FCC Seeks Input on Broadband Communications Transition

Driven by technology and market forces, the evolution of communications services to broadband creates many opportunities for our country, but it also has a significant impact on the circuit switched Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN), a system that has provided, and continues to provide, essential services to the country. Our country has been through other communications transitions, such as the transition from analog mobile service to digital mobile service or the transition from analog broadcast television to digital broadcast television. While each transition is different, policy has played an important role in ensuring consumers were protected from loss of essential services and were informed of the choices presented by the transition. Policy also has played a role in providing a glide path for all industry players, enabling more efficient planning and adjustment over the course of the transition. The intent of this Public Notice is to set the stage for the Commission to consider whether to issue a Notice of Inquiry (NOI) relating to the appropriate policy framework to facilitate and respond to the market-led transition in technology and services, from the circuit switched PSTN system to an IP-based communications world. The FCC seeks public comment to identify the relevant policy questions that an NOI on this topic should raise in order to assist the Commission in considering how best to monitor and plan for this transition. In identifying the appropriate areas of inquiry, the FCC seeks to understand which policies and regulatory structures may facilitate, and which may hinder, the efficient migration to an all IP world. In addition, the Commission seeks to identify and understand what aspects of traditional policy frameworks are important to consider, address, and possibly modify in an effort to protect the public interest in an all-IP world. For example, one line of questioning that a Notice of Inquiry may pursue is how to continue ensuring appropriate protections for and assistance to people with disabilities in the transition to an IP-based communications world. Another could focus on the role of carrier of last resort obligations. In this Public Notice, the FCC seeks comment on what policy areas should be understood in considering how best to prepare for the transition from the circuit-switched to the IP-based communications world. Comments are due December 21.