Are all interconnected VoIP Providers subject to FCC regulation?
Yes, over the past several years the FCC has extended some basic telecommunications regulations to all providers of interconnected VoIP services. For example, the FCC has ruled that all interconnected VoIP Service Providers must fully comply with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (“CALEA”), meet the FCC’s disability access and Telephone Relay Service (“TRS”) requirements, enable 911 services (“E911”), ensure the protection of Customer Proprietary Network Information (“CPNI”) and, most importantly, contribute to the Federal Universal Service Fund (“USF”). Interconnected VoIP Service Providers are also subject to other traditional telecommunications regulations placed on local carriers, such as number portability and interconnection duties. Many of these regulatory responsibilities require interconnected VoIP Service Providers to file periodic forms with the FCC, such as Form 499-A and 499-Q, as well as ensure that internal policies are consistent with federal rules.
