Rule2026-07343
Deleting Obsolete and Duplicative Wireline Rules
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
April 16, 2026
Effective
June 15, 2026
Issuing agencies
Federal Communications Commission
Abstract
In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (the Commission) continues its efforts to modernize its regulatory framework by rescinding facially obsolete provisions of its rules.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 73 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 73 (Thursday, April 16, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 20372-20379]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-07343]
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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION
47 CFR Parts 1, 6, 7, 14, 43, 51, 53, 54, 61, 64, 65, 68, and 69
[GN Docket No. 25-133; FCC 25-68; FR ID 341024]
Deleting Obsolete and Duplicative Wireline Rules
AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.
ACTION: Direct final rule.
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SUMMARY: In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (the
Commission) continues its efforts to modernize its regulatory framework
by rescinding facially obsolete provisions of its rules.
DATES: These rules are effective June 15, 2026, without further action,
unless adverse comment is received by May 6, 2026. If adverse comment
is received, the Commission will publish a timely withdrawal of the
rule in the Federal Register.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: For further information, please
contact, Edward Krachmer, Competition Policy Division, Wireline
Competition Bureau, at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#551031223427317b1e2734363d383027153336367b323a23"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="b7f2d3c0d6c5d399fcc5d6d4dfdad2c5f7d1d4d499d0d8c1">[email protected]</span></a> or 202-418-1525.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: This is a summary of the Commission's Direct
Final Rule in GN Docket No. 25-133; FCC 25-68, adopted on September 30,
2025, and released on September 30, 2025. The full text of this
document is available at the following internet address: <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/document/deleting-obsolete-and-duplicative-wireline-rules-0">https://www.fcc.gov/document/deleting-obsolete-and-duplicative-wireline-rules-0</a>.
I. Introduction
1. The Direct Final Rule continues the Commission's efforts to
modernize its regulatory framework by rescinding facially obsolete
provisions of its rules. In the proceeding, the Commission has
undertaken a sweeping review aimed at eliminating outdated rules,
reducing unnecessary regulatory burdens, accelerating infrastructure
deployment, promoting network modernization, and spurring innovation.
The Commission's objective is to streamline, simplify, and smartly
deregulate across multiple fronts simultaneously to better serve the
public and support technological progress.
2. In initiating this proceeding, the Commission generally sought
to identify rules that are obsolete, outdated, unlawful,
anticompetitive, or otherwise no longer in the public interest. In the
item, the Commission specifically focuses on the repeal of certain
rules managed by the Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau (CGB) and
the Wireline Competition Bureau (WCB) in Parts 1, 6, 7, 14, 43, 51, 53,
54, 61, 64, 65, 68, and 69 for which prior notice and comment are
unnecessary, but for which the Commission elects to provide an
opportunity for input on that assessment. Absent any significant
adverse comments in response to the Direct Final Rule, these rules will
be repealed.
II. Discussion
3. Good Cause to Forgo Notice and Comment. Under the Administrative
Procedure Act, when an agency for good cause finds that notice and
public comment ``are impracticable, unnecessary, or contrary to the
public interest,'' it need not follow notice and comment procedures
before modifying or repealing rules. Prior notice and comment are
``unnecessary'' when `` `the administrative rule is a routine
determination, insignificant in nature and impact, and inconsequential
to the industry and to the public.' ''
4. The Commission has identified 89 rule provisions, including 386
rules and requirements, that plainly no longer serve the public
interest because they regulate obsolete technology, are no longer used
in practice by the Commission or carriers, or are otherwise outdated or
unnecessary. Applying the ``good cause'' standard discussed in this
document, the Commission concludes that prior notice and comment are
unnecessary before repealing the rules identified in the following.
5. Direct Final Rule Process. In the Direct Final Rule, the
Commission follows the processes previously outlined regarding direct
final rules, which it briefly summarizes here. At times when the
Commission has found prior notice and comment unnecessary before
modifying or repealing rules, it simply adopted the relevant rule
change without any additional process. Although the Commission reserves
the right to proceed in that manner, it elects in this decision to
proceed using what is known as a ``direct final rule'' process. By
proceeding through a direct final rule, the Commission chooses to
provide expanded opportunities for public comment when it is not
legally required to do so under the ``good cause'' standard. Under a
direct final rule process, rule changes are adopted without prior
notice and comment, but are accompanied by an opportunity for the
public to file comments--and if the Commission concludes that
significant adverse comments have been filed, the relevant rule changes
would not take effect until after a full notice and comment process.
6. In particular, the Commission will publish the item adopting
direct final rules in the Federal Register, and allow for comment from
interested parties within 20 days of Federal Register publication.
Until 20 days after Federal Register publication, this shall be a
``permit-but-disclose'' proceeding for purposes of the Commission's ex
parte rules. Because the comment process is directed toward the
discrete objective of the direct final rule process, and to avoid
unwarranted delay in that process, the Commission prohibits filings
addressing the rule changes contemplated in the Direct Final Rule more
than 20 days after Federal Register publication, absent further
direction from the Commission published in the Federal Register. This
both accords with the purpose of the comment process for direct final
rules, and is similar (though not identical) to actions the Commission
has taken in other contexts to provide a defined end-point for public
filings to enable the Commission to focus its attention on the
submissions already before it.
