UK gets serious about VoIP
22 February 2006
The UK's communications watchdog, Ofcom, is proposing a code for Voice over IP (VoIP) services, which will include a call for providers to offer access to emergency services.
Ofcom published an interim guidance on VoIP in 2004 when the technology was barely heard of. Today Ofcom reckons there are more than 500,000 VoIP users in the UK.
With those kinds of numbers, it is incumbent on Ofcom to "ensure that regulatory requirements are continually adapted to meet the needs of both consumers and providers."
In a statement today, Ofcom said it "is proposing a code for VoIP service providers to ensure customers are given important information about service capability."
The watchdog will also be looking to "encourage VoIP providers to offer access to 999 emergency services and to help them comply with existing regulation of voice services, including requirements for Publicly Available Telephone Services (PATS)."
Rob Gallagher, editor of Telecom Markets - a sister of Telecoms.com - said: "Currently there are no guidelines from the EC on how VoIP should be regulated... This strongly suggests the technology is now being taken seriously."
Gallagher explained that in the US, VoIP providers are mandated to allow emergency calls, "but it costs a lot of money to implement this... Ofcom may decide to do the same in the UK or they may take a different approach. If providers like Skype have to do it, they'll need deep pockets."
Skype refused to comment.
The closing date for responses is 3 May 2006.
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