Evolution in all its forms dictates for the old model to die off so the new generation can thrive. While nature takes millennia to accomplish this, the technology created by man evolves at a much faster rate. As the end-of-life for traditional copper telephone networks fast approaches, the FCC (News - Alert) is taking the necessary precautions to ensure IP telephony will be available at all times. Because IP telephones depend on electricity, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler (News - Alert) has put out proposals to protect consumers, promote competition and public safety in the technology transition as telecommunication companies replace legacy copper networks.
As reported by Jon Brodkin on arstechnica.com, the goal of this proposal is to have a measure in place that ensures home phones will be working during power outages. One of the reasons consumers are still holding onto traditional landlines is because of its availability. Unlike IP telephony, copper-based landline home phone service works all the time because the service provides its own power.
This is extremely important in regions around the country, and indeed around the world, that are prone to regular power outages because of bad weather or infrastructure problems. Considering VoIP phones can’t run without electricity, having a backup battery more than makes sense. The proposal by the chairman would require service providers to offer 24-hour backup systems, but the customers would have to pay for the batteries. It should be noted the vast majority, if not all, carriers currently provide batteries to their customers voluntarily.
The fact sheet released by the FCC states the agency’s rules have not kept pace and do not facilitate the transitions taking place in the industry.
The rules as outlined in the fact sheet are:
- These providers would be required to ensure that a technical solution for eight hours of standby backup power is available for consumers to purchase, either directly or from a third-party retailer, at the point of sale.
- Within three years, providers would also be required to offer an option for 24 hours of standby backup power.
- Importantly, the decision to purchase backup power from the provider would be up to consumers – they will not be forced to purchase equipment they do not want.
The rules also would require providers to inform both current and new customers about service limitations during electric outages and the steps they can take to address those risks through backup power, including how to keep their service operational during a multi-day power outage. This action would empower consumers to make informed choices and support their need for 911 service during emergencies.
While regulatory agencies are slow to react to the changes taking place around us, they are essential in order to protect consumers. The new recommendations by Chairman Wheeler are a win-win all around, a rare occurrence when the FCC puts out something most of us can agree on.