7. The direct final rules will be effective 60 days after Federal
Register publication. To the extent that the Commission receives
comments on these direct final rules, it will evaluate whether they are
significant adverse comments that warrant further procedures before
changing the rules. In the Commission's assessment, it plans to be
guided by the Administrative Conference of the United States's
recommendation that ``[a]n agency should consider any comment received
during direct final rulemaking to be a significant adverse comment if
the comment explains why: a. The [direct final] rule would be
inappropriate, including challenges to the rule's underlying premise or
approach; or b. The [direct final] rule would be ineffective or
unacceptable without a change.''
8. In the event that the Commission concludes that significant
adverse comments have been filed, WCB and/or CGB will publish a timely
withdrawal in the Federal Register so that this Direct Final Rule does
not become effective until any appropriate additional procedures have
been followed. If significant adverse comments are filed only with
respect to particular amendments within this
[[Page 20373]]
Direct Final Rule, WCB and/or the CGB, as appropriate, will withdraw
the amendatory instructions that were subject to significant adverse
comments. For example, if a significant adverse comment is filed
regarding a single amendatory instruction within a direct final rule
that contains multiple amendatory instructions, the Commission will
publish a withdrawal addressing only that instruction.
9. In the event that no comments are filed in response to this
Direct Final Rule, the Commission does not anticipate publishing a
confirmation of the effective date in the Federal Register, but simply
will allow the rule changes to take effect as originally specified.
Where comments are filed but none of the comments are significant
adverse comments, where warranted by the record WCB and/or the CGB will
issue a Public Notice that will briefly explain why any comments filed
were not determined to be significant adverse comments.
III. Procedural Matters
A. Paperwork Reduction Act
10. This document does not contain new or modified information
collections subject to the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (PRA), 44
U.S.C. 3501-3521. In addition, therefore, it does not contain any new
or modified information collection burden for small business concerns
with fewer than 25 employees, pursuant to the Small Business Paperwork
Relief Act of 2002, 44 U.S.C. 3506(c)(4).
B. Congressional Review Act
11. The Commission has determined, and the Administrator of the
Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs, Office of Management and
Budget concurs, that this rule is ``non-major'' under the Congressional
Review Act, 5 U.S.C. 804(2). The Commission will send a copy of this
Direct Final Rule to Congress and the Government Accountability Office
pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A).
C. Filing Requirements
12. Interested parties may file comments on or before the date
indicated on the first page of this document. Comments may be filed
using the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS).
<bullet> Electronic Filers: Comments may be filed electronically
using the internet by accessing the ECFS: <a href="https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/">https://www.fcc.gov/ecfs/</a>.
<bullet> Paper Filers: Parties who choose to file by paper must
file an original and one copy of each filing.
[cir] Filings can be sent by hand or messenger delivery, by
commercial courier, or by the U.S. Postal Service. All filings must be
addressed to the Secretary, Federal Communications Commission.
[cir] Hand-delivered or messenger-delivered paper filings for the
Commission's Secretary are accepted between 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. by
the FCC's mailing contractor at 9050 Junction Drive, Annapolis
Junction, MD 20701. All hand deliveries must be held together with
rubber bands or fasteners. Any envelopes and boxes must be disposed of
before entering the building.
[cir] Commercial overnight mail (other than U.S. Postal Service
Express Mail and Priority Mail) must be sent to 9050 Junction Drive,
Annapolis Junction, MD 20701.
[cir] Filings sent by U.S. Postal Service First-Class Mail,
Priority Mail, and Priority Mail Express must be sent to 45 L Street
NE, Washington, DC 20554.
<bullet> People with Disabilities. To request materials in
accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print,
electronic files, audio format), send an email to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#086e6b6b3d383c486e6b6b266f677e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="96f0f5f5a3a6a2d6f0f5f5b8f1f9e0">[email protected]</span></a> or
call CGB at (202) 418-0530 or TTY: 202-418-0432.
IV. Ordering Clauses
13. Accordingly, it is ordered that, pursuant to sections 4(i),
4(j), and 303(r) of the Communications Act, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j),
and 303(r), the Direct Final Rule is adopted. Except as specified in
paragraph 8, the Direct Final Rule shall be effective upon Federal
Register publication of the rule changes set forth in the following,
which shall also serve as the date of public notice of that action.
14. It is further ordered that the amendments of the Commission's
rules as set forth in the following shall be effective 60 days after
Federal Register publication. In the event that significant adverse
comments are filed, WCB and/or the CGB shall publish a timely document
in the Federal Register withdrawing the rule so that the rule change
does not become effective until any additional procedures have been
followed. In the event that significant adverse comments are filed with
respect to only particular amendments, the Commission directs WCB and/
or CGB, as appropriate, to publish a timely document in the Federal
Register withdrawing only such amendatory instructions, so that those
amendments do not become effective until any additional procedures have
been followed.
