NETWORK WORLD NEWSLETTER: JIM DUFFY WITH VIEW FROM THE EDGE 11/16/04 Today's focus: A Beginning, Not an End
Dear [EMAIL PROTECTED], In this issue: * More work needed to define regulatory framework for broadband ��IP services * Links related to View from The Edge * Featured reader resource _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Intel IT Productivity; Increasing ROI Learn how to effectively measure employee productivity, manage IT investments and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership in enterprise data management. Visit Intel's IT Productivity center. Click here to download white papers, books and IDC Research. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=88367 _______________________________________________________________ What will the headline be when your network is hit? Unfortunately--protected or not--no network is exempt from an attack. The only difference between those spared damage and those thrust into chaos will be the security strategies you prepare in advance. The solutions you implement early. And the leadership you show ahead of coming threats. Here's what to do now before you make headlines: Attend "Network Security: Structuring an Aggressive Defense." http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=88445 _______________________________________________________________ Today's focus: A Beginning, Not an End By Jim Duffy The FCC's decision last week to exempt VoIP from state regulation is heralded as a watershed ruling by some, but it is only the first step in defining policy for broadband IP services. Indeed, what last week's ruling does not define is whether VoIP is a telecom or unregulated information service. That matter will be hashed over in another FCC proceeding that began earlier this year. What the FCC did determine last week was that a VoIP service offered by Vonage Holdings is interstate in nature and, therefore, not subject to the public utility regulations of individual U.S. states. Vonage's DigitalVoice service can't be governed by dual state and federal rules because it can't practically be separated into intrastate and interstate components. The FCC opinion extends to other similar services, such as those offered by cable operators. Looser regulations usually translate into increased investment in those services and the equipment to provide them, which means enterprise customers will have more to choose from and compare on price. But the ruling was widely expected. It's no secret that FCC Commissioner Michael Powell favors a light regulatory touch on new broadband services such as VoIP in order to stimulate investment, customer choice and competition. Some, however, believe the FCC's ruling is the first - not the last - word regarding VoIP and broadband IP service policy. There's still much work to be done, and the industry should not overreact to a single ruling on a single service from a single provider. The telecom/information service decision will determine if VoIP providers will be subject to access charges and be required to contribute to the universal service fund. Also, the FCC ruling did not address public safety issues, namely the requirement for 911 emergency services over the VoIP service. The FCC said those issues will be dealt with in the larger IP-Enabled services proceeding, which began in February. Vonage had petitioned the FCC to preempt a 2003 order by the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission that said DigitalVoice should be regulated like a traditional telecommunications service. The rules required Vonage to get a certificate of authority from the state, provide emergency 911 service and meet other requirements. The rules Minnesota would have imposed were inconsistent with the FCC's deregulatory policies, the agency said. States still have a role to play with VoIP in protecting consumers from fraud, responding to complaints and enforcing fair business practices, the FCC said. RELATED EDITORIAL LINKS FCC frees VoIP service from state regulation IDG News Service, 11/09/04 http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/1109fccfrees.html More VoIP issues bubbling up Network World, 02/09/04 http://www.nwfusion.com/news/2004/0209voipreg.html Convergence research center Network World http://www.nwfusion.com/topics/convergence.html _______________________________________________________________ To contact: Jim Duffy Jim Duffy is managing editor of Network World's service provider equipment coverage <http://www.nwfusion.com/edge/>. He has 18 years of high-tech reporting experience, including over 12 years at Network World. Previously, he was senior editor at Computer Systems News and associate editor/reporter at Electronic News and MIS Week. He can be reached at <mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED]>. _______________________________________________________________ This newsletter is sponsored by Intel IT Productivity; Increasing ROI Learn how to effectively measure employee productivity, manage IT investments and reduce the Total Cost of Ownership in enterprise data management. Visit Intel's IT Productivity center. Click here to download white papers, books and IDC Research. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=88373 _______________________________________________________________ ARCHIVE LINKS Archive of the View from the Edge columns: http://www.nwfusion.com/edge/columnists/index.html _______________________________________________________________ Security is no longer about simply keeping the bad guys out Discover how intelligence and insight can prevent attacks and unauthorized uses of corporate information. Tune in to take advantage of new technologies that provide proactive security at the application layer. http://www.fattail.com/redir/redirect.asp?CID=88446 _______________________________________________________________ FEATURED READER RESOURCE NEW! Website dedicated to Networking for Small Business now available The editors of NW Fusion and PC World have combined all their expert advice, authority, and know-how into a powerful new tool for small businesses, the new Networking for Small Business website. Get news, how-to's, product reviews, and expert advice specifically tailored to your small business needs. Find help with Security, Broadband, Networking, Hardware, Software, and Wireless & Mobile technology at: <http://www.networkingsmallbusiness.com/> _______________________________________________________________ May We Send You a Free Print Subscription? You've got the technology snapshot of your choice delivered at your fingertips each day. 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