Vonage has prevailed in a case involving VoIP-port blocking by local telephone company. The case involved the Madison River Telephone Company, which Vonage accused of blocking ports used for VoIP applications. Last month, the FCC's Enforcement Bureau issued a Letter of Inquiry to Madison River. This has resulted in a Consent Decree under which Madison River will refrain from blocking VOIP traffic and ensure that such blocking will not recur. Madison River will also pay a $15,000 fine to the U.S. Treasury.
"We saw a problem, and we acted swiftly to ensure that Internet voice service remains a viable option for consumers," said FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell.
http://www.vonage.comOn 09-February-2004, Federal Communications Commission Chairman Michael K. Powell issued a challenge to high-speed Internet providers to adopt a set of four voluntary “Net Freedom�? principles:
- Freedom to Access Content. Consumers should have access to their choice of legal content.
- Freedom to Use Applications. Consumers should be able to run applications of their choice.
- Freedom to Attach Personal Devices. Consumers should be permitted to attach any devices they choose to the connection in their homes.
- Freedom to Obtain Service Plan Information. Consumers should receive meaningful information regarding their service plans.
