VoIP is a type of phone service that uses the internet instead of a landline. Many people are wondering if VoIP is regulated by the FCC.
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What is VoIP?
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a type of telecommunication that allows you to make calls using a broadband Internet connection instead of a traditional phone line. VoIP is regulated by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).
VoIP basics
VoIP, which stands for Voice over Internet Protocol, is a type of phone service that uses your internet connection to make and receive calls. One of the main benefits of VoIP is that it’s often cheaper than traditional phone plans, since it uses your existing internet infrastructure.
VoIP also offers a number of features that traditional phone plans don’t have, like the ability to use your phone service on multiple devices and the ability to make calls over a secure connection.
In addition, VoIP is regulated by the FCC in the US, which means that it has to meet certain standards for quality and reliability.
VoIP services
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also called IP telephony, is a method for taking analog audio signals, like the kind you hear when you talk on the phone, and turning them into digital data that can be transmitted over the Internet. VoIP can turn a standard Internet connection into a way to make free or very low-cost long distance and international calls.
A secondary use for VoIP is as a business tool. Many small businesses use VoIP solutions to unify their customer service and sales departments by integrating voice call and data services onto one network. Larger companies may use VoIP for internal communication between employees, which has led to the technology sometimes being referred to as “computer telephone integration” or “CTI”.
The FCC has been regulating VoIP since the technology first emerged in the late 1990s, but recent changes in the way VoIP services are delivered have led the Commission to reassess its role. In March 2007, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) seeking comment on whether and how it should update its regulations to reflect these changes.
FCC and VoIP
The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) is an independent United States government agency, directly responsible to Congress. The FCC was established by the Communications Act of 1934 and is charged with regulating interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable. So, what does this have to do with VoIP?
FCC regulation of VoIP
The FCC regulates interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories. The FCC’s jurisdiction covers most telecommunications service providers including VoIP providers that offer service to the general public and business customers.
VoIP and 911 service
The FCC’s rules for VoIP providers are designed to ensure that all VoIP users have access to 911 service that is at least as reliable as traditional wireline 911 service. All VoIP providers that allow their customers to make or receive 911 calls must provide those calls with access to emergency services.
VoIP providers must give their customers a way to dial 911 that will connect them to emergency services. In addition, VoIP providers must provide their customers with information about their 911 service, including any limitations on the service. For example, a VoIP provider may need to tell its customers that they need to have an active power source and an Internet connection in order to use the provider’s 911 service.
The FCC has also ruled that VoIP providers must provide information to public safety answering points (PSAPs) so that callers can be properly routed to the correct PSAP.
Conclusion
The answer to the question “is VoIP regulated by the FCC?” is not a simple one. The FCC has rules and regulations in place that relate to VoIP service, but VoIP itself is not specifically regulated by the FCC. Instead, the FCC has chosen to regulate VoIP service providers in a way that is similar to how it regulates traditional telephone service providers.