With Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) gaining popularity, governments are beginning to set guidelines and regulations that will affect businesses using VoIP. These regulations will most likely start in the United States where VoIP is more popular than in Europe. Some concerns about the regulations include whether these types of services should be considered “common carriers” as well as the potential loss in taxes and universal service issues.

A hearing recently took place in Brussels where a report by the consultants Analysys was presented. The report is called IP Voice and Associated Convergent Services and it examines the transition from regular public switched telephone networks (PTSN) to virtual services and its implications on technology, economy, structure, and regulations.

Here we will outline the main findings and recommendations of the report.

Firstly it is noted that there is currently a transition going on to virtual platforms (IP-based). So far the New Regulatory Framework (NRF) has been handling the transition well although there are some issues that still need to be addressed before they turn into more pressing matters. The report stated that the biggest issue right now is whether and how VoIP is classified as a publicly available telephony service. The concern regards access to emergency services (such as 911) and network integrity.

This leads into the next issue which is location and emergency access. The problem is that it might not be possible to show the location of a person calling from a VoIP service during an emergency. It is still unclear how customers are going to be made aware of this dilemma and how to provide a persons’ whereabouts during an emergency situation.

Another concern is that VoIP services may not be as accessible as a PTSN. This means that there will have to be strict guidelines to ensure that, as VoIP services become more widely used, there are always available “lines”. Once again, this is tied into emergency services.

Phone numbers may also become an issue with virtual services if it continues to grow. The geographic dispersal of VoIP subscribers needs to be taken into consideration when a virtual carrier provides phone numbers for their customers.

The last issue stated in the report was that with virtual services it is possible for people to get domestic service from foreign countries. This brings up other issues of regulation between different countries and the report recommends that this be taken into consideration.

Although it may be some years before virtualization takes over regular phone lines, these issues need to be addressed beforehand. Whatever measures need to be taken will affect regulators, broadband and other virtual providers, as well as the customers who will be using these services.