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CWA: Treat VoIP Same as Traditional Telecom
CWA called on the FCC to safeguard the public interest by maintaining universal service standards as it sets the rules for next-generation communications – particularly voice communication over the Internet (VoIP).
The FCC's starting point simply must be this: VoIP is a telecommunications service and therefore subject to the same regulations that govern other telecommunications services providers – including universal service support, emergency and public safety access, consumer protections and disability access, CWA said in a May 28 filing.
"Over the next decades, our basic communications infrastructure will transition from today's public switched network designed primarily for voice telephone calls to the Internet. This opens exciting new opportunities" in communications, CWA said, including the delivery of such social and public services as health care, education, and job training; creating economic opportunity and jobs; increasing participation in the political process and expanding opportunity for people with disabilities.
The current network of universal, affordable, high-quality telephone service ensures that all Americans have access to service through policies and regulation that serve the public interest, CWA said. Now, as we move into the next generation of communications, it is more important than ever to maintain this commitment to universal service, if the full benefits of Internet-enabled services are to be available to all, the filing continued.
Because VoIP services are highly competitive, there is no need for the FCC to impose rate regulation or other unnecessary regulations at this time, CWA said. However, a role for state regulatory commissions, in partnership with the FCC, should continue, the union added.
The FCC's starting point simply must be this: VoIP is a telecommunications service and therefore subject to the same regulations that govern other telecommunications services providers – including universal service support, emergency and public safety access, consumer protections and disability access, CWA said in a May 28 filing.
"Over the next decades, our basic communications infrastructure will transition from today's public switched network designed primarily for voice telephone calls to the Internet. This opens exciting new opportunities" in communications, CWA said, including the delivery of such social and public services as health care, education, and job training; creating economic opportunity and jobs; increasing participation in the political process and expanding opportunity for people with disabilities.
The current network of universal, affordable, high-quality telephone service ensures that all Americans have access to service through policies and regulation that serve the public interest, CWA said. Now, as we move into the next generation of communications, it is more important than ever to maintain this commitment to universal service, if the full benefits of Internet-enabled services are to be available to all, the filing continued.
Because VoIP services are highly competitive, there is no need for the FCC to impose rate regulation or other unnecessary regulations at this time, CWA said. However, a role for state regulatory commissions, in partnership with the FCC, should continue, the union added.