In the momentous Wednesday meeting, three sitting commissioners of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) approved two noteworthy consumer-oriented measures for protecting users in the phone market.

Specifically, the two new decisions by the commissioners include the requirement of telecom carriers make use of number-portability stipulations for the transfer of consumers’ telephone numbers in one business day; and the necessary strengthening of protections for VoIP consumers. 

Referring to the 1996 Telecommunications Act, acting FCC Chairman Michael Copps said: “It appears to be the unanimous judgment of this commission that a one-business-day porting interval for simple wireline-to-wireline and intermodal ports best serves consumers and is nevertheless altogether doable in the time frame we provide today.”

As regards the other action, the FCC commissioners have necessitated that protection for consumers using VoIP should be expanded by the VoIP providers to the public telephone network, along with the protection over the Internet. As such, the providers would now have to inform VoIP customers about any discontinuation, reduction, or impairment of service.

Elaborating, the FCC release said the measure provides the much-needed relief to customers who previously could be left without phone service or recourse if VoIP providers closed shop unexpectedly.

In his statement, Commissioner Jonathan Adelstein said: “Today’s action is not merely about consumers' convenience. It is a serious public safety matter.”