Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

Media Center

Ohio Consumers' Counsel reacts to FCC's decision on Internet-based telephone services

Columbus, Ohio - November 9, 2004 - Today, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) made a decision that limits the authority of individual states over Internet-based telephone services (called Voice over Internet Protocol, or VoIP). The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC) believes that it is important that states have the ability to enact consumer protections and safeguards for this fast-growing technology.

The following statement can be attributed to Janine Migden-Ostrander, Consumers' Counsel:

"With traditional local telephone competition in jeopardy, the last thing consumers need is for their new choices to lack any safeguards. While there is still uncertainty about how much of a role states will ultimately be able to play, the FCC took away any authority for them to require VoIP companies to provide customers with 9-1-1 emergency services. When it comes to consumer protections and public safety issues, states should be in the driver's seat and need to act."

About the Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel

The Office of the Ohio Consumers' Counsel (OCC), the residential utility consumer advocate, represents the interests of 4.5 million households in proceedings before state and federal regulators and in the courts. The state agency also educates consumers about electric, natural gas, telephone and water issues and resolves complaints from individuals. To receive utility information, brochures, schedule a presentation or file a utility complaint, residential consumers may call 1-877-PICKOCC (1-877-742-5622) toll free in Ohio or visit the OCC website at www.pickocc.org.