USTelecom Urges FCC to Clear the Path to an All-IP Voice Network

January 20, 2026

Washington, DC (January 20, 2026) - As the Federal Communications Commission considers how to modernize voice networks for the digital era, USTelecom filed comments calling for a clear, practical framework to complete the transition to fully IP-based voice networks.

USTelecom's comments highlight three regulatory barriers the FCC can address to help speed up the transition:

1. Outdated interconnection mandates based on old copper technology discourage providers from fully interconnecting in IP because of legacy obligations that no longer fit today's competitive, IP-based marketplace.
2. Regulatory mandates to maintain legacy POTS service, like "Carrier of Last Resort" requirements, force providers to keep costly, outdated equipment for a shrinking customer base, diverting resources from IP networks and slowing both full IP interconnection and broader deployment of robocall mitigation tools like STIR/SHAKEN.
3. Relying on individually negotiated, two-party IP interconnection agreements does not scale, requiring years of negotiations, significant administrative resources, and creating a major barrier to entry for smaller and new voice providers.

"Outdated rules are keeping providers tethered to legacy technology that no longer makes sense," said USTelecom Senior Vice President of Regulatory & Legal Affairs and General Counsel Nirali Patel. "A significant amount of voice traffic is already exchanged in IP because it is more resilient, efficient and built for today. The FCC can finish the job by clearing a smart, market-driven path to all-IP voice exchange, freeing providers to invest in stronger networks while protecting consumers."