FCC OKs VoIP wiretaps, gives carriers a break on e911

The FCC is all about VoIP lately, having made two significant decisions concerning the industry in the last week. First, on Friday, they gave the go-ahead for law enforcement officials to place wiretaps on VoIP lines, arguing that services which connect to telephone networks fall under U.S. wiretap laws. This move effectively reiterates the agency's 2007 deadline for VoIP carriers to make their lines "wiretap-ready." In other FCC news, VoIP providers will be getting an extension to receive confirmation from their subscribers that they understand the risks of 911 usage on their 'netphones. Had the extension not been granted, carriers with over a 10% non-confirmation rate would have had to cancel service for all non-confirming subscribers. The agency has bumped the deadline to October 31, when up to 10,000 VoIP customers will be disconnected if they don't get it in gear and reply to their service providers.

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

"confirmation from their subscribers that they understand the risks of 911 usage"
"to cancel service for all non-confirming subscribers"

So, for those who are unaware of risks, they can't call (including 911) anymore ?

I am the only one that thinks it's illogic ?

[David:moua]

[(Unverified) Posted Dec 19th 2005 2:37AM]

"10,000 VoIP customers will be disconnected if they don�t get it in gear and reply to their service providers."

Yeah, shame on them for not being thrilled that the fire department won't be able to respond quickly if their stupid houses catch on fire! I mean, 'get it in gear' and give up already!