FCC Weighs Internet Phone Call Regulation

Dyre Straits · Dec 2, 2003, 08:01 AM

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Is a phone call over the Internet different from one over wires? How the Federal Communications Commission answers that question will determine whether Internet calls face the same taxes and regulations as calls using conventional telephones.

At issue is whether phone calls made over the Internet should be subject to fees to pay for 911 emergency services or bringing telephone service to poor and rural areas, schools and libraries, just as conventional calls are, and whether law enforcement officials should be able to tap and trace Internet calls the way they can monitor regular phone conversations.

Conventional phone companies such as Verizon and AT&T and new high-tech upstarts already are all shifting calls away from wires and switches, which transmit voices, to computers, which convert those sounds into data and transmit them along with e-mails, movies-on-demand and Web pages. The FCC did not set a date to issue the rules but named a task force to study the issue.

"We are dramatically changing the way we communicate in this country and around the globe," Chairman Michael Powell said, "and we are challenged to adjust our policies and rules not only to accommodate, but to facilitate, this process of change."

By JONATHAN D. SALANT
Associated Press Writer

More info

The_Neon_Cowboy · Dec 2, 2003, 01:55 PM

now it not aqnd its all about money and more power for the allready to powerful fcc

Dec 2, 2003, 08:01 AM	#1
Dyre Straits HH Old Fuddy Duddy Join Date: May 2002 Location: Georgia, USA Posts: 14,201 Rep Power: 216 System Specs	FCC Weighs Internet Phone Call Regulation WASHINGTON (AP) -- Is a phone call over the Internet different from one over wires? How the Federal Communications Commission answers that question will determine whether Internet calls face the same taxes and regulations as calls using conventional telephones. At issue is whether phone calls made over the Internet should be subject to fees to pay for 911 emergency services or bringing telephone service to poor and rural areas, schools and libraries, just as conventional calls are, and whether law enforcement officials should be able to tap and trace Internet calls the way they can monitor regular phone conversations. Conventional phone companies such as Verizon and AT&T and new high-tech upstarts already are all shifting calls away from wires and switches, which transmit voices, to computers, which convert those sounds into data and transmit them along with e-mails, movies-on-demand and Web pages. The FCC did not set a date to issue the rules but named a task force to study the issue. "We are dramatically changing the way we communicate in this country and around the globe," Chairman Michael Powell said, "and we are challenged to adjust our policies and rules not only to accommodate, but to facilitate, this process of change." By JONATHAN D. SALANT Associated Press Writer More info

Dec 2, 2003, 01:55 PM	#2
The_Neon_Cowboy HardwareHeaven Extreme Member Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: U.S.A. Posts: 16,009 Rep Power: 92 System Specs	now it not aqnd its all about money and more power for the allready to powerful fcc __________________