Ofcom announces VoIP code

VoIP users are to benefit from a new regulatory code, which was announced today by Ofcom.

The new rules, which come into force in June, make it obligatory for VoIP providers to offer customers information which they may otherwise fail to mention.

Providers of IP telephony solutions must now inform customers whether or not their service requires the user's home power supply, if it includes access to emergency services, how portable their number will be if they switch providers and what additional operator-type services are available.

Ofcom said that the code would bring benefits for customers and businesses which make calls over the internet.

A spokesman told the BBC that Ofcom plans, in time, to "develop its approach to regulation" in order "to ensure that consumers gain the full benefits of VoIP services".

The Internet Telephony Service Providers' Association (ITSPA) described the new rules as "broadly acceptable" and urged Ofcom to maintain a "light touch" as it further develops the code.

Hosted telephony is becoming an increasingly fearsome challenger to conventional telecommunication.

VoIP has been described by Forbes magazine as "the hottest acronym in the converging communications market".

Posted on: 2007-04-02, in: General VoIP

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