|  On
March 10, 2004, the Federal Communications Commission released guidelines
seeking public comments to determine what rules, if any, will govern companies
providing Internet telephone services. The Federal Communications Commission traditionally
has had a hands-off policy when it comes to regulating the Internet. The FCC has
already ruled that phone calls that never touch the public switched telephone
network, so-called pure
voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP), should not be regulated.
Voice
over Internet Protocol (VOIP) is a new technology that allows voice communications
to travel over the Internet, via a broadband connection and using either a handset
or computer, rather than the traditional public switched telephone network. VOIP
is generating significant interest among telecom carriers, corporations and consumers,
thanks to significant improvements in quality of service. VOIP is already being
embraced by carriers as a way to cut traffic costs on international and long-distance
calls, and it is expected eventually to replace the public switched telephone
network as big phone companies convert to IP-based fiber-optic networks. The
question is whether VOIP should be treated as a traditional telephone call. If
not, many important social obligations that have been a hallmark of telecommunications
policy could be lost. The E-rate, access for people with disabilities, E-911 and
other consumer protections are all at risk and regulators must protect these important
public interest obligations. And especially, if the FCC chooses not to regulate
Internet calls, it could raise questions about the future of the Universal Service
Fund, a $6 billion federal program funded by telephone fees that subsidizes phone
service in rural areas and Internet service for schools. As a service that is
functionally equivalent to plain old telephone service, VOIP providers must contribute
to the universal service fund to ensure affordable access to telecommunications
services for all Americans. The public switched network remains the backbone of
this country's communications system and VOIP providers must contribute to the
maintenance of the network through intercarrier compensation. The
National Grange has supported for expansion of the E-rate programs to include
providing Internet communications access to every rural community in the United
States. It also has worked to reform the Universal Service Fund for the benefit
of all the rural Americans. Review
the Grange action alert PLEASE
SPEAK YOUR VOICE TO THE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION THAT VOIP SHOULD BE
REGULATED LIKE TRADITIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION SERVICES!
CLICK
HERE TO SUBMIT ELECTRONIC COMMENTS
| Sample
Comment: |
To
Whom It May Concern:
I
am writing to you to urge you to treat VOIP as a traditional telephone call when
you regulate it. IP-enabled services offer exciting new possibilities for expanding
the way we communicate, however, FCC should take responsibility to establish a
regulatory framework that ensures that all providers of voice services are subject
to meeting the social obligations of disability access, public safety and consumer
protections. Especially, VOIP providers must contribute to the Universal Service
Fund to ensure affordable access to telecommunications services for all Americans.
Sincerely, (Signature)
(Name)__________________________ (Grange/Grange
name and number) __________________________ |
|
For
more information: The
Alliance for Public Technology: VOIP Coalition
S.2281,
VOIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004
H.R.
4129, VOIP Regulatory Freedom Act of 2004 If
you have any questions or comments please contact Legislative Research Analyst
Chil-Sook Hwang by fax: 202-347-1091
or by phone: 1-888-4GRANGE, ext 109. Thank
you for your grassroots participation in the National Grange Legislative program.
Want
to Subscribe To  The New
Grange? For all subscription and circulation inquiries, Contact: Jonathan
Hill. | 
