Slashdot Mirror

← Back to Stories (view on slashdot.org)

FCC Preparing Transition To VoIP Telephone Network

Posted by CmdrTaco on from the only-a-matter-of-time dept.

mantis2009 writes "The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) published a request for public comment (PDF) on an upcoming transition from the decades-old circuit-based Public Switched Telephone Network to a new system run entirely with Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology. This is perhaps the most serious indication to date that the legacy telephone system will, in the near future, reach the end of its life. This public commenting phase represents a very early stage in what will undoubtedly be a very complex transition that makes this year's bumpy switch from analog to digital television look relatively easy."

6 of 250 comments (clear)

  1. Dial-up is all there is some places... by BubbaDave · · Score: 5, Informative

    The death of dial-up has been greatly exaggerated. No broadband available where I am in NY, within 50 miles of Syracuse.

    Dave

    1. Re:Dial-up is all there is some places... by TimeElf1 · · Score: 5, Insightful

      With only 60% of the US having access to broadband I'm thinking opposition is going to come from everywhere.

      --
      Cannot find REALITY.SYS. Universe halted.
    2. Re:Dial-up is all there is some places... by DrPepper · · Score: 5, Informative

      I think a lot of people have missed the point on this. As I read it, the proposal is to replace the core infrastructure with VoIP based technology - ie. the circuits between exchanges. Existing POTS lines will still be used back to users to terminate calls. This is already in progress in the UK - http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BT_21CN.

  2. The nice thing about POTS... by Peter+Simpson · · Score: 5, Insightful

    ...is that the user terminal (the phone) is totally passive - no power needed, it's a totally dumb terminal, and very robust (at least, if it's a Western Electric product!). The POTS system is the result of some careful design and decades of improvements to increase reliability. That's not to say that there aren't benefits to be had from VOIP, just that we should think carefully before deciding that everyone will be converted to VOIP.

    Disclaimer: In addition to my nifty 2.4G multiple handset cordless phones with built-in caller ID and voicemail, I have two POTS phones which work fine when the power goes out.

    1. Re:The nice thing about POTS... by tverbeek · · Score: 5, Insightful

      POTS is a mature, robust technology that provides remarkably clear and reliable voice service throughout the country (nearly the globe) at an affordable cost.

      Of course we're going to replace it.

      --
      http://alternatives.rzero.com/
  3. I'm No ure VO p is Rea y by sycodon · · Score: 5, Funny

    My compa y has VOIP an it see t have pro le wit cu out.

    --
    When Fascism comes to America, it will call itself Anti-Fascism, and tell you to give up your guns.