Many telecom companies have begun technology transitions. One such transition involves retiring copper networks to replace them with more modern technology (fiber optic cable, wireless, etc.).
What happens to a consumer’s service when a copper network gets replaced?
- When copper is retired, a consumer’s service may or may not change.
- Before companies retire their copper, they have to tell consumers what is going to happen and how it will impact their service (if at all).
- Incumbent carriers must provide notice of planned copper retirements to all of their retail customers whose copper connection to the premises will be replaced by fiber to the premises.
- Notice requirements are at least 180 days for interconnecting entities and non-residential retail customers, and 90 days for residential retail customers.
- Providers must include a neutral statement of the various service options available to customers when they are providing the mandated notice containing information about the switch from copper to fiber, but are prohibited from attempting to encourage customers to purchase a new service.
- Traditional copper landline service typically works during power outages, but modern alternatives usually need backup power to keep operating during a power outage.
- If the network is no longer copper, the service provider must provide the consumer the option to purchase a backup battery to last for eight hours. By February 2019, these providers are required to offer customers the option to purchase equipment that will provide 24 hours of backup power.
What other kinds of transitions are happening?
- As voice service providers upgrade their network infrastructure, they are also transitioning from legacy network technology – known as time division multiplexing or TDM – to service using internet protocol (IP) technology and/or wireless.
- In July 2016, the Commission revised its rules to establish a method for companies to demonstrate that consumers have access to an adequate replacement service when a company is discontinuing legacy TDM-based service. These rules will take effect in early 2017.
- Under the new rules, a company’s application to discontinue legacy TDM-based voice service in a technology transition can be automatically granted in 30 days if the applicant meets a three-pronged test. The test expedites transitions in which:
- Network performance, reliability and coverage is substantially unchanged for customers;
- Access to 911, cybersecurity and access for people with disabilities meets current rules and standards; and, Compatibility with a defined list of legacy services still popular with consumers and small businesses, including home security systems, medical monitoring devices, credit card readers and fax machines is assured. (This prong sunsets in 2025.)
How will I know if tech transitions are happening in my area?
- The FCC requires providers to give notice of copper retirements directly to state (the governor and the state public utility commission) and Tribal governments at least 180 days before any retirements.
- If there are no customers still using the copper network, the notice need only be provided at least 90 days before retirement.
- Under the FCC rules adopted in July 2016, carriers discontinuing legacy voice services are required to offer adequate customer education materials and outreach plans. They will also be encouraged to submit their consumer education materials to the relevant state commissions and/or Tribal government.
- The FCC took note of states’ comment in writing the rules regarding tech transitions, and also heeded the recommendations of the IAC, which is made up of state, local and tribal government representatives.
A consumer guide for you to share is available at www.fcc.gov/guides/tech-transition.
The 2015 tech transitions order revising the FCC’s copper retirement rules is at https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-releases-rules-spur-technology-transitions-protect-consumers.
The July 2016 tech transitions order is at https://www.fcc.gov/document/fcc-updates-tech-transitions-review-benefit-consumers-innovation. Finally, the battery backup order is at https://www.fcc.gov/document/ensuring-continuity-911-communications-report-and-order.