Internet telephony to receive special phone prefix in the U.K.

Posted on Wednesday, September 08 2004 @ 0:01 CEST by Thomas De Maesschalck
U.K. telecommunications industry regulator Ofcom on Tuesday unveiled its plans for Internet telephony, which include setting aside a phone prefix specifically for VOIP calls.

The Office of Communications is addressing the knotty problem of regulation in a similar fashion to the Federal Communications Commission: It is soliciting public comment.

Britons have until Nov. 15 to express their thoughts on requiring voice-over-IP services to include 911-like capabilities and other consumer protection measures. Ofcom Chief Executive Stephen Carter sounded very much like FCC Chairman Michael Powell in the agency's release: "Broadband voice services are a new and emerging market. Our first task as regulator is to keep out of the way."

More at eWeek


About the Author

Thomas De Maesschalck

Thomas has been messing with computer since early childhood and firmly believes the Internet is the best thing since sliced bread. Enjoys playing with new tech, is fascinated by science, and passionate about financial markets. When not behind a computer, he can be found with running shoes on or lifting heavy weights in the weight room.



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