[If I understand Jeff's message, here we see yet another example of two technologies being subject to different regulations, creating a competitive advantage for one and an unstable situation in general. The solution is to equalize the amount of regulation (or, in this case, someting akin to taxation). But since eliminating a regulatory regime would mean cutting off "free" money flowing to schools and libraries -- not exactly politically palatable -- we're seeing Internert telephony targeted instead with more regulation/taxation. Think of it as a full employment guarantee for everyone at the FCC for the foreseeable future. --Declan] --- Date: Sun, 16 Feb 2003 23:37:13 -0500 (EST) From: Jeff Pulver <jeffat_private> To: Declan Mccullagh <declanat_private> Subject: VoIP is Under Attack [again] in the United States Declan: Back in November the IP Communications Industry had issues with the way the NANPA ( http://www.nanpa.com ) North American Numbering Plan Administration, was approaching VoIP. While the folks at NANPA are still working on their approach to VoIP, those of us who are living in the United States who care about IP Communications now have a much more immediate problem, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners NARUC ( http://www.naruc.org ) and their 2003 Winter Meetings ( http://www.naruc.org/Meetings/winter/2003/index.htm )taking place Feb 22-26. NARUC already has a strong anti-VOIP resolution set to go through their voting process next Sunday. I've posted a draft copy that I've recently received as word document to: ( http://pulver.com/reports/naruc1b.doc ) [ this was received on February 15th. ] If the NARUC resolution gets passed it will create unnecessary taxes and crippling administrative burden on the Internet and in fact would mark a real dark day for IP Communications in the United States. Together we need to counter lobbyist scaremongering by explaining to state commissioners that internet connections must not be burdened with crippling administration. The commissioners are worried that an explosion of internet calls could threaten the Universal Service Fund. The reality is that it will be many years before the volume of calls diverted is enough to affect service funds, giving plenty of time to find a well-thought out response. The move for immediate action is an attempt by some to stifle future internet choices hidden in some legitimate concerns. People can find your State Commissioners email at ( www.naruc.org/resources/state.shtml ). I'm hoping to encorage people to use their own words and to send email to their respective State Commissioners. I've posted a sample letter to: ( http://pulver.com/reports/narucletter.html ). People can freely take from my draft letter, although people should use their your own words and mentioning the state they live in will be even more effective. State commissioners play an important role, but few beyond the professional lobbyists contact them on issues. Even a few emails have the potential to sway them on an issue. I'm am hoping that people take the time to reach out to their respective State Commissioners this week and have their voices heard. Together I know we can make a difference. :-) Best regards, Jeff ------------------------------------------------------------------------- POLITECH -- Declan McCullagh's politics and technology mailing list You may redistribute this message freely if you include this notice. To subscribe to Politech: http://www.politechbot.com/info/subscribe.html This message is archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Declan McCullagh's photographs are at http://www.mccullagh.org/ ------------------------------------------------------------------------- Like Politech? Make a donation here: http://www.politechbot.com/donate/ Recent CNET News.com articles: http://news.search.com/search?q=declan -------------------------------------------------------------------------
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