Phone companies can now rip out old copper lines without state approval

The US communications regulator just made it easier for phone companies to replace old copper wire networks with newer internet-based systems. This means companies can switch out their infrastructure faster, even if state or local rules try to stop them.

For decades, phone companies had to navigate a patchwork of state and local rules to upgrade their networks. This often meant slow, expensive transitions from old copper lines to modern fiber or wireless. This new rule means companies can now move much faster, potentially accelerating the rollout of faster internet services across the country.