Ofcom has announced a new
regulatory code
for voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service providers, that
will ensure that consumers have access to important information
about the capabilities of their service.
All VoIP providers will be required to comply with the code from
this June. VoIP services offer consumers free or cheaper calls and
new services such as call handling and unified messaging.
Industry forecasts predict that there could be as many as three
million VoIP users in the UK by the end of this year.
Following a public consultation last year, Ofcom has decided to
put in place measures to ensure that consumers have access to
information which helps them make informed VoIP purchasing
decisions.
The new code of practice requires VoIP providers to make clear
whether or not their service includes access to emergency services
(some don’t); the extent to which the service depends on the user's
home power supply; and whether directory assistance, directory
listings, access to the operator or the itemisation of calls are
available.
In addition, VoIP providers will also have to say whether
consumers will be able to keep their telephone number if they
choose to switch providers at a later date.
If consumers choose to take up a service that does not offer
access to emergency services, the code also requires VoIP providers
to secure the customer's positive acknowledgement of this at point
of sale (like ticking a box, for instance).
The full VoIP code can be found at:
www.ofcom.org.uk
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