Ofcom's got VoiP's number

UK regulator Ofcom has begun a public consultation to ensure that consumers are not ripped off by providers of emerging internet-based telephone services.

Ofcom is eager to encourage the growth of internet telephony and to make it easier for firms to start up in business. But it wants to ensure that consumers receive clear information on what services are being provided.

The watchdog allocated area numbers today for which providers can sign up. Consumers can either choose to keep their existing telephone number, ask their service provider for a geographical prefix (starting with 01 or 02) or use the cyber-space prefix of 056.

The technology can provide cheaper phone calls and services, as the consumer pays a standard monthly fee regardless of where the calls are made to.

"Voice over broadband offers consumers many benefits, and because it is a new and emerging market we do not want to impose heavy regulations in order to allow innovative services to develop," an Ofcom spokesman told vnunet.com.

"Providers are free to decide which services they offer. But while it looks like fixed-line telephony, there are differences.

"This means that providers need to make it clear to consumers what their services can and cannot offer, so we want to make sure consumers are given clear information."

Ofcom has published a guide to new the voice services and has asked for views and comments about the appropriate level of consumer protection measures. The consultation period will close on Monday 15 November 2004.