CWA and Allies File Comments Supporting FCC Oversight of Voice Service in the Internet Age

As carriers retire their voice service over regulated copper wires and switch to unregulated voice via the internet, CWA, alongside public interest groups, filed comments with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to ensure the public continues to have access to reliable, affordable phone service. Public Knowledge, The Center for Rural Strategies, and CWA are urging the FCC to fulfill its responsibility to maintain a rapid, efficient nationwide and worldwide communication service by recognizing interconnected Voice over IP (VoIP) as a common carrier telecommunications service under Title II of the Communications Act. Common carrier status for VoIP and broadband has been highly contested in recent decades, mainly in the context of "Net Neutrality."

Unlike traditional phone technology, VoIP is not broadly regulated by the FCC. The FCC must classify interconnected VoIP as a common carrier or it will forfeit regulatory authority over voice service entirely. Without such authority, the FCC has no oversight jurisdiction over telecom providers to require interconnection on reasonable and justifiable terms and rates, ensure service quality, or maintain reliable 911 service.