ACIF assesses VoIP issues

The Australian Communications Industry Forum (ACIF) is organising a forum to discuss issues surrounding Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP).

The idea behind the forum is to encourage VoIP stakeholders to participate in the development of a self regulatory framework, according to a statement from ACIF.

The forum will look at regulatory, legal and technical issues relating to numbering, quality of service, emergency call services and the customer service guarantee, it stated.

Anne Hurley, CEO at ACIF, described cheap internet calls as "the thin edge of the VoIP wedge for the consumer market”.

“Advanced applications now possible through this new technology are bringing about a paradigm shift in communications," Hurley said. "We need strong support from the industry to ensure that self-regulation keeps pace with industry, and provides a conducive environment for both consumers and providers.”

The forum is being held on 13 December.