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Interconnection of VoIP and the Rest of the Telecommunications Network

In the US congress a policy called “Interconnection has been proposed”. This piece of legislation will make it possible to link the various telephone networks. There will be better services as calls will be able to travel seamlessly from one phone carrier to another.

This policy is also about phone competition, lowering call rates and getting broadband services to communities that are currently underserved. It means more opportunities for VoIP services and better rates for everyone.

As expected the telecommunication giants are fighting this policy. They argue that there is no need to interconnect with VoIP-based services since they are not a “telecom”; rather they are an “information” service under the law because they operate over broadband, unlike the traditional TelCos.

Experts are already predicting that if enabled, VoIP phone service will sweep across the country due to its cheaper rates and superior telephone service. Its efficiency means real money saved which is a target of every individual and business. Estimates are that consumers could save a total of $100 billion dollars over the next five years simply from the VoIP services already being provided by cable companies alone.

The question now is how long before this policy will push through. Until then, VoIP forges on without the other TelCos blessing.