FCC Initiates VoIP Proceedings

The FCC adopted a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that recognizes not only that Internet services should continue to be subject to minimal regulation, but also that mechanisms to implement important social objectives, such as public safety, emergency 911, law enforcement access, consumer protections and disability access, may change as communications migrate to IP services.


The FCC will initiate a Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement (CALEA) rulemaking proceeding to address the technical issues associated with law-enforcement access to Internet-enabled services. That proceeding will address the scope of covered services, assign responsibility for compliance, and identify the wiretap capabilities required.


The FCC is also seeking public input on which regulatory requirements -- for example, those relating to E911, disability accessibility, access charges, and universal service -- should be extended to different types of Internet services. The Commission is also seeking to define the legal and regulatory framework for each type of Internet service and the relevant jurisdictional considerations for each category. http://www.fcc.gov