FCC exploring ways to require call center workers to be proficient in English

Published March 26, 2026 5:05pm ET



The Federal Communications Commission voted Thursday to look into the use of offshore call centers and ways to require phone operators to be proficient in “American Standard English.”

The FCC is seeking comment on proposals aimed at bringing call center jobs back to the United States, including one to require workers to be proficient in English or “be trained appropriately for resolving issues with U.S. customers.” According to the agency, nearly 70% of U.S. companies have shifted their customer service and call center operations to foreign countries.

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