December 3, 2025
Source: Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
Comments Due Date: January 5, 2026
Reply Comments Due Date: February 4, 2026
On December 2, 2025, the FCC released an Order extending the dates for comments on a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that seeks comment on ways the Commission can facilitate a successful transition to all-Internet Protocol (IP) interconnection for voice services to improve access to public safety, consumer protection, and competition. For instance, Next Generation 911 (NG911) depends on an IP-based backbone to support multimedia inputs (e.g., text, video, data) and to improve call delivery and emergency response times, the availability of location information, and real-time call routing flexibility.
The FCC proposes not to enforce by December 31, 2028, certain interconnection obligations which require covered voice service providers to maintain legacy time-division-multiplexing (TDM) technology.
As to accessibility, the FCC seeks comment on the following:
- Whether the December 31, 2028, timeframe is feasible for seamless accessibility-related transitions?
- To what extent would a transition to an all-IP infrastructure affect accessibility for people with disabilities? Are there still devices or services, such as TTY or speech-to-speech services, that require TDM technology?
- Can the FCC use its authority pursuant to the Twenty-First Century Communications and Video Accessibility Act (CVAA) to require this transition in order to ensure disability access to IP-based emergency services?
Interested parties may file comments by accessing the FCC’s Electronic Comment Filing System at fcc.gov/ecfs/filings. All filings must reference WC Docket Nos. 25-304, 25-208, and 17-97. People with disabilities who need assistance to file comments online may request assistance by email to FCC504@fcc.gov.
Link to the Order Granting Extension of Time:
fcc.gov/document/wcb-releases-order-extending-comment-cycle
Link to the IP Interconnection NPRM:
fcc.gov/document/facilitating-successful-transition-all-ip-interconnection-0
For general information about technology transitions, visit: fcc.gov/tech-transitions. For questions about this NPRM, contact Benjamin (Jesse) Goodwin, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418-0958, or benjamin.goodwin@fcc.gov, or Erik Beith, Competition Policy Division, Wireline Competition Bureau, at (202) 418-0756, or erik.beith@fcc.gov. Individuals who use videophones and are fluent in American Sign Language (ASL) may call the FCC’s ASL Consumer Support Line at (844) 432‐2275.
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