E-Mail   |   Comments   |   E-Mail Newsletters   |   RSS

LONDON (AFX) - The Office of Communications said it has launched a new regulatory code for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers that will ensure that consumers have access to important information about the capabilities of their service.

All VoIP providers will be required to comply with the code from June 2007.

VoIP services offer consumers the prospect of cheaper calls - especially for calls from one VoIP service to another - and new services such as call handling and unified messaging.

The new code of practice requires VoIP providers to make clear whether or not the service includes access to emergency services; the extent to which the service depends on the user's home power supply; whether directory assistance, directory listings, access to the operator or the itemisation of calls are available; and whether consumers will be able to keep their telephone number if they choose to switch providers at a later date.

A number of respondents to Ofcom's consultation expressed concern that a lack of access to emergency services via VoIP services might be detrimental for consumers.

For that reason, Ofcom said it intends to consult later this year on whether, and if so how, certain VoIP services might be required to offer access to emergency services.

newsdesk@afxnews.com

slm

COPYRIGHT

Copyright AFX News Limited 2007. All rights reserved.

The copying, republication or redistribution of AFX News Content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of AFX News.

AFX News and AFX Financial News Logo are registered trademarks of AFX News Limited

Neither the Subscriber nor AFX News warrants the completeness or accuracy of the Service or the suitability of the Service as a trading aid and neither accepts any liability for losses howsoever incurred. The content on this site, including news, quotes, data and other information, is provided by AFX News and its third party content providers for your personal information only, and neither AFX News nor its third party content providers shall be liable for any errors, inaccuracies or delays in content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.

Article Controls

E-Mail   |   Comments   |   E-Mail Newsletters

del.icio.us   |   Digg It!   |   My Yahoo!   |   RSS

Trading Center

Brought to you by the sponsors below

CEO Book Club

Book Review Jazz Mecca Still Swings Book Review The Sound Of Silence Paul Maidment Having trouble managing your business? Maybe you talk too much.