|
Coonan Promises VoIP Numbers |
|
|
|
Written by Adam Gosling
|
|
Tuesday, 22 November 2005 |
The Federal Government has released its report on the Australian VoIP industry saying there is no real need to change the existing policy and regulatory framework.
One change, promised by Senator Helen Coonan, Minister for Communications, Information Technology and the Arts is to introduce a new non-geographic number range for use with VoIP services.
The new number range, some “small adjustments” to emergency services and customer service regulation should be all the change we see in the near term.
“VOIP technology is one of a range of emerging next generation services transforming global communications as carriers and consumers take advantage of cost savings and integration with video and data applications,” said Coonan.
“Innovative VOIP services are increasingly becoming available to Australian consumers. VOIP has the potential to offer consumers benefits in terms of price and convenience. By establishing a new number range for VOIP services, providers will be able to market the unique features of their services without existing phone number information being compromised.”
The Australian Government committed at the last election to reviewing next generation services such as VOIP and, if necessary, to legislate in order to remove barriers to entry,” Senator Coonan said.
“The Government wants to support VOIP services and ensure the regulatory environment does not inhibit their development. By committing to implementation of the report’s recommendations the Government will provide regulatory clarity in the short- to medium-term and help to promote a competitive communications environment.”
To ensure that consumers are aware of the choices on offer and the differences between a VOIP service and a traditional telephone service, public information will be developed in cooperation with industry.
The Australian Communications Industry Forum will host a VOIP Forum in Sydney on 6 December. The VOIP forum will focus on provider cooperation, including support, fault handling, billing and security of VOIP.
. Related news items Newer news items
Older news items
|
|
|
|
