FCC OKs Tests That Would Replace Copper Landlines

[question everything]

Last edited Thu Feb 6, 2014, 02:31 PM - Edit history (1)

(snip)

The Commission has met and agreed that it will permit regional tests to move forward. Telecoms are not required to take part in these tests, and surely some smaller companies will just let the bigger guys like Verizon and AT&T incur the costs of running these trials. Additionally, consumers in test markets will not be required to switch to VoIP service but will be given the option by their landline provider.

Even though there are several VoIP services available — from Skype and Vonage to phone service that comes bundled with TV and Internet service from cable companies — those existing services have never been considered as replacements for an area’s entire network of copper phone lines. The telecoms ultimately want their VoIP services to completely take the place of existing landline service.

(snip)

The FCC says these regional tests will be used to “ensure that the nation’s communications networks continue to provide the services consumers want and need in this era of historic technological transformations.”

Among the Commission’s requirements for any VoIP network that replaces landline service:
• Public safety communications must be available no matter the technology
• All Americans must have access to affordable communications services
• Competition in the marketplace provides choice for consumers and businesses
• Consumer protection is paramount

Telecoms interested in these regional tests must submit proposals to the FCC by Feb. 20. There will then be a public comment and reply period lasting until March 31, with the FCC making its final decisions at its May meeting.

http://consumerist.com/2014/01/30/fcc-oks-tests-that-would-replace-copper-landlines/

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Last month, again, as the temp. went south, so did our cable reception. And while I can do without television or Internet - mostly - I cannot see myself without phone service!

I am certainly going to submit my opinion to the FCC and my useless representatives who either never respond - Republican Congressman - or send form response that often has nothing to do with the subject matter - Democratic Senators.



(edited to make my tirade making more sense... ha!)

[Gman]

1. There's no escaping the fact that VOIP is the future but

In addition to the service concerns are state regulatory concerns. Traditional POTS (plain 'ol telephone service, and I didn't make that up. Google it) lines are switched and are subject to state regulatory commissions known as Public Utility Commissions (PUC) and date to several decades ago. The core landline business is what the major telcos were built on. Starting in the late 80's, the telcos started setting up subsidiaries to market new services such as voice mail. Much later, it was DSL and cell phones. And these products were placed in subs to exclude them from the regulatory environment that the traditional POTS line was in.

My belief is that when they move to VOIP these lines must remain regulated and not placed under an unregulated subsidiary (I believe ATT already has one). If not rates will skyrocket and things like universal service will be a thing of the past.

[hunter]

2. Ought to be replaced with a universal free wireless internet system...

... fast enough to handle phone service.

WiFi would be a public service, just like sidewalks and roads.

A telephone would cost about the same as a good pair of shoes, and there would be no subscription fees.

It's too bad such a thing would end the "free lunch" giant corporations now enjoy at the expense of their customers.

[Gman]

6. I agree 100%. And in another time that's the way it would be moving

But look at what they're trying to do with Net Neutrality to see what their goal is.

[Egalitarian Thug]

7. That free lunch is how they exist. Clinton did a marvelous job of placing us

an inescapable box with his corporate welfare agenda.

[dixiegrrrrl]

4. FWIW...Ala. de-regulated phone companies this August.

and I suspect some other Republican states may have.
Naturally a rate increase followed.

AT&T added a 61 cent "surcharge" to its bill recently, also. NO explanation of what it is for.
I expect that will increase by increments over the next few months.

[Gman]

5. ATT has the best legislators money can buy

And FWIW, that's the the current CEO Randall Stephenson's doing. He succeeded Ed Whitacre. Whitacre would have considered it immoral to do that in any state.

[KoKo]

3. Thanks for the article! Recommend..!