Accelerating Network Modernization; Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Report and Order (FCC 26-19)

Publisher

Federal Communications Commission

URL

https://docs.fcc.gov/public/attachments/FCC-26-19A1.txt

Published

2026-03-27

Updated

unknown

Accessed

2026-09-24

HTTP status

206

License

US government work; public domain; public domain; short excerpts used

Source notes citing this source

• FCC 26-19 applies the 31-day automatic grant period to all discontinuance applications regardless of dominant or non-dominant status, and carriers must notify customers no later than the date they file. in context
• The 2016 technology transitions rules' requirement that replacement services be compatible with legacy devices such as alarms and medical monitors sunset in 2025, per the FCC's own account in FCC 26-19. in context
• For streamlined technology transition discontinuances, the 2026 consolidated rule's replacement-service categories take the place of the 2016 adequate replacement test as the operative standard. inferred in context
• FCC 26-19 revises section 63.71 so that a 31-day automatic grant period applies to all discontinuance applications, whether the applicant is dominant or non-dominant. in context
• The FCC declined to condition technology transition discontinuances on the replacement supporting a G.711 codec handshake with RFC 2833 disabled on calls to life safety alarm monitoring receivers. in context
• The FCC's answer to concerns about home security alarms and medical monitoring devices is that streamlined rules still require customer notice and give consumers an opportunity to comment or object, and that IP-based and wireless device options exist. in context
• FCC 26-19 grants carriers blanket section 214(a) authority to grandfather legacy voice service, lower-speed data telecommunications service, and interconnected VoIP provisioned over copper wire. in context
• The FCC adopted its Network and Services Modernization Report and Order (FCC 26-19, WC Docket Nos. 25-208 and 25-209) on March 26, 2026 and released it on March 27, 2026. in context
• After FCC 26-19, incumbent LECs must still give direct notice of copper retirements and short-term network changes to directly interconnected telephone exchange service providers, 911 service providers, and directly interconnecting LECs that support essential 911 network functions. in context
• FCC 26-19 eliminates all Commission filing requirements in the network change disclosure rules, together with the Bureau public notice process and the interconnected-provider objection process for copper retirements and short-term network changes. in context
• Incumbent LECs remain required to post public notice of planned network changes through industry fora, industry publications, or on the carrier's publicly accessible internet site. in context
• The FCC states that neither section 251(c)(5) nor its implementing network change rules impose notice obligations toward end users; retail customers learn of copper retirements only as a matter of carrier practice under those rules. in context
• The fetched text of FCC 26-19 does not appear to address fire alarm control panels, elevator emergency phones, fax machines, modems or NFPA codes by name; its device discussion is framed around home security alarms and medical monitoring. inferred in context
• Under the consolidated technology transition discontinuance rule, a carrier qualifies for streamlined treatment by certifying that at least one qualifying replacement service is available at every location throughout the affected service area. in context
• Facilities-based interconnected VoIP service is one of the replacement service categories that supports a technology transition discontinuance under FCC 26-19. in context
• Voice service supported through the Commission's modernized high-cost support programs is a qualifying replacement category under FCC 26-19. in context
• Facilities-based mobile wireless service qualifies as a replacement under FCC 26-19 where it offers at least 5/1 Mbps as reflected on the National Broadband Map. in context
• A carrier's own alternative voice service qualifies as a replacement under FCC 26-19 if it has been available for at least the immediately preceding 60 days with substantially similar network performance. in context
• A widely available third-party voice service that is available at all locations in the affected area and provides access to 911 is a qualifying replacement category under FCC 26-19. in context
• How far FCC 26-19's preemption finding overrides state carrier-of-last-resort rules such as California's is unresolved in the evidence gathered; state COLR duties may continue to shape timing even where the FCC has authorized discontinuance. inferred in context
• FCC 26-19 finds that federal law preempts state and local requirements to the extent they impede providers from discontinuing interstate and jurisdictionally mixed legacy services the FCC has authorized them to discontinue. in context

Cite this source record

APA

WarmTransfer. (2026, March 27). Accelerating Network Modernization; Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Report and Order (FCC 26-19). WarmTransfer. https://warmtransfer.net/knowledge/sources/fcc-26-19-network-modernization-order

BibTeX

@misc{warmtransfer-fcc-26-19-network-modernization-order,
  title  = {Accelerating Network Modernization; Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes, Report and Order (FCC 26-19)},
  author = {{WarmTransfer}},
  year   = {2026},
  url    = {https://warmtransfer.net/knowledge/sources/fcc-26-19-network-modernization-order},
  note   = {Federal Communications Commission, accessed 2026-09-24}
}