FILE PHOTO: Signage is seen at the headquarters of the Federal Communications Commission in Washington, D.C., U.S., August 29, 2020. REUTERS/Andrew Kelly/File Photo

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The Federal Communications Commission said Wednesday it has furloughed 1,044 employees -- or 81% of its staff -- and suspended most normal operations after a lapse in U.S. government funding.

The U.S. telecommunications regulator said it will stop answering consumer complaint and inquiry phone lines, halt consumer protection and local competition enforcement as well as ceasing licensing services, including broadcast, wireless, and wireline.

The FCC will also stop approving new equipment authorization but it will continue efforts on a planned spectrum auction required by Congress.