As detailed in the report, Agility in Action: A Snapshot of Enhancements to the American Community Survey (Census Bureau, 2015), the Census Bureau is investigating ways to reduce the difficulty and length of the American Community Survey (ACS) using administrative records to address concerns about the burden survey participation places on respondents. 

One of the questions on the ACS we are investigating is phone service.  This research will begin the determination of whether there are administrative record sources with data of sufficient coverage and quality that would allow the question on the ACS to be removed.  Alternatively, we may find that there are administrative record sources sufficient only to serve as a supplement to data provided by respondents to fill in missing responses or to enhance editing routines.  A Census Bureau team will use this report and conduct additional research to make recommendations on whether each question is a good candidate for removal with the use of external data sources in its place.