Ref: 17/02
Date: 2 April 2002

New guidance to operators and service providers planning to offer their customers the ability to make voice calls using Internet technology has been published today by Oftel.

Oftel is receiving an increasing number of enquiries from service providers about voice services based on Internet technology as it offers significant cost savings and the ability to provide new services.

The new guidance covers licensing, interconnection and other regulatory issues.

David Edmonds, Director General of Telecommunications said today:

"Services based on Internet technology are growing in popularity as they allow cheaper calls and innovative features such as video conferencing.

"For example, it is possible to make international calls for the price of a local phone call over the Internet using personal computers.

"Oftel is receiving an increasing number of enquiries from service providers interested in providing Internet services.

"Oftel has today published advice to operators and service providers on a range of important issues that should encourage greater availability of Internet telephony services.

"The advice covers licensing requirements and interconnection arrangements.

"Oftel is also considering introducing a new telephone number range so that calls that are carried using Internet technology can easily be identified."

Note to Editors

1. A copy of the guidelines is available on the Oftel website at www.oftel.gov.uk/publications/internet/2002/voip0402.htm.