February 17, 2003 - Melville, New York - Back in November, 2002 the IP Communications Industry had issues with the way NANP, the North American Numbering Plan Administration, was approaching VoIP. While the folks at NANPA are still working on their approach to VoIP, those of us who are living in the United States who care about IP Communications now have a much more immediate problem, the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners, NARUC and their 2003 Winter Meetings taking place Feb 22-26.

NARUC already has a strong anti-VOIP resolution set to go through their voting process next Sunday. I've posted a draft copy that I've received on February 14th.

If the NARUC resolution gets passed it will create unnecessary taxes and crippling administrative burden on the Internet and in fact would mark a real dark day for IP Communications in the United States. Together we need to counter lobbyist scaremongering by explaining to state commissioners that internet connections must not be burdened with crippling administration.

The commissioners 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.

People can find their State Commissioners email by visiting: www.naruc.org/resources/state.shtml. People should use their own words and to send email to their respective State Commissioners. I've posted a sample letter as a reference. People can freely take from my draft letter, although they should use their own words and make sure they mention the state they live in to make this effort even more effective.

State commissioners play an important role, but few beyond the professional lobbyists contact them on issues. Even a few emails have the potential to sway them on an issue.

I'm am hoping that people take the time to reach out to their respective State Commissioners this week and have their voices heard. Please feel free to copy me on your emails. Together I know we can make a difference. :-)

Jeff Pulver
pulver.com
jeff@pulver.com
February 17, 2003