ACA calls for submissions on VoIP regulation

The group said a discussion paper on VoIP services, released today, was designed to "identify any regulatory challenges resulting from the increased availability of VoIP services".

Acting ACA chairman, Bob Horton, said that while the technology is already widely used in corporate sectors "the increasing popularity of broadband meant that some suppliers were now offering VoIP to the residential market".

"The aim of this discussion paper is to look at how well VoIP services fit into the current regulatory arrangements and what adjustments, if any, are required to accommodate this new technique," he said. "We hope to draw together a regulatory framework which will assist industry with greater certainty."

"This may show that the principles of the current legislation are still satisfactory, but their regulatory application may need some tailoring."

The ACA said it is confident that VoIP will have benefits for consumers and industry competition.

"We have encouraged the exploration of the full potential of VoIP and we are maintaining a flexible outlook on the regulation of these services," said Horton.

The closing date for submissions to the ACA on VoIP regulation is 31 December.