Home / Agencies / FCC / 2026-07622
Final Rule

Reducing Barriers to Network Improvements and Service Changes

Agency
Document Number
2026-07622
Published
April 20, 2026
Effective Date
May 20, 2026

Abstract

In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopted a Report and Order that reduces regulatory barriers and costs that hinder the transition from outdated legacy networks and services to next-generation, Internet Protocol (IP)-based infrastructure. The actions taken in the Report and Order combine common sense reforms with core consumer protections that bring the regulatory environment in line with today's communications marketplace while retaining and adopting safeguards to protect public safety and ensure 911 continuity. The Report and Order also concludes that if state or local requirements conflict with the service discontinuance framework adopted in the Report and Order, such requirements negate valid federal regulatory objectives and are subject to preemption.

Federal Register Source

This document is published by the Office of the Federal Register, National Archives and Records Administration. Access the full regulatory text, preamble, and docket comments below.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 2026-07622 Federal Register document?
Document 2026-07622 is a Final Rule published by the Federal Communications Commission in the Federal Register on April 20, 2026, with an effective date of May 20, 2026. In this document, the Federal Communications Commission (Commission) adopted a Report and Order that reduces regulatory barriers and costs that hinder the transition from outdated legacy networks and services to next-generation, Internet Protocol (IP)-based infrastructure. The actions taken in the Report and Order combine common sense reforms with core consumer protections that bring the regulatory environment in line with today's communications marketplace while retaining and adopting safeguards to protect public safety and ensure 911 continuity. The Report and Order also concludes that if state or local requirements conflict with the service discontinuance framework adopted in the Report and Order, such requirements negate valid federal regulatory objectives and are subject to preemption. View the original at https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/04/20/2026-07622/reducing-barriers-to-network-improvements-and-service-changes.
Is document 2026-07622 an economically significant rule?
No. Document 2026-07622 is not classified as economically significant under Executive Order 12866. Economically significant rules require OIRA review and are estimated to have impacts of $100 million or more per year.
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