Ofcom, the U.K. telecom regulator, has been conducting a consultation proceeding since last year on the issues raised by the growth of VOPI services. IP
Ofcom recently proposed a new regualtory scheme for VoIP service providers that would:
- End the interim forbearance policy for VoIP services
that it introduced in 2004. This policy allowed VoIP
services to offer access to emergency services (‘999 access’) without
having to meet other regulatory requirements associated with being
classed as a publicly available telephony services (PATS) provider. Ofcom is ending it to make sure it meets its duties under the relevant
European Union directives.
- Withdraw the Essential
Requirements Guidelines (which set out how to maintain reliable
networks), because they are not flexible enough to cope with the
development of new VoIP services.
- Set guidelines on how
Ofcom would investigate possible cases of VoIP providers not meeting the
duties, to make sure that VoIP operators who provide 999 access better
understand their duties and to increase the incentives for them
offering 999 access.
- Amend the general conditions under section 45 of the Communications Act
2003, to make it clear when customers can transfer their existing phone
number (known as ‘number portability’).
- Develop a code
setting out information that certain providers of voice services must
offer their customers so that they are aware of what services,
including VoIP, are not able to do.
- Make this code compulsory for all relevant communications providers.
- Enforce, monitor and review this policy so that providers follow this
policy as the market and technology develop.
You can check out Ofcom's consultation documents on regulation of VoIP services here. Comments on the proposal are due by 5pm, 3 May 2006.
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