UK to regulate VoIP
p2pnet.net news:- UK regulator Ofcom yesterday said it will govern the use of VoIP phones, “sparking fears that heavy handed regulation could kill off the embryonic industry in the UK,” says The Guardian.
At the heart of the controversy are 999 calls, 911 in North America.
Broadband growth, “has led to a boom in people using the web to make cheap or free calls using Voice-Over-Internet-Protocol (VoIP) technology,” says the story. “More than 3 million consumers in the UK are expected to be using VoIP by the end of the year.”
But emergency services have become increasingly concerned about the ability of VoIP users to make 999 calls., says the BBC: “As the technology relies upon a broadband connection, if that connection is lost, a user may be unable to make calls.”
Suppliers must, “explain when selling services whether they include emergency services access,” says the story. “Providers … must also spell out other limits, including where directory listings are unavailable.”
From June, Ofcom wants all VoIP providers to specify whether they provide 999 services, “But providers who say they can offer emergency calls will become subject to strict European laws governing service availability, even though the broadband connection is often provided by a different company,” says The Guardian.
“The move is likely to result in many VoIP providers opting out of offering 999 calls altogether.”
Also See:
The Guardian – 999 concerns prompts regulation of internet phone services, March 29, 2007
BBC – Net phone service rules announced, March 29, 2007
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