VoIP Competition Comes Into Question

In March, VoIP provider Nuvio filed an ex-parte letter with the FCC that addresses what it says are potential discriminatory practices by broadband Internet access providers. The company claims broadband Internet access providers use economic incentives to discriminate against unaffiliated VoIP providers in favor of affiliated ones. If left unregulated, this discrimination "will endanger the vibrant competition that currently exists in the VoIP market and ultimately harm consumers," the complaint states. Company officials say they are particularly concerned that rural carriers will use discriminatory practices to artificially keep VoIP competition from reaching rural customers.

Nuvio has urged the FCC to exercise its Title I jurisdiction to preserve competition by prohibiting discriminatory practices. "Such action is both timely and necessary to guarantee a competitive market for VoIP services and keep choice in the hands of the consumer," Nuvio CEO Jason Talley says.