|
VoIP
requires light regulatory approach, ICC says
 |
| Making
phone calls over a broadband Internet connection represents
the most fundamental shift in communications technology since Alexander
Graham Bell invented the telephone 127 years ago |
Paris,
22 December 2004
-- The International Chamber of Commerce today called on governments to
take a light-handed approach to regulating the emerging range of IP-enabled
services, including Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), so that business
users and consumers can take full advantage of the broad range of advanced
features, options and overall efficiencies available through this next
generation technology.
VoIP represents the
most fundamental shift in communications technology since Alexander Graham
Bell invented the telephone 127 years ago and requires limited regulatory
oversight to ensure that the service evolves and develops to its fullest
capability.
ICC national committees around the world approved a statement on VoIP
which they will forward to their governments. The statement highlights
VoIP's potential to serve as a catalyst for broadband development, and
to help governments achieve their goal of economic and social development
by expanding economic activity and bringing the benefits of ICTs (information
and communications technologies) to their citizens.
The statement was
drafted by ICC's Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms. Philippe Wintrebert
(AT&T), who chairs the Telecoms Task Force, said that one striking
aspect of the statement is that it reflects a consensus opinion within
the telecoms sector. This includes fixed and mobile operators, incumbents
as well as new entrants, ISPs, equipment manufacturers and large users
of telecommunications. For those policy makers who are still struggling
with the issue of how to regulate this promising technology, ICC's statement
should serve them well.
"The present shift to IP networks enables a revolutionary set of
converged voice, data and video applications, bringing better features
at lower prices for users, with better applications for business and benefits
for the information society as a whole," the statement said.
There had previously
been many reasons for not adopting VoIP, including its reliability and
quality, the statement said. But significant improvements in the technology
have put IP voice quality on a par with traditional circuit-switched voice.
Such improvements are the result of market-driven standards development
and major investments by network operators, service providers and equipment
manufacturers.
The statement added:
"To ensure that VoIP can reach its full potential and is not stifled
by unnecessary or poorly tailored regulation, ICC recommends that governments:
- recognize the distinct
potential of VoIP technology and allow all interested service providers
to provide IP-enabled services;
- adopt a light-handed
approach with reliance on general competition law wherever possible
and limited application of ex ante legislation; and
- work with industry
to ensure that adequate attention to the specific attributes of VoIP
is given when addressing public interest considerations, including numbering,
emergency services, universal service and cooperation with law enforcement."
Click
here to read the ICC policy statement: Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)
ICC
Commission on E-Business, IT and Telecoms
For further information,
please contact:
Ayesha Hassan
Senior Policy Manager, E-Business, IT and Telecoms
Executive in Change of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT)
Policy
tel: +33 1 49 53 30 13
fax: +33 1 49 53 28 59
Email: Click here to send a mailClick here to send a mail
Manuela van der Laan
Policy Assistant, E-Business, IT and Telecoms
tel: +33 1 49 53 28 07
fax: +33 1 49 53 28 59
Email: Click here to send a mail
|