Gov't sets out plans for VoIP regulation

摘要

Communications minister Helen Coonan has released a report on VoIP regulation prepared by DCITA saying that the government has accepted, and will Implement all Its recommendations. Its key recommendation is that a new number range (05) will be used for VoIP services that are not location-specific and are otherwise not close substitutes for the standard telephone service. The minister acknowledged that VoIP represented the first of what are likely to be an increasing number of next generation network services saying: "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...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." However according to at least one well-placed commentator the Government has been woefully slow to rise to the challenge of regulating next generation network services.