VoIP Guidelines

November 25, 2005

The VoIP guidelines are out.  Get a copy here. 

I must say that I’m disappointed at the capitalization requirements put up by NTC.  Internet service providers were not subjected to minimum capitalization requirements of P10 Million.  In fact, today I can set up an ISP with little capital and the NTC will let me.  What’s so special about VoIP services that the NTC is so concerned about “fly-by-night” operators while they’re not nearly as concerned about Internet users?

At any rate, I need to look at these rules in the context of the earlier regulations to see how VoIP providers can get up and running.  Some of the remaining major issues are:

1. How will the NTC intervene in situations where the Telcos refuse to interconnect or offer services to VoIP providers?
2. Will the NTC regulate the service charges of Telcos to VoIP providers to avoid preferential treatment?
3. Will the NTC prevent the Telcos from giving their in-house VoIP business preferential business terms as compared to third-party VoIP providers?

I’ll be mulling these things over the next few days. I’d be happy to hear from you as well.