Technology Transitions, Policies and Rules Governing Retirement of Copper Loops by Incumbent Local Exchange Carriers and Special Access for Price Cap Local Exchange Carriers

The Commission initiated this rulemaking in January 2015 to help guide and accelerate the technological revolutions that are underway involving the transitions from networks based on TDM circuit- switched voice services running on copper loops to all-IP multi-media networks using copper, co-axial cable, wireless, and fiber as physical infrastructure. This rulemaking and order on reconsideration is only one of a series of Commission actions to protect core values and ensure the success of these technology transitions. In this item, we take steps to ensure that competition continues to thrive and to protect consumers during transitions. These steps will help to ensure that the technology transitions continue to succeed.