The voice-over-IP (VoIP) industry has welcomed the move by Ofcom to introduce a set of guidelines for consumer VoIP services in the UK, to boost confidence in the service.
Ofcom is holding a consultation on VoIP services with the aim of proposing a code for service providers to ensure customers are given correct information about service capability.
It's also updating its guidance notes to encourage VoIP providers to offer access to emergency services, not currently standard with all VoIP services in the market, and intends to push the industry towards compliance with existing regulations governing voice services in the telecoms market.
BT Broadband Talk allows users to access emergency numbers, but BT Communicator, the telco's PC-based VoIP service, doesn't. A BT spokesman told NMA that it welcomed the focus in the consultation.
"Ofcom has packed a lot into this consultation," he said. "We'd support both these objectives, but without excessive regulation. We'll be working with the industry and Ofcom to achieve practical solutions to the issues highlighted in the consultation."
A spokeswoman for supermarket giant Tesco, which entered the VoIP market in January, said, "We're always happy to work in close co- operation with Ofcom, and we eagerly await the outcome of the review."
Ofcom is hoping that the new code of practice will encourage take-up of VoIP services in the UK by boosting consumer confidence. If the code were to become mandatory, as Ofcom would like it to be, then the regulator will have powers under the Communications Act to fine any operator up to 10% of their turnover.
A spokesman for Ofcom said, "It's important for consumers to be given clear information about the benefits and limitation of VoIP services. We're proposing that the code on consumer information be mandatory and those that decide not to comply will face investigation from Ofcom."
The consultation will continue until 3 May 2006.
ofcom.org.uk
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