Why we should care about Net Neutrality
Posted by:Posted By AVAD Business Editor on November 19, 2009
I came across a great article on Broadsoft's blog about Net Neutrality. There is a huge power struggle going on between the companies that provide internet service and companies that provide services that require the internet.
Voice over IP (VoIP) is just one of the thousands of services that require an internet connection.
One of the biggest issues being contested is the ability of internet service providers to favor their own content or limit access to content based on type. For example, Comcast, one of the leading internet service providers also provides internet phone service or VoIP, without a truely nuetral internet, Comcast would be able to block other VoIP Providers such as Vonage.
Allowing internet service providers to limit consumers access to certain types of content, or favor their own brands would have a chilling effect on our entire economy.
For those of you who are not familiar with Broadsoft, BroadSoft is the leading, worldwide innovator of Voice over IP (VoIP) applications that is transforming how people connect, communicate and collaborate.
Hosted VoIP Legislation News
Posted By: AVAD Technologies, VoIP Provider, Small Business Editor on 2009-06-03
A new mandate from the FCC requires landline, wireless and most Voice over IP (VoIP Providers) transfer or port phone numbers to new carriers within 1 day, if requested by the customer.
The current rule gives carriers up to 4 days to complete this task. However, smaller carriers will still have up to 15-months.
When VoIP provider SunRocket unexpectedly closed its doors in 2007, many customers were not aware of the closure until they picked up the phone and did not hear a dial tone.
In an effort to prevent a similar situation, the Federal Communications Commission on Wednesday approved a rule that would require failing VoIP providers to give reasonable notice to customers and regulatory officials before they shut down.
Update: Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009
Posted by:Date: February 4, 2009
By: AVAD Administrator
Read the full text of the Update to the Truth in Caller ID Act of 2009
GovTrac.us is a great site that I use to track bills that relate to the Telecommunications industry. It has links to information about your local representatives as well as YouTube videos by members of Congress. You can sign up for an account and set up RSS feeds to track almost any piece of legislation.
NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008
Posted by:One Hundred Tenth Congress
of the
United States of America
AT THE SECOND SESSION Begun and held at the City of Washington on Thursday, the third day of January, two thousand and eight An Act To promote and enhance public safety by facilitating the rapid deployment of IP-enabled 911 and E-911 services, encourage the Nation's transition to a national IP-enabled emergency network, and improve 911 and E-911 access to those with disabilities.- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,
6/24/2008--Introduced.
Universal Service Reform, Accountability, and Efficiency Act of 2008 - Amends the Communications Act of 1934 to revise the policies concerning the principles for the advancement of universal service to require that the policies be based on the principles of affordability, efficiency, certain contribution and distribution requirements, transparency, consumer focus, and access to advanced telecommunications services for schools, libraries, and rural health care providers. Requires that universal service support be used solely to provide voice (including IP-enabled voice) communications in high cost areas and to low-income households. Authorizes the FCC to select any contribution mechanism that is consistent with the above principles and that: View Full Bill Opencongress.org Read More→The Senate Thursday passed by unanimous consent its version of a bill that would give cable operators and other Internet-phone-service providers the same rights of interconnection as traditional 911 service to ensure that 911 calls reach a local operator and that the operator can also determine the source of the emergency call — enhanced 911 service — as well as similar liability relief for those taking the calls. It would also call for the drawing up of a plan for a national IP-enabled emergency network for “citizen-activated” emergencies.
Missouri Legis: Avoid VoIP Tax
Posted by:The Show Me State must allow VoIP technology to develop and flourish throughout the state without regulatory interference, said the Institute for Policy Innovation in testimony to the Missouri legislature today.
VoIP is a compelling application which will encourage economic advancement, job creation and income growth as it is a "better, cheaper, and faster" vehicle for voice communications. "These sorts of technology innovations are the prime drivers of economic growth because they increase productivity of businesses and enterprises large and small," said IPI President Tom Giovanetti.
