As voice-over-internet-protocol (VoIP) is expected to reach over nearly 20 million households worldwide by 2010, Ofcom has today shown its support to the development of the new services by publishing a recommended approach document.
From today, Ofcom, has set out a telephone numbering structure for the new voice services, published a consumer guide to the new services and begun a public consultation on the appropriate level of consumer protection measure which should apply.
Ofcom says, it believes the emergence of VoIP, which offers phone services over the internet rather than via traditional telephone networks, will offer important benefits to consumers such as a reduction in the cost of calls.
Ofcom said: “The only cost to the consumer should be a standard monthly fee, regardless as to whether the call is to the next town or to the other side of the world.”
As well as cost savings on phone calls, the cost of innovative features, such as sophisticated call handling and messaging, multi-party conference calls and video calls are all expected to fall and be more widely available to consumers.
Ofcom hopes that its approach minimises the regulatory burden associated with the creation and delivery of new voice services whilst ensuring the providers benefit from fair and effective competition.
VoIP is forecast to reach nearly 20 million homes worldwide by 2010, according to a new report from Global Information Incorporated (see VoIP To Reach 20 Million Households By 2010).
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