The FCC has released a request for comment [PDF file] on transitioning to an all-IP nationwide voice network.

"Given that voice services now make up only a fraction of the data traveling across the total US communications networks, it certainly makes little economic sense to continue supporting two separate systems," writes Ars Technica's Nate Anderson. "But, as with anything that has grown up for a century, pulling the plug requires plenty of planning."

"The effort would probably make the FCC's coordinated transition to digital television look like a cake walk -- so the FCC is getting an early start ahead of more formal rule creating processes," writes DSL Reports' Karl Bode.

"Comments are due to the FCC by Dec. 21, but as the nation prepares to deliver a National Broadband plan in 77 days, it’s worth keeping this larger picture of our future in mind," writes GigaOM's Stacey Higginbotham. "It’s gonna be awesome."

More here from FierceTelecom ... more here from Network World ... and more here from CED.