In response to the FCC's request for public comment about the proposed move from regular landlines (PSTN) to an all IP network, AT&T has supported the move with its own plan and timeline for withdrawal from the PSTN. In its response AT&T also addresses its desire to see changes to regulatory policies around universal service, inter-carrier compensation and other related rules that it feels are inhibiting its ability to operate effectively in the new wired and wireless broadband environments.
AT&T took advantage of the FCC's request for public comment to submit a very detailed document that outlined its desire to see many changes made in the proposed move from the PSTN to an IP network. Besides clear support for the underlying goal of moving away from the PSTN, AT&T also wanted to make sure that it would not have to invest any more money and effort in supporting the PSTN. “Congress’s goal of universal access to broadband will not be met in a timely or efficient manner if providers are forced to continue to invest in and to maintain two networks,” AT&T officials said.
AT&T went on to argue that supporting the PSTN is holding back effective investment in new technologies. AT&T said that a web of federal and state regulations that support the PSTN is unnecessarily prolonging the life of the landline phone network. AT&T also wants the government to issue a firm and aggressive timetable for the shift to an IP network and decommissioning the PSTN.
Before it became a necessity during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, many companies had already begun realizing the benefits inherent in embracing remote work. These benefits are substantial and signal that (even when the pandemic is but a memory) remote work will continue to flourish and become a mainstay in the redefined workplace - particularly when it comes to VoIP. This guide will demonstrate how the workforce is changing and leaning toward remote work as a permanent business choice, explain the critical role VoIP will continue to play in supporting remote work, and highlight some of the new trends and innovations coming in 2021 for VoIP. more