The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is a governmental agency tasked with regulating interstate communications in America. It has long been the regulatory agency for TV, radio and even satellite communications, but with the recent evolution of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) telephone services, the FCC has a new medium to regulate. In fact, the latest recommendations and rulings make it obvious the FCC will have a profound effect on the future of VoIP.
VoIP for Everyone, Regardless of Income
In June 2015, the FCC approved Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposal to investigate the potential for subsidizing broadband services for poor Americans. While there was some contention over implementing the idea, the plan would effectively grant internet access to 17 million Americans. This means that low-income individuals will not be left out of the country’s overall move towards VoIP services. However, after reviewing a few other proposals, it becomes apparent why this is so important.
Discontinuation of Traditional Telephony Systems
It’s not just important for low-income Americans to have access to VoIP because it’s quickly becoming the system of choice, but also because traditional phone systems may not be around forever. CenturyLink recently requested permission from the FCC to discontinue their Time-Division Multiplexing (TDM) systems; a fancy way of saying traditional copper wiring phone systems.
To discontinue the traditional phone service in an area, a provider would first have to show that there are suitable local alternatives. These alternatives could include cell networks or VoIP availability. If these options are available, CenturyLink–and companies like it–may abandon their dated telephony systems. This means that some communities will have no other option–save for their cell phones–besides VoIP for phone service.
VoIP Direct Access to Phone Numbers
Traditionally, VoIP providers have had to go through third parties provide telephone numbers for their customers. As of June 2015, though, this is no longer the case. New rules passed by the FCC allow these companies to have direct access to numbers just like their larger competitors.
This move could expand VoIP services exponentially, considering the FCC already says that one-third of local phone subscribers are VoIP-based. In addition, you’re likely to see reduced costs thanks to this move. Granting more access to IP-based phone providers will increase competition and likely drive down prices.
Warning Customers of VoIP Switch
If you signed up for telephone service a decade ago with a traditional copper-wired landline phone service, you might already have transitioned to VoIP. As of now, telecom carriers are able to switch their outdated telephone networks with VoIP services without alerting their customers. The FCC, though, is likely looking to change this arrangement.
Another proposal coming from the agency’s chairman would require telecom providers to inform their customers of an impending switch-over. The warning would need to take place three months and six months prior to the switch for residential and business customers, respectively. Additionally, the proposal would require these telecom providers to offer battery backups to keep VoIP services going in the event of a power failure.
Whether you’re new to the entire VoIP industry or have had your system set up since day one, there’s no doubt that most of us fail to realize the huge impact the FCC has on IP-based telephony services. As the availability and use of VoIP increases, though, the agency will no doubt find it necessary to insert itself further into the industry.
Sources:
http://www.forbes.com/sites/abigailtracy/2015/06/18/fcc-votes-to-subsidize-broadband-for-low-income-americans/
http://www.fiercetelecom.com/story/centurylink-asks-fcc-allow-tdm-voice-shutdown-if-alternatives-are-available/2015-06-23
http://money.cnn.com/2012/10/26/technology/mobile/tracfone-free-phones/index.html
http://www.jdsupra.com/legalnews/interconnected-voip-providers-gain-62652/
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