List of Subjects
47 CFR Part 1
Administrative practice and procedure, Civil rights, Claims,
Communications, Communications common carrier, Communications
equipment, Cuba, Drug abuse, Environmental impact statements, Equal
access to justice, Equal employment opportunity, Federal buildings and
facilities, Government employees, Historic preservation, Income taxes,
Indemnity payments, Individuals with disabilities, internet,
Investigations, Lawyers, Metric system, Organization and function
(Government agencies), Penalties, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Satellites, Security measures, Telecommunications,
Telephone, Television, Wages.
47 CFR Parts 6 and 7
Communications equipment, Individuals with disabilities,
Telecommunications.
47 CFR Part 14
Communications, Individuals with disabilities, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements.
47 CFR Part 43
Communications common carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements.
47 CFR Part 51
Communications, Communications common carrier, Telecommunications,
Telephone.
47 CFR Part 53
Accounting, Communications common carriers, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Telephone.
47 CFR Part 54
Communications common carriers, Health facilities, Infants and
children, Internet, Libraries, Puerto Rico, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Schools, Telecommunications, Telephone, Virgin Islands.
47 CFR Part 61
Communications common carriers, Radio, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Telegraph, Telephone.
47 CFR Part 64
Communications, Communications common carriers, Communications
equipment, Computer technology, Individuals with disabilities,
Prisoners, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Security measures,
[[Page 20374]]
Telecommunications, Telephone, Waivers.
47 CFR Part 65
Administrative practice and procedure, Communications common
carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping requirements, Telephone.
47 CFR Part 68
Administrative practice and procedure, Communications common
carriers, Communications equipment, Labeling, Reporting and
recordkeeping requirements, Telecommunications, Telephone.
47 CFR Part 69
Communications common carriers, Reporting and recordkeeping
requirements, Telephone.
Federal Communications Commission.
Marlene Dortch,
Secretary.
Final Rules
For the reasons discussed in the preamble, the Federal
Communications Commission amends 47 CFR parts 1, 6, 7, 14, 43, 51, 53,
54, 61, 64, 65, 68, and 69 as follows:
PART 1--PRACTICE AND PROCEDURE
0
1. The authority citation for part 1 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. chs. 2, 5, 9, 13; 28 U.S.C. 2461 note; 47
U.S.C. 1754, unless otherwise noted.
Subpart E--Complaints, Applications, Tariffs, and Reports Involving
Common Carriers
Sec. 1.785 [Amended]
0
2. Section 1.785 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (a)
and (b).
PART 6--ACCESS TO TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE, TELECOMMUNICATIONS
EQUIPMENT AND CUSTOMER PREMISES EQUIPMENT BY PERSONS WITH
DISABILITIES
0
3. The authority citation for part 6 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151-154, 208, 255, and 303(r).
Subpart D--[Removed and Reserved]
0
4. Remove and reserve subpart D, consisting of Sec. Sec. 6.15 and
6.16.
PART 7--ACCESS TO VOICEMAIL AND INTERACTIVE MENU SERVICES AND
EQUIPMENT BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
0
5. The authority citation for part 7 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151-154, 208, 255, and 303(r).
Subpart D--[Removed and Reserved]
0
6. Remove and reserve subpart D, consisting of Sec. Sec. 7.15 and
7.16.
PART 14--ACCESS TO ADVANCED COMMUNICATIONS SERVICES AND EQUIPMENT
BY PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES
0
7. The authority citation for part 14 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151-154, 255, 303, 403, 503, 617, 618, 619
unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--Scope
0
8. Revise Sec. 14.1 to read as follows:
Sec. 14.1 Applicability.
Except as provided in Sec. Sec. 14.2, 14.3, and 14.5 of this
chapter, the rules in this part apply to:
(a) Any manufacturer of equipment used for advanced communications
services, including end user equipment, network equipment, and
software, that such manufacturer offers for sale or otherwise
distributes in interstate commerce; and
(b) Any provider of advanced communications services that such
provider offers in or affecting interstate commerce.
Sec. 14.4 [Removed and Reserved]
0
9. Remove and reserve Sec. 14.4.
PART 43--REPORTS OF COMMUNICATION COMMON CARRIERS, PROVIDERS OF
INTERNATIONAL SERVICES AND CERTAIN AFFILIATES
0
10. The authority citation for part 43 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 35-39, 154, 211, 219, 220; sec.
402(b)(2)(B), (c), Pub. L. 104-104, 110 Stat. 129.
0
11. Amend Sec. 43.01 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 43.01 Applicability
* * * * *
(c) Carriers becoming subject to the provisions of Sec. Sec. 43.21
and 43.43 for the first time, because their annual operating revenues
equal or exceed the indexed revenue threshold for a given year, shall
begin collecting data pursuant to such provisions in the calendar year
following the publication of that indexed revenue threshold in the
Federal Register. With respect to such initial filing of reports by any
carrier, pursuant to the provisions of Sec. 43.21(e) the carrier is to
begin filing data for the calendar year following the publication of
that indexed revenue threshold in the Federal Register by April 1 of
the second calendar year following publication of that indexed revenue
threshold in the Federal Register.
Sec. 43.21 [Amended]
0
12. Section 43.21 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (a)
through (d), (e)(2) and (3), and (f) through (k).
PART 51--INTERCONNECTION
0
13. The authority citation for part 51 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151-55, 201-05, 207-09, 218, 225-27, 251-
52, 271, 332 unless otherwise noted.
