Hi All, Back in November the IP Communications Industry had issues with the way the NANPA ( http://www.nanpa.com ) North American Numbering Plan Administration, was approaching VoIP. While the folks at NANPA are still working on their approach to VoIP, those of us who are living in the United States who care about IP Communications now have a much more immediate problem, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners NARUC ( http://www.naruc.org ) and their 2003 Winter Meetings ( http://www.naruc.org/Meetings/winter/2003/index.htm )taking place Feb 22-26.
NARUC already has a strong anti-VOIP resolution set to go through their voting process next Sunday. I've posted a draft copy that I've recently received as word document to: ( http://pulver.com/reports/naruc1b.doc ) [ this was received on February 15th. ] If the NARUC resolution gets passed it will create unnecessary taxes and crippling administrative burden on the Internet and in fact would mark a real dark day for IP Communications in the United States. Together we need to counter lobbyist scaremongering by explaining to state commissioners that internet connections must not be burdened with crippling administration. The commissioners are worried that an explosion of internet calls could threaten the Universal Service Fund. The reality is that it will be many years before the volume of calls diverted is enough to affect service funds, giving plenty of time to find a well-thought out response. The move for immediate action is an attempt by some to stifle future internet choices hidden in some legitimate concerns. You can find your State Commissioners email at ( www.naruc.org/resources/state.shtml ). Freely take from my draft letter below, although using your own words and mentioning the state you live in will be even more effective. State commissioners play an important role, but few beyond the professional lobbyists contact them on issues. Even a few emails have the potential to sway them on an issue. Please take the time to reach out to your State Commissioners this week and have your voice heard. You can make a difference. Best regards, Jeff ---------------------------------------------------------------------- Draft of Jeff's letter to the New York State Public Service Commission Janet H. Deixler, Secretary to the Commission New York State Public Service Commission Dear Mr. Deixler, As a resident of the State of New York, I am very concerned about the NARUC Winter 2003 Meetings and a pending vote scheduled for next Sunday which our State Commissioners will be making with regard to VoIP. I've recently learned that there are powerful lobbyists who fully intent to get all of the State Commissioners' support for a strong anti-VOIP resolution of backbreaking regulation and unnecessary taxes. The reality is that internet connections must not be burdened with crippling administration. The VoIP Industry is in it's early stages and should not be regulated on a State level. The FCC has maintained a "hands off" approach to VoIP and I believe this should continue on a State level. I understand that the commissioners all are worried that an explosion of internet calls could threaten the Universal Service Fund. The reality is that it will be many years before the volume of calls diverted is enough to affect service funds, giving plenty of time to find a well-thought out response. The move for immediate action is an attempt by some to stifle future internet choices hidden in some legitimate concerns. As citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New York, my vote is to keep Internet Telephony unregulated in the State of New York and to support the future growth of the Internet and encourage innovation. By supporting a public policy that supports innovation and future growth, the citizens of New York State will be ensured that as consumers, additional competitors will emerge and help provide low cost communication services to residents of New York. In addition, a public policy that supports VoIP and innovation will help New York State directly contribute to the economic turnaround within the Communications sector. I would greatly appreciate it if you would relay my concerns directly to our State commissioners. Sincerely, Jeff Pulver cc: James D. Bennett Leonard A. Weiss Thomas J. Dunleavy Neal N. Galvin William M. Flynn ----------- FoIB mailing list -- Bits, Analysis, Digital Group Therapy http://www.ianbell.com/
