http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-254681A1.pdf
NEWS
Federal Communications Commission
445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D. C. 20554
This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of
the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action.
See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974).
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2004
NEWS MEDIA CONTACTS Richard Diamond: 202-418-0513
Mark Wigfield: 202-418-0253
CHAIRMAN POWELL ISSUES STATEMENT ON SBC's TIPToP SERVICE
FCC Chairman Michael K. Powell issued the following statement
concerning SBC's new interstate connectivity service, known as TIPToP.
"SBC's interstate tariff for TIPToP service comes at time when VoIP
services are continuing to grab consumer attention by offering more
choice, lower prices, greater value, and enhanced features. I am
committed to ensuring that this Commission avoids any action that
might slow the IP-services revolution.
"Against this backdrop, the Commission, state utility commissions, and
the courts all are considering the question of whether legacy access
charges should apply to VoIP services. SBC's tariff makes clear
that TIPToP is not a mandatory offering and VoIP providers may
continue to utilize alternatives to exchange their traffic. Should we
conclude that this tariff is being used to justify the imposition of
traditional tariffed access charges on VoIP providers or to
discriminate against SBC's competitors, the Commission will take
appropriate action including, but not limited to, initiating an
investigation of SBC's interstate tariff and any other tariff that
proposes similar terms. Nothing in this tariff should be interpreted
to force a set of compensation relationships on VoIP providers and
their connecting carriers either at this Commission or in other
venues.
"SBC's tariff arrives at the Commission while we have before us three
proceedings that raise issues related to the charges applicable to
VoIP services, a petition filed by Level 3, our larger intercarrier
compensation proceeding and a rulemaking on IP-enabled services. I
look forward to considering these pending proceedings."
-FCC-
Lisa Minter (lisa_minter2001@yahoo.com)