Powell: VoIP Requires Light Regulatory Touch

Two weeks prior to the U.S. election, Michael Powell, Chairman of the FCC, said VoIP had ignited a fire under a depressed industry, but to achieve its revolutionary potential it requires a new, "light" regulatory touch. Noting that IP data communications knows no borders, Powell said the FCC must now affirmatively establish federal jurisdiction over all IP traffic and work with its international counterparts. It must also recognize the changes that will result from disengaging applications from the network. In his keynote address at Fall VON 2004 in Boston, Powell said the FCC does has a role to play ensuring that a willing provider is always able to reach a willing customer. He also affirmed the four "Net Freedom" principles that he has spoken of in the past: Freedom to Access Content, Freedom to Use Applications, Freedom to Attach Personal Devices, Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information. http://www.convergedigest.com/regulatory/regulatory.asp?category=Regulatory