Internet telephony is the ability to make voice calls over any
internet connection, particularly broadband, using Voice over
Internet Protocol (VoIP). Internet Telephony Service Providers can
provide regular and enhanced phone line services, at reduced cost,
with calls to other internet phones often free of charge.
The new voice services also offer consumers the prospect of
sophisticated call handling and messaging, multi-party conference
calls and video calls.
Ofcom published interim guidance on VoIP services in 2004, but
since then there have been significant developments in the sector,
relating to the choice of providers, the services offered and the
equipment that customers use.
Many more people are using the service today. According to
Ofcom, there are now more than 500,000 active VoIP users in the UK,
and take-up growth is forecast to continue.
With this in mind, Ofcom is updating its regulatory requirements
to ensure that they adequately meet the needs of both customers and
providers.
The watchdog is proposing a code for VoIP service providers to
ensure customers are given important information about service
capability. This would include information on reliability, whether
access to emergency calls is offered, and the reliability of such
access, the portability of telephone numbers and whether
information such as directory listing is offered.
Ofcom is also updating its guidance to encourage VoIP providers
to offer access to 999 emergency services and to help them comply
with existing regulation of voice services, including requirements
for Publicly Available Telephone Services (PATS).
Comments are sought by 3rd May.
