USTTI-CITEL Dialogue on Voice over IP

No other recent technology has demonstrated the power to completely transform the telecommunications industry in both the developed and developing world as has Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP). The transition from traditional telecommunications networks to IP technology affords the possibility for citizens around the globe to access a wider range of communications services at significantly lower costs. Governments and businesses everywhere are evaluating this transformation and the ways in which Voice over IP technology is challenging existing business models and regulatory frameworks. To assess the impact of VoIP on the region, leaders from throughout the Americas joined together via videoconference on August 3, 2004 for an international dialogue.

The discussion was hosted by the United States Telecommunications Training Institute (USTTI), a non-profit partnership between US government and industry that has provided tuition-free communications training to more than 6,500 developing country professionals. The videoconference featured leaders in Washington, DC from USTTI Board member corporations and agencies, delegates to the recent PCC I meeting in Asuncion, Paraguay, and officials and USTTI alumni in Chile, Nicaragua and Peru and was transmitted via the World Bank’s Global Development Learning Network. In fact, IP technology itself enabled this multi-country dialogue. For USTTI, the event was a great success in demonstrating how modern technologies can enable USTTI to reach an even wider audience as it continues to share technology and policy developments with officials around the world.

Participants were offered a glimpse into the future of VoIP technology in terms of services, applications, and wireless options from USTTI representatives Mr. Art Reilly, Senior Director, Technology Standards, Office of the CTO, Cisco Systems, Inc.; Mr. Frank Urbany, Vice President, International, BellSouth Corporation and Ms. Marilyn Cade, Director, Internet and E-Commerce, Law and Government Affairs, AT&T. Quality of service and security questions were raised by several delegates, yet it was made evident that as the technology continues to evolve in a competitive marketplace, consumers will benefit from increased network reliability.

Additional insights into regulatory and public policy concerns presented by VoIP in the United States were provided by Mr. Christopher Libertelli, Senior Legal Advisor to Chairman Powell, Office of the Chairman, Federal Communications Commission and Mr. Link Hoewing, Assistant Vice President, Internet Technology Policy and Business Support Planning, Verizon Communications. The FCC remains focused on the public interest while also taking industry input into consideration in its policymaking process. VoIP technologies have the potential to provide a better range of options for consumers, but regulators must address how issues such as universal service, broadband deployment, law enforcement and emergency services should be confronted in a changing environment.

IP technology is sweeping through the Americas region and CITEL is actively engaged in measuring its impact. Mr. Eduardo Gabelloni and the CITEL Working Group on Advanced Network Technologies and Services shared a preview of their report on VoIP. The report highlights benefits and concerns about the technology itself and how the region is working to adapt regulatory and public policies to ensure that the marketplace remains competitive and consumers’ needs are taken into consideration.

Similarly, Ms. Maria Ignacia Jofre, Head of the Department of Studies, Undersecretariat of Telecommunications, Chile; Mr. Edwin García Téllez, Director of Telecommunications Investment Fund (FITEL) TELCOR, Nicaragua; and Mr. Carlos Valdez, Head of the Secretariat of Communications, Peru provided insights into how Voice Over IP technology is in use in their respective countries and explained challenges faced by regulators and policymakers regarding access to communications services for citizens and the economic impact on industry.

The afternoon was marked by great enthusiasm over the future prospects of Voice over IP and an interest in making enlightened regulatory and policy decisions that will stimulate investment and innovation while also promoting greater access for consumers. As technological convergence continues to impact the industry, USTTI and CITEL look forward to a continued dialogue while the entire region works together to manage this transition.

Kelly O’Keefe
Senior Curriculum Coordinator
USTTI