Proposed new rules in The Philippines to ease VoIP access requirements

The proposed rules would tackle easing the requirements for interconnection agreements that VoIP providers are required to enter into before offering their services. The current rules require potential VoIP providers to negotiate separate interconnection agreements with each telephone network.

Under the proposed new rules, only a single interconnection agreement with a telephone network would be required. In place of separate agreements, routing charges would be paid by the VoIP provider to course calls made to other telephone networks through the network with which the VoIP provider has an interconnection agreement.

Limits would be set on the rates that could be levied as routing charges.

VoIP calls routed through a broadband connection would not be covered by any access charges under the proposed new rules.

The National Telecommunications Commission is a regulatory agency providing an environment that ensures reliable, affordable and viable infrastructure and services in information and communications technology in The Philippines.