| [February 11, 2005] |
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Nuvio CEO Testifies in Opposition to Kansas State Legislature Attempt to Tax VoIP Providers for 911
OVERLAND PARK, Kan. --(Business Wire)-- Feb. 11, 2005 -- Nuvio Corporation, a leading provider of Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), announced that Jason Talley, president and CEO of the Company testified today in opposition to proposed taxation of VoIP providers for 911 service by the State Legislature of Kansas. Running completely in the face of preemption by the FCC (see Vonage Order of November 9, 2004), the State has proposed in House Bill No. 2050 to require VoIP service providers to contribute to the Kansas Universal Service Fund (KUSF).
In addition to being contrary to the FCC ruling, Nuvio asserts that requirements for traditional 911 service are technologically impossible for VoIP. There are significant barriers to service implementation including call origination traceability and access to public safety answering points (PSAP). Nuvio is committed to working with industry groups and federal regulators to solve these and other social issues that are currently pending.
Talley's testimony addressed the FCC ruling as well as the impact that taxation could have on emerging technologies in Kansas.
"Kansas' attempt to tax VoIP for 911 completely ignores what the FCC has done and is continuing to do in its analysis and rulemaking concerning VoIP," commented Jason Talley, president and CEO of Nuvio Corporation. "In the FCC's preemption of the Minnesota Vonage Order, the FCC clearly indicates that 911 requirements and capabilities will be addressed by the FCC in its pending IP-Enabled Services Proceeding. The FCC has already exerted federal jurisdiction over this matter.
"Kansas is rushing to legislate without adequate investigation into the technology and current federal preemption. This tax will only fund wireless and wireline customers, and does nothing to enable 911 for VoIP customers.
"Make no mistake about it, this bill is the opening salvo in legislation to stifle and eliminate a technology that is bringing choice and features to customers in order to easily fulfill funding shortfalls from other programs. This is tantamount to taxing email to support the U.S. Postal System."
Talley's full testimony is available upon request by contacting Jennifer Kamienski at 973-400-5403 or jkamienski@keatingco.com.
About Nuvio
Headquartered in Overland Park, Kan., Nuvio develops, licenses, and markets VoIP services to businesses, education, consumer and government customers through a growing network of private-label partners. In addition to consumer NuvioVoice products, Nuvio also has NuvioCentrex, a complete IP-based Centrex application for businesses that replaces existing telephony infrastructure. For additional information about Nuvio Corporation, visit www.nuvio.com or call toll free 866-887-3479.
Nuvio, NuvioVoice, NuvioCentrex and the Nuvio logo are trademarks of Nuvio Corporation. All other names and trademarks mentioned above are held by their respective owners and are hereby respectively acknowledged.
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