Harmonization of the laws and regulation in European Union member...

VoIP providers would be “confronted with different authorization processes in the various member states. In the worst case, these requirements may be contradictory, thereby totally destroying the promotion of the single European market.” Skype said the European Commission (EC) “can play an important role in the coordination of the authorization process.” It said the Commission could adopt a guideline requiring VoIP providers to get authorization from only one member state to offer electronic communication services in Europe. Skype called on the Commission to issue “detailed guidelines that allow little scope for interpretation, so that national regulation and the supervision of the national authorities will be harmonized.” Skype also said when making its recommendations, the EC should keep in mind that VoIP is “an Internet-based information technology,” similar to e- mail and instant messaging: “The fact that VoIP technology facilitates voice communications, rather than textual communications, does not change its essential characteristic as an information, rather than a telecommunications, technology.” It said while VoIP -- like other electronic information technology applications -- depends for transport on telephone and broadband networks provided by telecom companies, it was “not a substitute for the services provided by such carriers and should not be regulated in the same manner as such carriers are regulated.” Skype also said: (1) National regulatory authorities should promote number portability and number listing in publicly available directories for non-telecom providers, saying that would “stimulate competition.” (2) A VoIP service that doesn’t offer access to emergency services can’t be defined as a publicly available telephony service (PATS). It said regulatory obligations should be imposed on the traditional operators of electronic communication service and networks, which it said were “better able to take on such obligations.” (3) The Commission shouldn’t impose universal service obligations on VoIP providers, because that would “discourage new entrants from offering VoIP to consumers” and hurt competition. (4) Only those service providers that control or own underlying transport infrastructure should be responsible for consumer protection and public safety. (5) Member states should agree on common standards for data retention and lawful interception. (6) VoIP providers should have access to all types of numbers, including geographical ones.