FCC to Seek Internet - Based Phone Oversight

[LiviaOlivia]

The New York Times
October 20, 2004
FCC to Seek Internet - Based Phone Oversight
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Filed at 12:50 p.m. ET

BOSTON (AP) -- FCC Chairman Michael Powell said Tuesday that he would seek broad regulatory authority for the federal government over Internet-based telephone services to avoid stifling the emerging market.

Powell told a receptive audience at an industry conference that letting states regulate Voice over Internet Protocol,or VoIP, services would lead to a patchwork of conflicting rules like those which have ensnarled the traditional phone business for decades. To do so, Powell said, "is to dumb down the Internet back to the limited vision of government officials. That would be a tragedy."

<snip>

"We cannot avoid this question any longer," he said. "It is very likely that treatment of VOIP will have some of the farthest reaching consequences of anything this commission has done or will do." Powell, whose office has been petitioned by Republican members of Congress to take action on the jurisdiction question, spoke two weeks before a presidential election that could jeopardize his position as FCC chairman.

<snip>

Powell, who reiterated his belief in minimal regulation of VoIP services, said questions of its taxation and connectivity to 911 emergency assistance are best left to the federal government because the technology erodes geographic barriers.

<snip>

http://www.nytimes.com/aponline/technology/AP-Powell-Voice-over-Net.html

[aquart]

1. I want this creature gone.

This is what Colin Powell raised. This.

[Not Me]

2. I use VoIP and 911 service is no problem.

It simply requires that you notify the provider of the physical geograhpic location of your phone. (This is required because your telephone number *may* not reflect the area you are located in.)

Powell is in search of a problem to fix. Again.

[snooper2]

3. Sure you fucking dumb ass...

How the hell do people get in positions like this when they have no understanding of technology whatsoever?

The states are really going to have a ball with this one. Since you can take your number with you, you can get multiple DID's out of multiple rates centers, and be taxed at the state rate from where you requested the services.
And the E911 piece, he better talk to the makers of Session Boarder Controllers and implementation of CNAM. Oh yeah, everyone is using SIP right now, but everyone is using their own version of SIP.

If they want to help the industry, they should let it mature a little before they fuck everything up.

Dumbasses....

[Eurobabe]

4. I have Vonage and love it!

I read this article earlier, not sure whether this is a good or bad thing? Explain?

[TaleWgnDg]

5. Michael Powell (Colin's kid) has done nothing to enhance his

position as Chairman at the FCC, or for benefiting the American public to whom he serves as Chairman! He rams stuff through, doesn't comply w/ his duty to hold public hearings, polarizes the Commissioners repeatedly by his actions/non-actions, has congress breathing down his neck unnecessarily, and the list goes on and on and on . . .

For those unfamiliar with VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol - telephone calls over the internet), here's a helpful overview:

http://www.fcc.gov/voip/
(as last visited Wednesday, October 20, 2004)

Further, Michael Powell's timing re his intended proposal to assume VoIP jurisdiction is highly suspect. Why now? It's how many days until the general election? Isn't there a six month waiting period for public feedback? And, his Chair seat is already on fire due to his continuous frig-ups. :wtf:



.

[PROGRESSIVE1]

6. Mike Powell tells us alot about what kind of person, Colin really is!

:argh:

[gatlingforme]

7. I would like to see all the Powell morons gone ..... They are idiots

[tlcandie]

8. I use Lingo ..

$19.99 period for ALL calls in US, CANADA and EASTERN EUROPE! I LOVE IT! Figures... nothing belongs to the people. :cry:

[lanlady]

9. I love my Vonage service

--and I don't want Michael Powell mucking around in the VoIP and Internet space.

[Bosso 63]

10. Vonage fan

I agree.