Despite the ongoing Federal Government shutdown, the FCC adopted several items at its October 28, 2025, Open Meeting. The following is a summary of selected issues of particular interest to the ILEC industry that were addressed at the Open Meeting:
- In an effort to accelerate the transition to modern network infrastructure, the Commission adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) to examine the interconnection requirements imposed on ILECs under Section 251 of the Communications Act of 1934, as amended. The NPRM initiates the next step in the Commission’s efforts to accelerate the transition of communications networks to all-Internet Protocol (IP) by reviewing ILEC specific interconnection requirements under Section 251(c). The Commission seeks comment on its proposal to forbear from the interconnection and related obligations on ILECs under Section 251(c)(2) and251(c)(6) and the Commission’s rules implementing those sections by a sunset date of December 31, 2028. Section 251(c)(2) addresses interconnection with the ILEC network for the transmission and routing of telephone exchange service at any technically feasible point within the ILEC’s network. Further, 251(c)(2) states that interconnection must at least in quality to that provided by the ILEC to itself at rates, terms, and conditions that are in accordance with Section 252. Section 251(c)(6) covers physical and virtual colocation. In addition, comment is sought on what, if any, regulatory framework should replace the interconnection framework under Section 251(c) and the Commission’s authority to regulate IP interconnection under any such framework. Finally, comment is sought on ways the Commission can facilitate the transition to IP interconnection while retaining critical oversight of public safety (NG911), consumer protection, and competition. Comments and Reply Comments in this proceeding will be due 30 and 60 days respectively after publication in the Federal Register.
- The Commission adopted a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) addressing Consumer Broadband Labels. As discussed in the ICORE Blog dated October 15, 2025, the FNPRM seeks to simplify the process for providers and consumers and provide greater transparency related to consumers when selecting a broadband service plan. The FNPRM proposes to eliminate certain broadband label requirements and seeks comment on other ways to streamline the rules to reduce the compliance burden on providers while preserving the benefits to consumers. Specifically, the Commission proposes to eliminate the requirements that providers: (1) read the labels to consumers over the phone; (2) itemize state and local passthrough fees that vary by location; (3) provide information about the now-concluded Affordable Connectivity Program; (4) display labels in customer account portals; (5) make labels available in machine readable format; and (6) archive labels for at least two years after a service is no longer offered to new customers. The Commission also seeks comment on ways to streamline and eliminate other broadband label requirements that are overly burdensome and costly while providing little benefit to consumers. Comments and Reply Comments will be due 30/60 days after Federal Register publication.
- The Commission adopted a FNPRM and Public Notice addressing illegal Robocalls seeking comment on proposals that would mitigate illegal calls at the point of origin and at the final point on the call path, delivery to the consumer. The FNPRM proposes steps to stop a major source of illegal calls, those that originate outside the United States. Further, the FNPRM proposes steps to stop illegal calls before they reach the consumer and provide consumers with more information about calls so they can better decide whether to answer them. Numerous specific proposals are addressed including requiring terminating voice service providers to transmit verified caller name information to the called party whenever they transmit call authentication information indicating that the originating number is unlikely to be spoofed; requiring originating providers to verify caller identity information; requiring gateway providers to mark calls that originate outside the United States; requiring non-gateway intermediate providers to pass to subsequent providers unaltered information identifying calls originating from outside the United States; and requiring terminating voice providers to transmit to called parties an indicator that a call originated outside the United States. In addition, the FNPRM proposes to simplify, streamline, or eliminate certain outdated Robocall rules. Finally, the Public Notice addresses the Commission’s intent to dismiss older petitions for reconsideration and review related to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. Comments and Reply Comments are due 30/60 days after Federal Register publication.
As mentioned above, the timing of Comments and Reply Comments in the above proceedings are dependent on publication in the Federal Register. We will continue to monitor these important issues and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
