[IP] : Job loss warning over web phone call rules
-----Original Message-----
From: Claudio Gutierrez <cgutierrez@xxxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Date: Wed, 25 Feb 2004 10:22:14
To:Dave Farber <dave@xxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: Job loss warning over web phone call rules
Michael Powell, Federal Communications Commission chairman, on Tuesday
warned that excessive regulation of telephone calls made over the
internet could cause job losses in the US.
This month the FCC began proceedings to determine how to regulate Voice
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, which allows consumers to make
telephone calls over the internet, sometimes completely bypassing
traditional telephone wires.
Mr Powell argues that a minimally regulated environment would benefit
consumers by furthering investment in the nascent technology.
But on Tuesday he attempted to bolster the case for light regulation,
saying that a "hostile" regulatory regime for VoIP would drive US
companies overseas.
His remarks come as lawmakers focus on the issue of outsourcing overseas
and US companies relocating abroad as the November elections approach.
Testifying before the Senate commerce committee, he added that the FCC
would lose jurisdiction if companies moved offshore.
<snip>
Mr Powell told the committee that VoIP was helping to reinvigorate the
telecoms sector, but cautioned that regulatory uncertainty was one of
the clouds hanging over the industry. He added that VoIP was changing
the face of telecommunications as traditional telephone companies begin
to roll out VoIP packages.
"Not only are they going to [move towards VoIP], they have to," said Mr
Powell. "If you're not, you're going to get crushed."
http://news.ft.com/servlet/ContentServer?pagename=FT.com/StoryFT/FullStory&c=StoryFT&cid=1075982792922&p=1012571727260&ExpIgnore=true
--
Claudio Gutiérrez
Business Improvement Ltda.
http://www.improvement.cl
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