Janet H. Deixler, Secretary to the Commission
New York State Public Service Commission
Dear Ms. Deixler,
As a resident of the State of New York, I am very concerned about the NARUC Winter 2003 Meetings and a pending vote scheduled for next Sunday which our State Commissioner will be making with regard to VoIP.
I've recently learned that there are powerful lobbyists who fully intent to get all of the State Commissioners' support for a strong anti-VOIP resolution of backbreaking regulation and unnecessary taxes.
The reality is that internet connections must not be burdened with crippling administration. The VoIP Industry is in it's early stages and should not be regulated on a State level. The FCC has maintained a "hands off" approach to VoIP and I believe this should continue on a State level.
I understand that the commissioners all are worried that an explosion of internet calls could threaten the Universal Service Fund. The reality is that it will be many years before the volume of calls diverted is enough to affect service funds, giving plenty of time to find a well-thought out response. The move for immediate action is an attempt by some to stifle future internet choices hidden in some legitimate concerns.
As citizen of the United States and a resident of the State of New York, my vote is to keep Internet Telephony unregulated in the State of New York and to support the future growth of the Internet and encourage innovation.
By supporting a public policy that supports innovation and future growth, the citizens of New York State will be ensured that as consumers, additional competitors will emerge and help provide low cost communication services to residents of New York. In addition, a public policy that supports VoIP and innovation will help New York State directly contribute to the economic turnaround within the Communications sector.
I would greatly appreciate it if you would relay my concerns directly to our State commissioners.
Sincerely,
Jeffrey Pulver
cc: James D. Bennett
Leonard A. Weiss
Thomas J. Dunleavy
Neal N. Galvin
William M. Flynn