Subpart F--Pricing of Elements
0
14. Amend Sec. 51.505 by revising paragraph (d)(2) to read as follows:
Sec. 51.505 Forward-looking economic cost.
* * * * *
(d) * * *
(2) Retail costs. Retail costs include the costs of marketing,
billing, collection, and other costs associated with offering retail
telecommunications services to subscribers who are not
telecommunications carriers;
* * * * *
Subpart G--Resale
Sec. Sec. 51.605 through 51.609 [Removed and Reserved]
0
15. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 51.605 through 51.609.
Sec. Sec. 51.613 and 51.615 [Removed and Reserved]
0
16. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 51.613 and 51.615.
Subpart H--Reciprocal Compensation for Transport and Termination of
Telecommunications Traffic
Sec. 51.705 [Amended]
0
17. Section 51.705 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs
(c)(1) through (3).
[[Page 20375]]
Subpart J--Transitional Access Service Pricing
Sec. 51.911 [Amended]
0
18. Section 51.911 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (b).
PART 53--[REMOVED AND RESERVED]
0
19. Under the authority of Sections 4(i), 4(j), and 303(r) of the
Communications Act of 1934, as amended, 47 U.S.C. 154(i), 154(j),
303(r), remove and reserve part 53, consisting of Sec. Sec. 53.1
through 53.501.
PART 54--UNIVERSAL SERVICE
0
20. The authority citation for part 54 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 155, 201, 205, 214, 219, 220,
229, 254, 303(r), 403, 1004, 1302, 1601-1609, and 1752, unless
otherwise noted.
Subpart D--Universal Service Support for High Cost Areas
Sec. 54.303 [Amended]
0
21. Section 54.303 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph
(a)(6):
Sec. 54.304 [Amended]
0
22. Section 54.304 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (c).
Sec. 54.307 [Amended]
0
23. Amend Sec. 54.307 by:
0
a. Removing and reserving paragraph (a); and
0
b. Revising paragraphs (e) introductory text and (e)(5).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 54.307 Support to a competitive eligible telecommunications
carrier.
* * * * *
(e) Support beginning January 1, 2012. Competitive eligible
telecommunications carriers will, beginning January 1, 2012, receive
support based on the methodology described in this paragraph (e).
* * * * *
(5) Eligibility for interim support before 5G Fund Phase I auction.
Beginning the first day of the month following December 28, 2020, a
competitive eligible telecommunications carrier that receives support
pursuant to paragraph (e)(2) of this section shall no longer receive
such support and shall instead receive support as described in this
paragraph (e)(5).
(i) A competitive eligible telecommunications carrier that is not a
mobile competitive eligible telecommunications carrier, as that term is
defined in Sec. 54.5, shall no longer receive monthly baseline
support.
(ii) Until the first day of the month following the release of the
first public notice by the Office of Economics and Analytics and
Wireline Competition Bureau announcing the authorization of support for
any area eligible for support in the 5G Fund Phase I auction as
described in paragraph (e)(6) of this section, a mobile competitive
eligible telecommunications carrier that receives support pursuant to
paragraph (e)(2) of this section shall receive support at the same
level described in paragraph (e)(2)(iii) of this section.
* * * * *
Sec. 54.309 [Amended]
0
24. Section 54.309 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph
(a)(1).
Sec. 54.312 [Removed and Reserved]
0
25. Remove and reserve Sec. 54.312.
0
26. Amend Sec. 54.313 by:
0
a. Removing and reserving paragraph (b); and
0
b. Revising paragraphs (c) and (m).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 54.313 Annual reporting requirements and quarterly performance
reporting for high-cost recipients.
* * * * *
(c) In addition to the information and certifications in paragraph
(a) of this section, price cap carriers that receive frozen high-cost
support shall provide a certification that all frozen-high cost support
the company received in the previous year was used to build and operate
broadband-capable networks used to offer the provider's own retail
broadband service in areas substantially unserved by an unsubsidized
competitor. Recipients of frozen high-cost support under Sec.
54.1504(b), for annual reports due July 1, 2024, 2025, and 2026, shall
certify that such support received after June 1, 2023, was used for
resiliency and redundancy measures and to maintain their network
footprint for voice and broadband services as of June 1, 2023.
* * * * *
(m) Any price cap carrier or fixed competitive eligible
telecommunications carrier that elects to continue receiving support
pursuant to Sec. 54.307(e)(2)(iii), shall provide certifications,
starting July 1, 2020, and for each subsequent year they receive such
support, that all such support the company received in the previous
year was used to provide voice service throughout the high-cost and
extremely high-cost census blocks where they continue to have the
federal high-cost eligible telecommunications carrier obligation to
provide voice service pursuant to Sec. 54.201(d) at rates that are
reasonably comparable to comparable offerings in urban areas. Any price
cap carrier or fixed competitive eligible telecommunications carrier
that solely receives support pursuant to Sec. 54.307(e)(2)(iii) in its
designated service area shall not be subject to reporting requirements
in any other paragraphs in this section for such support.
* * * * *
Sec. 54.315 [Amended]
0
27. Section 54.315 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (a)
and (b).
