FCC Looks at "Sunsetting" Copper Phone Lines

The Technological Advisory Committee for the FCC recently met to discuss the future of the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). There are some critical steps necessary for IP and wireless networks to provide essential services. But the committee set a tentative date of 2018 as a target to begin to phase out copper phone lines from our network.

When you consider the landscape of telephone options, it's clear that consumers are "cutting the cord." The FCC estimates that by 2018 only 6% of the population will still be using a copper wireline exchange to receive their phone service. As more customers cycle off of the PSTN network, the costs to maintain the system will rise to the point where government can no longer sustain the investment.

So what should be done to prepare for the eventuality of the end of traditional phone service? And what should business owners do in the face of this news?

• The FCC's committee is forecasting 2018 as the point where we can expect to transition away from the PSTN and towards wireless and IP solutions.
• Government needs a timeline and plan to provide mobile and boradband solutions in places that are now dependent on PSTN networks. The need is most critical in rural areas.
• There is a need to ensure that emergency services will not be affected by the changes.
• Business owners need to investigate ways to move off of their wireline exchanges. This will be made easier by improvements to the overall wireless and broadband system.

While there is a lot of work ahead to ensure a smooth transition to universal access to VoIP, those businesses that have already adopted IP based systems know that there is a lot to gain by making the switch. Lower costs, increased productivity, added features and ease of use--the future of our communications infrastructure is definitely looking bright.

Want to know more about the FCC's recent meetings? Contact Bill Pautler: bpautler@blueotech.net or 205-266-5887.