Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Compliance Services

The FCC has determined that providers of “interconnected” VoIP services, which are IP-based services that enable users to place calls to and receive calls from the PSTN, should be subject to many of the requirements applicable to traditional telephone services. 

Specifically, the FCC has concluded that interconnected VoIP services are subject to regulations concerning emergency communications (E911), telecommunications relay services for hearing-impaired individuals (TRS), customer privacy (CPNI), and the facilitation of wiretaps and government surveillance (CALEA). 

In addition, the FCC has ruled that providers of interconnected VoIP services must contribute to the Universal Service Fund (USF), a subsidy mechanism that supports that provision of telecommunications services in rural areas, to schools, libraries and rural health care facilities, and to low-income consumers.

In general, state regulation of VoIP services has remained minimal.  However, in recent months, some state regulators – faced with public interest issues such as shrinking universal service revenue, emergency services support, and consumer protection – have started to show an increased willingness to impose some requirements on VoIP providers.  The result has been a complicated, and at times, conflicting approach to the regulation of VoIP services at the state level.

Download a copy of our Interconnected VoIP Fact Sheet for a comprehensive listing of federal regulations applicable to interconnected VoIP service providers.