Sec. 54.316 [Amended]
0
28. Section 54.316 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph
(b)(1).
Sec. 54.317 [Amended]
0
29. Section 54.317 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (h).
Sec. 54.322 [Amended]
0
30. Section 54.322 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs
(c)(1), (2), and (4).
Subpart F--Universal Service Support for Schools and Libraries
Sec. 54.502 [Amended]
0
31. Section 54.502 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (b)
and (c).
0
32. Amend Sec. 54.505 by:
0
a. Revising paragraph (c); and
0
b. Removing and reserving paragraph (d).
The revision reads as follows:
Sec. 54.505 Discounts.
* * * * *
(c) Matrices. Except as provided in paragraphs (f) and (g) of this
section, the Administrator shall use the following matrices to set
discount rates to be applied to eligible category one and category two
services purchased by eligible schools, school districts, libraries, or
consortia based on the institution's level of poverty and location in
an ``urban'' or ``rural'' area.
[[Page 20376]]
Table 1 to Paragraph (c)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Category one schools and libraries Category two schools and libraries
discount matrix discount matrix
% of students eligible for national ------------------------------------------------------------------------
school lunch program Discount level Discount level
------------------------------------------------------------------------
Urban discount Rural discount Urban discount Rural discount
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<1..................................... 20 25 20 25
1-19................................... 40 50 40 50
20-34.................................. 50 60 50 60
35-49.................................. 60 70 60 70
50-74.................................. 80 80 80 80
75-100................................. 90 90 85 85
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
* * * * *
Subpart J--Rural Digital Opportunity Fund
Sec. 54.801 [Removed and Reserved]
0
33. Remove and reserve Sec. 54.801.
Sec. 54.804 [Amended]
0
34. Section 54.804 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (a)
and (b).
Subpart O--Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and Connect USVI Fund
Sec. 54.1502 [Removed and Reserved]
0
35. Remove and reserve Sec. 54.1502.
Sec. 54.1503 [Amended]
0
36. Section 54.1503 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (a)
and (b).
Sec. 54.1505 [Removed and Reserved]
0
37. Remove and reserve Sec. 54.1505.
Sec. Sec. 54.1509 and 54.1510 [Removed and Reserved]
0
38. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 54.1509 and 54.1510.
0
39. Amend Sec. 54.1516 by revising paragraphs (b) and (d) to read as
follows:
Sec. 54.1516 Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and the Connect USVI Fund--
Transitional support for mobile service.
* * * * *
(b) Election of support. Facilities-based mobile carriers that are
recipients of mobile support from Stage 2 of the Uniendo a Puerto Rico
Fund and the Connect USVI Fund as of May 1, 2023, shall have a one-time
option to elect to receive transitional mobile support from the Uniendo
a Puerto Rico Fund and the Connect USVI Fund for the eligible service
area. To participate, an eligible carrier must submit an election to
participate within 15 days following publication in the Federal
Register of the order adopting transitional mobile support of the
Uniendo a Puerto Rico Fund and the Connect USVI Fund. Each carrier must
submit its election to receive transitional support to the Commission
through the Commission's Electronic Comment Filing System as well as by
emailing a copy of its election to <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#480b2726262d2b3c09252d3a212b29082e2b2b662f273e"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="3c7f535252595f487d51594e555f5d7c5a5f5f125b534a">[email protected]</span></a>.
* * * * *
(d) Return of unused support. Each eligible mobile carrier that
elects to receive transitional support from the Uniendo a Puerto Rico
Fund or the USVI Connect Fund will receive monthly installments of its
pro rata share of mobile support over the support period provided in
paragraphs (a) and (c) of this section. A mobile carrier that fails to
use all its eligible transitional mobile support within one year of the
end of the support term shall return an amount equal to the unused
amount of transitional support to the Administrator within 30 days
following the end of the term of support under paragraph (a) of this
section.
Sec. 54.1517 [Removed and Reserved]
0
40. Remove and reserve Sec. 54.1517.
PART 61--TARIFFS
0
41. The authority citation for part 61 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 154(j), 201-205, 403, unless
otherwise noted.
Subpart E--General Rules for Dominant Carriers
0
42. Amend Sec. 61.48 by:
0
a. Removing and reserving paragraph (l); and
0
b. Revising paragraphs (m)(1)(ii)(A) and (B).
The revisions read as follows:
Sec. 61.48 Transition rules for price cap formula calculations.
* * * * *
(m) * * *
(1) * * *
(ii) * * *
(A) For a price cap holding company's predominantly non-rural
filing entities (i.e., filing entities within which more than 50% of
all lines are operated by telephone companies other than those that as
of December 31, 1999 were certified to the Commission as rural
telephone companies), the amount of the additional reductions to
Average Traffic Sensitive Charge rates, to the extent such reductions
exceed 25% of the Local Switching element revenues (measured in terms
of June 30, 2000 rates times 1999 base period demand); and
(B) For a price cap holding company's predominantly rural filing
entities (i.e., filing entities with greater than 50% of lines operated
by telephone companies that as of December 31, 1999 were certified to
the Commission as rural telephone companies), the amount of the
additional reductions to Average Traffic Sensitive Charge rates.
