Universal Service Fund and VOIP
FCC Chief Backs Net Phone Taxes
| Title: | FCC Chief Backs Net Phone Taxes (ID: CSD4330) | | Author(s): | Anne Broache (CNET News.com) | | Origin: | Contributed by Organizations or Campuses (2005) | | Type: | Articles, Papers, and Reports | | Abstract: | Chairman Kevin Martin said that imposing new taxes on more Internet phone users will probably be a priority next year for the FCC. The issue arose with regard to the Universal Service Fund (USF), which subsidizes services in rural and other high-cost areas, schools, and libraries. Long-distance, pay, wireless, and regular telephone services pay into the fund. Not determined are how such taxes will affect voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) providers and other telecommunications services. Some of the companies that provide VoIP services already contribute to the USF, but no regulations require such participation."We need to move to collection for the Universal Service Fund that is technology-neutral," said Martin. Congress also is expected to address changes to universal service reform in 2006. | | View this resource: | |
Higher Education Comments on Possible FCC Regulation of Internet Services
| Title: | Higher Education Comments on Possible FCC Regulation of Internet Services (ID: NET0408) | | Origin: | Contributed by the EDUCAUSE Policy Office (2004) | | Type: | Government Documents, Laws, Testimonies or Reports | | Abstract: | On May 28, 2004 EDUCAUSE filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) arguing that any regulation of Internet-based services, in particular, voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), should recognize and treat the Internet as a unique technology, distinct from the heavily regulated telephone industry. EDUCAUSE recommends that the FCC adopt an IP-centric regulatory model; refrain from regulating applications except to ensure the provision of vital public services; carefully monitor the infrastructure providers; and develop new funding strategies. The need for revamping the Universal Service Fund to accommodate the transition to IP-enabled services is also discussed. | | View this resource: | |
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