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September 27, 2005

The FCC Grants a Reprieve from Immediate VoIP Disconnects

The FCC announced today that VoIP providers don’t have to begin disconnecting customers tomorrow. The FCC found that VoIP providers have made substantial progress in gaining acknowledgments of the E-911 "limitations" from customers, noting that at least 21 providers have received acknowledgments from 100 percent of their subscribers and at least 32 others have obtained acknowledgements from 90 percent or more of their subscribers. For these companies, the Enforcement Bureau announced that it will not pursue enforcement action. The other Interconnected VoIP Providers have until October 31st.

It is good to see that the FCC is listening to industry and user concerns, recognizing the important progress being made, and trying to work with the VoIP community on this issue. This is a promising development, particularly since it comes on the heels of Chairman Martin's consideration, during last week's Senate Hearing, of the positive role of the Internet in preserving communications post-catastrophic events.

Posted by jeff on September 27, 2005 05:45 PM | Permalink

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Comments

I would also be mad at being disconnected "without notice." But I can certainly see them disconnecting me because I failed to heed the notice to indicate that I read and accept the 911 limitations.

I certainly think they have satisfied the "notice" part and it's the consumer's own fault if they get disconnected...

Posted by: Steven at October 2, 2005 09:15 PM

I would have been one pissed off human being if my Vonage was disconnected without notice tomorrow. VoIP is great...the only thing I don't like about it is that my number doesn't show up on caller ID...although this could be seen as a positive.

Posted by: gas guzzler at September 27, 2005 06:19 PM