VoIP numbers to be used across Europe

The European Regulators Group has provisionally approved the use of VoIP nomadic numbers and number portability across Europe, opening up the VoIP market previously constrained by countries banning nomadic numbers.

The change was recommended by the High Level Policy Task Force on VoIP and allows the same number to be used by a VoIP customer no matter which European country they are in. Under the EU regulator's definition, VoIP call operators are viewed as telecoms since their services cross national boundaries, but many VoIP providers have claimed they operate Internet services and are exempt from the telco regulations.

"Voice over IP has been identified as a key area for harmonization," said the Chair of the ERG,Roberto Viola. "We agreed that a nomadic use of geographic number of voice over IP should be allowed in Europe. That is an important change because in many member states this is not allowed."

The task force also recommended VoIP providers be given access to emergency services. The changes are included in a Common Position paper on VoIP released last week. The consultation period is open until Nov. 6, with the final document expected to be ratified in December.

For More:
- EU Common Position on VoIP (Draft) of the ERG High Level Policy Task Force on VoIP Document
- Public debriefing of Athens ERG 22nd Plenary Session Document
- ERG Release

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