SmartWaves

Sunsetting Copper is the podcast that explores the rapidly evolving world of business telecommunications, where legacy infrastructure meets modern innovation. Hosted by industry experts, each episode dives into the decline of Plain Old Telephone Service (POTS), the technologies replacing it, and what businesses, IT leaders, and channel advisors need to know to stay connected—and compliant—in a digital-first world.

Whether you’re a telecom agent, MSP, business owner, or just passionate about infrastructure, you'll gain practical insights on VoIP, LTE backup, fiber, regulatory changes, risk mitigation, and cost-saving strategies. Hear from vendors, advisors, and pioneers shaping the future of connectivity.

It’s time to unplug the past and dial into the future.

In this episode, we explore the key advantages of working with a telecom agent when choosing internet and connectivity solutions for your business. Learn how agents can save you time, negotiate better deals, and provide insights across multiple carriers without the hassle of dealing with each provider individually.

Whether you're setting up a new office, upgrading your network, or simply trying to make sense of your telecom options, this episode outlines why a telecom agent can be one of your business’s best assets.

🛠️ Topics covered:

• What a telecom agent does
• How agents simplify the selection process
• Cost savings and carrier-neutral recommendations
• Common misconceptions about working with agents
• Real-world examples of how businesses benefi

The source explains how Internet Service Providers (ISPs) can potentially avoid paying Federal Universal Service Fund (FUSF) fees on the transport circuits they use. These fees, often exceeding 30%, are typically intended for the end users of telecom services. However, ISPs who use circuits exclusively to deliver broadband to their own customers may be eligible for an exemption under FCC rules if the usage qualifies as private carriage. The article highlights that carriers don't always apply exemptions automatically and that ISPs need to actively certify their usage and confirm that circuits are correctly classified as either interstate or intrastate to avoid unnecessary charges, noting that not all carriers offer this exemption process.