Posted on 02/14/2005 6:27:20 PM PST by holymoly
Internet phone provider Vonage said it's asked U.S. utility regulators to investigate allegations that a "major" broadband operator is deliberately blocking Internet phone calls.
Any investigation and its findings will add more tension to the relationships between providers of high-speed Internet and voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), software that lets Internet connections double as inexpensive phone lines.
Vonage recently met with Federal Communications Commission representatives, said Vonage spokeswoman Brooke Schulz, to discuss an instance of "egregious, alarming and harmful port blocking." Port blocking is when Internet providers prevent traffic of certain kinds from traveling through their Internet Protocol (IP) networks.
Schulz confirmed earlier accounts of the complaint reported by Advanced IP Pipeline. She would not identify the operator or the FCC officials involved in the discussion. An FCC spokesman did not immediately return a call seeking comment.
This isn't the first time a VoIP operator has complained to the FCC about possible predatory practices by broadband providers that also sell their own version of VoIP service. In September, Nuvio, a Net phone service provider, asked federal regulators to ensure broadband providers that also sell phone services don't engage in predatory practices to stifle competition.
Penny-wise, pound foolish, IMO. The savings don't justify the downside risk. I strive to do as much of my (long distance/international) business as possible via e-mail or facsimile. Total variable cost is on the order of $10/month, TOPS.
I'm about to sign up with SunRocket, $199 for a year ($16.58 a month) for unlimited USA calls and loaded with features including 2 phone #'s.
The company that was suspected of blocking VoIP that was mentioned when this thread was started last year was ClearWire. That issue has since been resolved and I'm also seriously considering signing up with ClearWire for my internet service.
If it wasn't for my tivo's need to make a daily call I wouldn't have a landline at all.
I know I can set up a wireless network to avoid the call but no desire. :-)
Gee. What is Comcast thinking? I think I'll go with Vonage for the VoIP and keep my cable TV and internet through Comcast. $15 is $15...
I'm getting ready to take a trip to the TWC office ( as soon as I get off here).
They are killing me what with cable, internet,voip. And I believe their prices are taking a significant jump next month.
I think I can save considerably with Earthlink for internet and voip. $40 first 6 mo., $60/mo thereafter. TWC is at least $80 for the same services.
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