’s action helps remove unnecessary barriers to that transition, allowing us to move more efficiently from outdated copper facilities to advanced fiber technology that better meets today’s connectivity needs. Modern networks require modern rules.  We appreciate the leadership of the FCC in advancing policies that support investment, strengthen service reliability and expand access to high-speed broadband.” ~ Wyre Marshall, General Counsel

Citizens Against Government Waste: “Moving forward with cooper wire retirement is a good step toward modernizing the U.S.’s communications networks.” ~ Tom Schatz, President 

Consumer Choice Center: “For too long, antiquated FCC rules have resulted in Americans being forced to subsidize decaying copper networks, slowing down the transition to upgrading infrastructure to the 21st century.  By finally ending these perverse incentives and phasing out legacy handouts, the Commission is choosing to stop propping up antiquated and unnecessary technology, clearing the way for private investment to quickly modernize our networks while lowering costs for every American in a win for consumers.” ~ James Czerniawski, Head of Emerging Technology Policy

Digital Liberty: “The FCC is finally making it legal to replace outdated, slow, and valuable copper with modern, fast, and cheap fiber without a permission slip from the government.  It should be a no-brainer to support.” ~ James Erwin, Executive Director

Digital Progress Institute: “Fantastic move by Chairman Carr and the FCC.  This Order is necessary for our network’s efficiency, competitiveness, and broadband deployment!” ~ Joel Thayer, President

Free State Foundation: “I applaud FCC Chairman Brendan Carr’s announcement that the Commission will vote on its proposal to accelerate the transition to fully modernized, high speed broadband networks.  Adoption of the plan to eliminate outdated and costly analog-age regulations in order to speed the transition away from legacy copper wire networks is essential to securing America’s economic prosperity and innovative environment.  By aligning the FCC's rules with what the digital age demands, this important deregulatory step will enhance overall consumer welfare and incentivize investment in advanced high-speed networks.  At the same time, the proposal contains necessary consumer protection and public safety safeguards.” ~ Randolph May, President

Foundation for American Innovation / National Security Institute, George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School: “Since 2015 the FCC has tried to retire outdated copper lines to pave the way for faster fiber & modern networks.  No go.  At last under Chairman Carr, it's finally happening—streamlining retirement, frees up billions for high-speed upgrades, while protecting consumers & 911.  Great step forward!” ~ Roslyn Layton, Non-Resident Senior Fellow / Senior Fellow

International Center for Law and Economics: “The FCC’s order on copper retirement is a welcome reality check for a regulatory framework stuck in the 1990s.  Providers are spending billions to maintain a deteriorating copper network for a shrinking share of customers.  The United States cannot keep paying to stand still while the rest of the world moves to fiber.  By removing legacy barriers, the commission is freeing capital to invest in faster, more energy-efficient networks.” 
~  Kristian Stout, ICLE Director of Innovation Policy

Project GOAL: “A regulatory path is now set to help advance communications services for all consumers, particularly older adults.  Consumers will realize substantial benefits from the transition to modernized networks, including improved voice service quality and the opportunity for advanced features.  The greatest benefit of modernizing the communications network for all consumers and particularly older adults is the significant cost savings that result in shifting away from a copper network that has increasingly higher costs.” ~ Debra Berlyn, Executive Director

The Taxpayers Protection Alliance: “By approving this rule, the FCC is embracing a light-touch approach that will help smaller, rural carriers avoid runaway costs and remove barriers to IP traffic exchange.  These changes carry immense benefits, including improved 911 emergency response, bolstered multimedia communication, and better system reliability.  Americans across the country will benefit from these long-overdue reforms.” - Johnny Kampis, Director of Telecom Policy

Telecommunications Industry Association: “By updating rules that no longer align with how today’s communications networks are built and operated, the Commission has taken a practical step toward supporting continued infrastructure investment and economic activity. These changes give providers greater flexibility to direct resources toward deploying secure, resilient, nextgeneration network equipment that supports evolving consumer and enterprise needs.” ~ Melissa Newman, Senior Vice President of Government Affairs.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce Technology Engagement Center: “The FCC’s permitting policies have fostered an investment-friendly environment by reducing delays, providing clarity, and enabling network modernization. Preempting state regulations that hinder upgrades is essential to ensure faster deployment and sustained private investment, which are critical for advancing America’s connectivity and competitiveness.” ~ Jordan Crenshaw, Senior Vice President 

USTelecom: “Bravo to the FCC – coming off the 30th anniversary of the Telecommunications Act, the Commission has taken a critical step toward releasing consumers from legacy copper networks and the rules that govern them.  With this draft order, the FCC is working toward updating rules to reflect reality, accelerating America’s transition from outdated copper infrastructure to the modern, high-speed networks consumers consistently choose and rely on.

“We applaud Chairman Carr’s leadership for fostering a framework that allows providers to retire obsolete copper facilities and reinvest billions into faster, more resilient broadband networks built for how Americans live and work today.” ~ Jonathan Spalter, President and CEO

Verizon: “Chairman Carr’s proposed framework to advance network modernization is a historic achievement.  Once the FCC takes this step, this approach will significantly accelerate the path for more Americans to move to the fast, advanced networks of the future.  The modernized framework will facilitate more secure networks, supercharge investment in next-generation fiber and wireless, and better protect critical infrastructure from theft and vandalism.  We thank the Chairman for his leadership and look forward to the Commission adopting this important order.” ~ Kathy Grillo, Senior Vice President, Public Policy & Government Affairs

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