Communications Workers Union Seeks Universal Service Rules for VoIP

The Communications Workers of America is calling on the FCC to define VoIP as 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.



In a filing with the FCC, the union notes that the current model ensured universal, affordable, high-quality telephone service for every household and business in the United States. "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.



The CWA also believes there is no need for the FCC to impose rate regulation on VoIP. However, it sees a continued role for state commission in partnership with the FCC. http://www.cwa-union.org/