BY LAURA GUEVIN
Editorial Director, Communications ASP

Where In The World Is VoIP Banned? (Part 2)

The last column I wrote ("Where In The World Is VoIP Banned?") was one of my most popular in terms of reader response, and this topic has proven so important that I've decided to do a follow-up to provide information on some of the regions I missed last time around. Readers were instrumental in providing me with updates and information on areas of the world that do not publicize their regulations of VoIP, and I've printed or paraphrased several of their letters below.

ON GHANA

I have read your article in TMCnet.com and wish to make a comment. Our regulatory body called National Communications Authority (NCA) recently confiscated the equipment of a U.S.-based ISP called IDN with a branch in Ghana that they were using to terminate calls in Ghana via VoIP.

Then the NCA changed its previous stance, which was also the stance of our minister for communication, that VoIP is illegal to a new stance that it is legal for private use. This was due to the fact that our two national telecom operators called Ghana Telecom and Westel have exclusive rights as international voice carriers.

Presently we hear a new communication law which addresses VoIP issues is being worked on, but a final document is still not out.

If you need any information on VoIP in Ghana we will be glad to assist you.

Best Regards,
George Boateng

ON LATIN AMERICA

Your article makes no mention of Latin America. From my experience in Brazil while exploring SS7 design options a year ago, ANATEL regulation specified that telephony signaling could be routed through any carrier using any format (e.g., frame, IP, etc.), but voice had to be carried through the PSTN. (Argentina and Mexico have similar regulations.) Although discerning packetized voice from other data would prove difficult, it still must always be carried on a governmentally recognized public network. I do not think VoIP is banned in Latin America yet, but the imposition of regulatory control over data traffic may be a gauge for the future.

Matt Quick
Nextel Communications

Another reader (who wished to remain anonymous) informed me that Jamaica has reversed its stance on VoIP and it is now illegal in the country once again. Apparently Cable & Wireless still has the monopoly on telecommunication services in the country.

INDONESIA

I think you missed Indonesia. This country, well actually the incumbents, were actively doing sweeping on a suspected VoIP operator. Although at the end they were charged with "operating a business without necessary administration," which is not related to VoIP.

Last week another man was busted by the police because he operated [VoIP]. The police accused him of stealing "Telecom's pulse." You can imagine the accusation of stealing power from the power company. But even now police are still looking for a good reason to keep him in custody.

Indonesia does not have regulations on operating VoIP. VoIP is still considered an Internet value-added application just like radio or video streaming. People like it because of the high tariff on telecommunication offered by the incumbent.

Strangely enough, Indonesia has just launched anti-monopoly regulation and deregulated telecommunication sectors, but PT Telkom and the international carriers (INdosat and Satelindo) are still in operation as either a monopoly or duopoly... I can go further with this...

Again, anything could happen in our lovely country...

-- From an anonymous Indonesian reader

I encourage readers to share information on areas not mentioned in these columns. Countries that are banning or "discouraging" use of VoIP usually don't publicize that fact with Internet documentation, so it's difficult to keep track of where it's illegal. As usual, reader feedback has proven to be the most valuable resource for spreading information on this topic.

Laura Guevin welcomes your comments at lguevin@tmcnet.com.