* * * * *
Sec. 61.50 [Amended]
0
43. Section 61.50 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs
(l)(1) and (2).
Subpart K--Detariffing of Business Data Services
Sec. 61.201 [Amended]
0
44. Section 61.201 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (b).
Sec. 61.203 [Amended]
0
45. Section 61.203 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (b).
PART 64--MISCELLANEOUS RULES RELATING TO COMMON CARRIERS
0
46. The authority citation for part 64 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 152, 154, 201, 202, 217, 218, 220,
222, 225, 226, 227, 227b, 228, 251(a), 251(e), 254(k), 255, 262,
276, 403(b)(2)(B), (c), 616, 620, 716, 1401-1473, unless otherwise
noted; Pub. L. 115-141, Div.
[[Page 20377]]
P, sec. 503, 132 Stat. 348, 1091; Pub. L. 117-338, 136 Stat. 6156.
Subpart F--Telecommunications Relay Services and Related Customer
Premises Equipment for Persons With Disabilities
Sec. 64.607 through 64.610 [Removed and Reserved]
0
47. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 64.607 through 64.610.
Subpart G--Furnishing of Enhanced Services and Customer-Premises
Equipment by Bell Operating Companies; Telephone Operator Services
Sec. 64.702 [Removed and Reserved]
0
48. Remove and reserve Sec. 64.702.
Subpart H--[Removed and Reserved]
0
49. Remove and reserve subpart H, consisting of Sec. Sec. 64.801
through 64.804.
Subpart O--Interstate Pay-Per-Call and Other Information Services
Sec. 64.1508 [Amended]
0
50. Section 64.1508 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph
(a)(1).
Subpart P--Calling Party Telephone Number; Privacy
Sec. 64.1603 [Removed and Reserved]
0
51. Remove and reserve Sec. 64.1603.
Sec. 64.1605 [Removed and Reserved]
0
52. Remove and reserve Sec. 64.1605.
Subpart T--[Removed and Reserved]
0
53. Remove and reserve subpart T, consisting of Sec. Sec. 64.1901
through 64.1903.
Subpart V--Rural Call Completion
Sec. 64.2103 [Removed and Reserved]
0
54. Remove and reserve Sec. 64.2103.
Sec. 64.2107 [Removed and Reserved]
0
55. Remove and reserve Sec. 64.2107.
PART 65--INTERSTATE RATE OF RETURN PRESCRIPTION, PROCEDURES, AND
METHODOLOGIES
0
56. The authority citation for part 65 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 151, 154(i), 155, 201, 205, 214, 219, 220,
254, 303(r), 403, and 1302 unless otherwise noted.
Subpart A--General
Sec. 65.1 [Amended]
0
57. Amend Sec. 65.1 by removing and reserving paragraph (b)(2).
Subpart D--[Removed and Reserved]
0
58. Remove and reserve subpart D, consisting of Sec. 65.500.
Subpart E--Rate of Return Reports
Sec. 65.600 [Amended]
0
59. Section 65.600 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (c)
and (d).
PART 68--CONNECTION OF TERMINAL EQUIPMENT TO THE TELEPHONE NETWORK
0
60. The authority citation for part 68 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 303, 610.
Subpart A--General
0
61. Amend Sec. 68.2 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 68.2 Scope.
(a) Except as provided in paragraphs (b) and (c) of this section,
and excluding subpart F of this part, which applies only to ACS
telephonic CPE, the rules and regulations of this part apply to direct
connection of all terminal equipment to the public switched telephone
network for use in conjunction with all services other than party line
services. Sections 68.4, 68.5, 68.6, 68.160, 68.162, 68.316, and
68.317, and other sections to the extent they are made applicable by
subpart F of this part, also apply to ACS and ACS telephonic CPE that
is manufactured in the United States or imported for use in the United
States on or after February 28, 2020.
* * * * *
Sec. 68.4 [Amended]
0
62. Amend Sec. 68.4 by removing and reserving paragraph (a)(2).
Subpart B--Conditions on Use of Terminal Equipment
Sec. 68.112 [Removed and Reserved]
0
63. Remove and reserve Sec. 68.112.
Subpart C--Terminal Equipment Approval Procedures
Sec. 68.218 [Amended]
0
64. Section 68.218 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph
(b)(2).
Sec. 68.224 [Removed and Reserved]
0
65. Remove and reserve Sec. 68.224.
Subpart D--Conditions for Terminal Equipment Approval
Sec. 68.324 [Amended]
0
66. Section 68.324 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (f).
Sec. 68.354 [Amended]
0
67. Section 68.354 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (e).
Subpart E--Complaint Procedures
0
68. Revise Sec. 68.414 to read as follows:
Sec. 68.414 Hearing aid-compatibility: Enforcement.
Enforcement of Sec. 68.4 is hereby delegated to those states which
adopt those sections and provide for their enforcement. The procedures
followed by a state to enforce those sections shall provide a 30-day
period after a complaint is filed, during which time state personnel
shall attempt to resolve a dispute on an informal basis. If a state has
not adopted or incorporated Sec. 68.4, or failed to act within 6
months from the filing of a complaint with the state public utility
commission, the Commission will accept such complaints. A written
notification to the complainant that the state believes action is
unwarranted is not a failure to act.
