VoIP emergency call lobby group formed

Leading providers of internet-enabled communications have joined forces in an attempt to shape European regulation of the industry.

Voice on the Net (VON) Coalition Europe claimed in a statement that it "will advocate for internet voice innovation and the policy framework that enables it".

The lobby group, which includes Google, Intel, and Microsoft, was set up in response to recent regulatory proposals made by the European Commission.

This included the notion that all Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) suppliers should make emergency services calls available. The proposal has subsequently gained the backing of UK telecoms watchdog Ofcom, which has outlined a September 2008 deadline for enforcement.

This has met resistance from VoIP firms, which argue that such legislation will prevent the technology from fulfilling its potential by stifling innovation.

Stephen Collins, director of global governmental and regulatory affairs at Skype, said: "In order to unleash their vast benefits, policymakers need to embrace forward-thinking policy approaches.

"If we automatically subject this new technology to legacy telephone regulation, consumers and business users could miss out on the new services, increased choices, better prices and improved features that VoIP, for example, can deliver."