Regulatory Implications of Voice over IP

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Regulatory Implications of Voice over IP

• Dave SimpsonInternet Project ManagerSenior
  Technical AnalystOFTEL

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Voice Over IP

• Voice over IP / Voice over the Internet
• IP dial-tone xDSL, Fixed Radio, mobile, leased
  lines, TV
• Quality of Service (QoS)
• Standards and compatibility

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OFTELs starting points

• Consumer choice / Promoting competition
• Technology neutrality
• Fits into existing framework
• Promote confidence

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Licensing

• Telecommunications Act 1984
• Self Provision Licence (SPL)
• Telecommunication Services Licence (TSL)
• International Simple Voice Resale (ISVR)
• Fixed / IFL licence

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Other Issues

• Number range
• National , Non-geographic, Global, other
• Mobility / Portability
• Universal Directory
• EU position
• Jan 98 statement
• 1999 review

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7 Scenarios
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Scenario 1PC to PC over Public Internet
PublicInternet
PC used as an Phone
IP Phone
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Scenario 2PC to PC over Private Network
Private IP Network
IP Phone
IP Phone
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Scenario 3ISVR over private IP network
UK
NON-UK
IP
GW
GW
PSTN Phone
PSTN Phone
Gateways
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Scenario 4ISVR over the Internet
UK
NON-UK
Internet
GW
GW
PSTN Phone
PSTN Phone
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Scenario 5PSTN to international IPphone
UK
NON-UK
Internet
GW
IP Phone
PSTN Phone
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Scenario 6IPphone to international PSTN
UK
NON-UK
Internet
GW
PSTN Phone
IP Phone
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Scenario 7IPphone as PSTN access
Radio, xDSL, Cable Modems etc
GW
IP
PSTN Phone
IP Phone
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Summary

• VoIP is just another way of transporting voice
• Existing regulations apply
• NOT regulating the Internet
• IS regulating voice services
• Increased choice for consumers