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By Lisa Bowman
We're always keeping an eye on the latest movements over at the FCC and the FTC. To keep you informed, we put together a quick roundup of the current top five communications issues.—where they stand and what you can expect to happen next.
What is it?
The FCC is hashing out the legal and regulatory framework for Internet-based phone calls.
What does that mean?
Federal regulators are considering, among other things, whether VoIP companies should be classified as phone companies and regulated as such.
What's next?
In the coming months, the FCC is expected to decide whether to treat VoIP providers as phone companies or data services. Meanwhile, some states are already moving ahead with their own plans to deal with the companies, creating a complex web of conflicting decisions about how to classify VoIP.
What is it?
The FCC voted in June to allocate some radio spectrum for wireless broadband access.
What does that mean?
They voted to reorganize a segment of airwaves within the 2495 MHz to 2690 MHz band in order to boost wireless broadband access while reducing interference from devices.
What's next?
There are a host of spectrum allocation issues to address. The FCC needs to improve overall wireless broadband access while simultaneously meeting the White House's goal of providing broadband Internet access to all Americans by 2007.
What is it?
Three federal law enforcement agencies—the U.S. Department of Justice, the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration—are asking the FCC to expand CALEA to include broadband providers.
What does that mean?
Broadband providers, including cable and DSL providers, might have to overhaul their networks to make it easier for police to install wiretaps.
What's next?
The FCC is expected to vote on this proposal in the coming months. Communications companies that provide broadband via their lines already are required to comply with CALEA, but this could expand CALEA to companies that offer services like instant messaging and Internet telephony.
What is it?
The first federal law to regulate spam.
What does that mean?
The law is designed to give the FTC the power to crack down on spammers through a set of rules regarding unsolicited email.
What's next?
Among other things, the law allows the FTC to fine those who send email with false headers and requires senders of porn spam to label their messages.
What is it?
The FCC has ordered wireless carriers to allow people to keep their phone numbers when they switch carriers.
What does that mean?
Wireless companies began complying late last year, allowing people to retain their old phone numbers when they sign up for a new service.
What's next?
As mobile phone costs continue to drop, industry watchers believe more and more people will drop their landline phone altogether and choose their mobile phone as their primary and only phone line.
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