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FCC: Thou Shalt Not Block VoIPBy Pedro HernandezMarch 8, 2005
In a short statement, soon to be ex-Chairman Michael K. Powell explained, "In my view, the surest way to preserve 'Net Freedom' is to handle these issues in an enforcement context where hypothetical worriers give way to concrete facts and, as we have shown today, real solutions." Powell also commented that "the industry must adhere to certain consumer protection norms if the Internet is to remain an open platform for innovation," adding that his agency "saw a problem" and acted quickly to preserve VoIP as a viable option for consumers. In addition to the fine, Madison River agreed to cease blocking VoIP traffic and ensure that it doesn't take place in the future. The company delivers voice and DSL service to Midwest and Southeast rural markets. Its stable of companies includes Coastal Communications (Hinesville, Georgia), Gallatin River Communications (Illinois), GulfTel Communications (Foley, Alabama), and MebTel Communications (North Carolina). In related news, Vonage today announced that it has become the first VoIP provider to surpass 500,000 lines on its network. The Edison, NJ-based company reports that it is adding 15,000 lines per week. Vonage sells residential and small business broadband telephony packages starting at $14.99/month via the Internet and brick and mortar retailers including Best Buy and Circuit City. Original reporting courtesy of InternetNews. Read the full, in-depth story here and here.
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