0
69. Revise Sec. 68.415 to read as follows:
Sec. 68.415 Hearing aid-compatibility and volume control informal
complaints.
Persons with complaints under Sec. 68.4 that are not addressed by
the states pursuant to Sec. 68.414, and all other complaints regarding
rules in this part pertaining to hearing aid compatibility and volume
control, may bring informal complaints as described in Sec. Sec.
68.416 through 68.420. All responsible parties of terminal equipment
are subject to the informal complaint provisions specified in this
section.
Subpart F--ACS Telephone CPE
0
70. Amend Sec. 68.501 by revising paragraph (c) to read as follows:
Sec. 68.501 Authorization procedures.
* * * * *
(c) Supplier's Declaration of Conformity. The requirements of
Sec. Sec. 68.320 through 68.350 shall apply to the use of the
Supplier's Declaration of Conformity procedure to establish that ACS
telephonic CPE is hearing aid compatible.
* * * * *
[[Page 20378]]
0
71. Amend Sec. 68.502 by revising paragraph (c)(2)(ii) to read as
follows:
Sec. 68.502 Labeling, warranty, instructions, and notice of
revocation of approval.
* * * * *
(c) * * *
(2) * * *
(ii) A list of such locations.
* * * * *
Subpart G--Administrative Council for Terminal Attachments
Sec. 68.610 [Amended]
0
72. Section 68.610 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (d).
PART 69--ACCESS CHARGES
0
73. The authority citation for part 69 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 47 U.S.C. 154, 201, 202, 203, 205, 218, 220, 254,
403.
Subpart B--Computation of Charges
Sec. 69.104 [Amended]
0
74. Amend Sec. 69.104 by removing and reserving paragraphs (c) through
(e).
Sec. 69.105 [Removed and Reserved]
0
75. Remove and reserve Sec. 69.105.
Sec. 69.108 [Removed and Reserved]
0
76. Remove and reserve Sec. 69.108.
0
77. Amend Sec. 69.110 by revising paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) to read as
follows:
Sec. 69.110 Entrance facilities.
* * * * *
(b)(1) For telephone companies subject to price cap regulation,
initial entrance facilities charges based on special access channel
termination rates for equivalent voice grade, DS1, and DS3 services as
of September 1, 1992, adjusted for changes in the price cap index
calculated for the July 1, 1993, annual filing for telephone companies
subject to price cap regulation, generally shall be presumed
reasonable. Entrance facilities charges may be distance-sensitive.
Distance shall be measured as airline kilometers between the point of
demarcation and the serving wire center.
(2) For telephone companies not subject to price cap regulation,
entrance facilities charges based on special access channel termination
rates for equivalent voice grade, DS1, and DS3 services generally shall
be presumed reasonable. Entrance facilities charges may be distance-
sensitive. Distance shall be measured as airline kilometers between the
point of demarcation and the serving wire center.
* * * * *
0
78. Amend Sec. 69.111 by revising paragraphs (g)(1) through (4) to
read as follows:
Sec. 69.111 Tandem-switched transport and tandem charge.
* * * * *
(g)(1) The tandem switching charge imposed pursuant to paragraph
(a)(1) or (a)(2)(ii) of this section, as applicable, shall be set to
recover twenty percent of the annual part 69 interstate tandem revenue
requirement plus one third of the portion of the tandem switching
revenue requirement being recovered through the interconnection charge
recovered by Sec. Sec. 69.153 and 69.155, excluding multiplexer and
dedicated port costs recovered in accordance with paragraph (l) of this
section.
(2) Beginning January 1, 1999, the tandem switching charge imposed
pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section shall be set to
recover the amount prescribed in paragraph (g)(1) of this section plus
one half of the remaining portion of the tandem switching revenue
requirement then being recovered through the interconnection charge
recovered by Sec. Sec. 69.153 and 69.155, excluding multiplexer and
dedicated port costs recovered in accordance with paragraph (l) of this
section.
(3) Beginning January 1, 2000, the tandem switching charge imposed
pursuant to paragraph (a)(2)(ii) of this section shall be set to
recover the entire interstate tandem switching revenue requirement,
including that portion formerly recovered through the interconnection
charge recovered in Sec. Sec. 69.153 and 69.155, and excluding
multiplexer and dedicated port costs recovered in accordance with
paragraph (l) of this section.
(4) A local exchange carrier that is subject to price cap
regulation as that term is defined in Sec. 61.3(x) of this chapter
shall calculate its tandem switching revenue requirement as used in
this paragraph by dividing the tandem switching revenue requirement
that was included in the original interconnection charge by the
original interconnection charge, and then multiplying this result by
the annual revenues recovered through the interconnection charge, as of
June 30, 1997. A local exchange carrier that is subject to price cap
regulation as that term is defined in Sec. 61.3(x) of this chapter
shall then make downward exogenous adjustments to the service band
index for the interconnection charge service category (defined in Sec.
61.42(e)(2)(vi) of this chapter) and corresponding upward adjustments
to the service band index for the tandem-switched transport service
category (defined in Sec. 61.42(e)(2)(v) of this chapter) at the times
and in the amounts prescribed in paragraphs (g)(1) through (3) of this
section.
