SPAM: -------------------- Start SpamAssassin results ---------------------- SPAM: This mail is probably spam. The original message has been altered SPAM: so you can recognise or block similar unwanted mail in future. SPAM: See http://spamassassin.org/tag/ for more details. SPAM: SPAM: Content analysis details: (5.7 hits, 5 required) SPAM: Hit! (2.7 points) Subject contains lots of white space SPAM: Hit! (1.0 point) Received via an IP in dynablock.njabl.org SPAM: [RBL check: found 40.6.88.138.dynablock.njabl.org.] SPAM: Hit! (0.4 points) Received via a relay in dnsbl.njabl.org SPAM: [RBL check: found 40.6.88.138.dnsbl.njabl.org.] SPAM: Hit! (0.6 points) DNSBL: sender ip address in in a dialup block SPAM: Hit! (1.0 point) DNSBL: Received via an IP in dynablock.njabl.org SPAM: SPAM: -------------------- End of SpamAssassin results --------------------- http://www.house.gov/pickering/VOIPInt.htm FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE NEWS RELEASE - October 5, 2004 Contact: BRIAN PERRY: 202-225-5031 PICKERING LETTER ASKS FCC TO RULE VOIP INTERSTATE 62 members of Congress urge ruling that VoIP is interstate and subject to FCC jurisdiction; would protect emerging technology from patchwork of state regulations (WASHINGTON, D.C.) - Today sixty-one members of Congress joined Representative Chip Pickering (R-Miss) in calling on the Federal Communications Commission to rule that VoIP is an interstate application and thus subject to FCC jurisdiction. The bipartisan letter to FCC Chairman Michael Powell urges a ruling that voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) is interstate in nature and subject to the Commission's exclusive jurisdiction, thus protecting this emerging technology from a patchwork of stifling state regulations. "VoIP is the next forward step in voice communications. As this efficient technology grows, consumers will benefit from advanced services and reduced costs," Pickering said. "But for consumers to be able to enjoy the fruits of this technology, VoIP must develop and prosper without the threat of a patchwork of state regulations stifling the innovation. Clearly, VoIP is interstate in nature and thus subject to FCC jurisdiction. This letter asks the FCC to expedite their ruling on the subject and provide jurisdictional and regulatory clarity." VoIP technology allows for real time voice communication over the Internet, essentially allowing consumers to use their computers or other VoIP application devices as they once used their phones. "As we increase our broadband Internet users in Mississippi, we will see new choices and lower prices in voice communications. Utilizing the Internet, it will make no price difference if you're talking to someone in Memphis or Montana or Mozambique. Voice over the Internet will change the way we communicate, but we must keep government regulation from crippling this technology in its infancy," Pickering said. Earlier this year, Pickering - who is Vice Chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee and Co-Chairman of the Congressional Wireless Caucus - and Senator John Sununu (R-NH) introduced legislation to protect VoIP technology from regulation, and to foster the evolution of this revolutionary development in the telecommunications industry. Pickering believes VoIP legislation will be a major technology issue during the next Congress. Pickering noted a favorable ruling by the FCC to this letter would "ensure a greater degree of market certainty and prevent a misguided approach to regulating VoIP, spurring private innovation which will create competition and costs savings for consumers." Thirty-three members of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, a bipartisan majority of the committee with VoIP jurisdiction, have signed on to this letter. Chip Pickering is currently serving his fourth term as a Republican member of the United States Congress. He represents the Third District of Mississippi and is assistant majority whip and serves on the Agriculture Committee and is Vice-Chairman of the Energy and Commerce Committee. Pickering is Co-Chairman of the Congressional Wireless Caucus and sits on the Speaker's High-Tech Working Group. Media Note: A copy of the letter to the FCC is attached. _______________________________________________ Politech mailing list Archived at http://www.politechbot.com/ Moderated by Declan McCullagh (http://www.mccullagh.org/)
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