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Wireless HAC, Homeland Security Summit, CAC, VoIP-Pulver To:
Consumer Contact List
Date: February 27, 2004
This has been a busy week! In addition to the FCC's release of an Order on video relay services and the Senate hearings on VoIP (see /FCC/TRSVoIPCaptioning.htm), here are some other things that have been happening:
1. Wireless Hearing Aid Compatibility - The FCC's Wireless Bureau has released for public comment the various petitions for reconsideration filed in response to the FCC's Order requiring certain wireless phones to be hearing aid compatible over the next 2 to 5 years. These petitions had been filed in October of 2003. Here is a link to the memo that I had prepared for the RERC on each of the requests for reconsideration. As you can see, comments are now due on March 29, 2004, and reply comments are due on April 13, 2004. Links to the notice are listed below.
Released: 02/26/2004.
WIRELESS TELECOMMUNICATIONS BUREAU SEEKS
2. Homeland Security Meeting on Disability Issues - On March 25, 2004, the FCC will be holding a summit among consumers, governmental agencies, service organizations, and others to discuss the communication barriers confronted by people with disabilities in the event of a national emergency or terrorist attack. The meeting, which will be held in the Commission meeting room, is open to the public. Links to the notice about this meeting are listed below.
Released: 02/25/2004.
COMMISSION TO HOST DISCUSSION OF EMERGENCY
CONSUMER ADVISORY COMMITTEE TO MEET FRIDAY, MARCH 26, 2004.
Agenda
Released: 02/25/2004.
ANN0UNCEMENT OF NEXT MEETING DATE AND AGENDA OF 4. VoIP Update:
Pulver Decision - On February 12, 2004, the FCC decided to classify Pulver's VoIP service as an unregulated information service. The FCC has now released the full text of that decision. Pulver's VoIP service has members sign up to be able to make direct VoIP to VoIP calls over the Internet. The FCC explains that Pulver acts as a directory service that informs its members when other members are using the Internet so that they can talk to each other. It also gives them information (IP addresses) of how to reach those other members and offers a voice mail service. Pulverdoes not itself offer broadband service. Rather the members must bring their own broadband service with them when they sign up. The FCC concluded that Pulver's service offers various computing capabilities that enable the acquisition, use and storage of information. After performing these various functions, Pulver does not actually participate in the exchange of the information taking place. Note that Pulver's service is different from some of the newer VoIP services which use adapters on conventional telephone equipment to enable individuals to make calls that very closely mirror regular telephone calls. I strongly recommend reading the entire decision for the FCC's full analysis of this issue. PETITION FOR DECLARATORY RULING THAT PULVER.COM'S FREE
WORLD DIALUP IS NEITHER TELECOMMUNICATIONS NOR A TELECOMMUNICATIONS SERVICE.
Granted
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