* * * * *
0
79. Amend Sec. 69.112 by revising paragraphs (b)(1) and (2) to read as
follows:
Sec. 69.112 Direct-trunked transport.
* * * * *
(b)(1) For telephone companies subject to price cap regulation,
initial direct-trunked transport charges based on the interoffice
charges for equivalent voice grade, DS1, and DS3 special access
services as of September 1, 1992, adjusted for changes in the price cap
index calculated for the July 1, 1993, annual filing for telephone
companies subject to price cap regulation, generally shall be presumed
reasonable. Direct-trunked transport charges may be distance-sensitive.
Distance shall be measured as airline kilometers between customer-
designated points.
(2) For telephone companies not subject to price cap regulation,
initial direct-trunked transport charges based on the interoffice
charges for equivalent voice grade, DS1, and DS3 special access
services generally shall be presumed reasonable. Direct-trunked
transport charges may be distance-sensitive. Distance shall be measured
as airline kilometers between customer-designated points.
* * * * *
0
80. Amend Sec. 69.113 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 69.113 Non-premium charges for MTS-WATS equivalent services.
(a) Charges that are computed in accordance with this section shall
be assessed upon interexchange carriers or other persons that receive
access that is not deemed to be premium access in lieu of carrier
charges that are computed in accordance with Sec. Sec. 69.106, 69.118,
and 69.127.
* * * * *
0
81. Revise Sec. 69.118 to read as follows:
Sec. 69.118 Traffic sensitive switched services.
Notwithstanding Sec. Sec. 69.4(b), 69.106, 69.109, 69.110, 69.111,
and 69.112 telephone companies subject to the BOC ONA Order, 4 FCC Rcd
1 (1988) shall, and other telephone companies may, establish approved
Basic Service Elements as provided in Amendments of part 69 of the
Commission's rules relating to the Creation of Access Charge
Subelements for Open Network Architecture, Report and Order, 6 FCC
[[Page 20379]]
Rcd 4524 (1991), 56 FR 33879 and 800 data base subelements, as provided
in Provision of Access for 800 Service, 8 FCC Rcd 907, CC Docket 86-10,
FCC 93-53 (1993), 58 FR 7867. Moreover, all customers that use basic
800 database service shall be assessed a charge that is expressed in
dollars and cents per query. Telephone companies shall take into
account revenues from the relevant Basic Service Element or Elements
and 800 Database Service Elements in computing rates for the Local
Switching, Entrance Facilities, Tandem-Switched Transport, Direct-
Trunked Transport, Interconnection Charge, and/or Information elements.
0
82. Amend Sec. 69.123 by revising paragraphs (f)(1) and (2) to read as
follows:
Sec. 69.123 Density pricing zones for special access and switched
transport.
* * * * *
(f)(1) An incumbent local exchange carrier that establishes density
pricing zones under this section must reallocate additional amounts
recovered under the interconnection charge to facilities-based
transport rates, to reflect the higher costs of serving lower density
areas. Each incumbent local exchange carrier must reallocate costs from
the interexchange charge each time it increases the ratio between the
prices in its lowest-cost zone and any other zone in that study area.
(2) Any incumbent local exchange carrier that has already
deaveraged its rates on January 1, 1998, must reallocate an amount
equivalent to that described in paragraph (f)(1) of this section from
the interconnection charge.
* * * * *
Sec. 69.124 [Removed and Reserved]
0
83. Remove and reserve Sec. 69.124.
Subpart D--Apportionment of Net Investment
Sec. 69.307 [Amended]
0
84. Section 69.307 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph
(c)(1).
Sec. 69.311 [Amended]
0
85. Section 69.311 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (b).
Subpart E--Apportionment of Expenses
Sec. 69.416 [Amended]
0
86. Section 69.416 is amended by removing and reserving paragraph (b).
Subpart F--Segregation of Common Line Element Revenue Requirement
Sec. 69.501 [Amended]
0
87. Section 69.501 is amended by removing and reserving paragraphs (b),
(c), and (e).
Subpart G--Exchange Carrier Association
0
88. Amend Sec. 69.605 by revising paragraph (d) to read as follows:
Sec. 69.605 Reporting and distribution of pool access revenues.
* * * * *
(d) The residue shall be disbursed to telephone companies that are
not average schedule companies in accordance with Sec. Sec. 69.609 and
69.610.
* * * * *
0
89. Amend Sec. 69.606 by revising paragraph (a) to read as follows:
Sec. 69.606 Computation of average schedule company payments.
(a) Payments shall be made in accordance with a formula approved or
modified by the Commission. Such formula shall be designed to produce
disbursements to an average schedule company that simulate the
disbursements that would be received by a company that is
representative of average schedule companies.
* * * * *
Sec. Sec. 69.607 and 69.608 [Removed and Reserved]
0
90. Remove and reserve Sec. Sec. 69.607 and 69.608.
Subpart H--Pricing Flexibility
Sec. 69.705 [Removed and Reserved]
0
91. Remove and reserve Sec. 69.705.
[FR Doc. 2026-07343 Filed 4-15-26; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6712-01-P
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</html>Indexed from Federal Register on April 16, 2026.
This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.