Vonage Seeks To Back FCC VoIP Numbering Order Against NARUC Court Challenge

Vonage moved to support an FCC order giving interconnected VoIP providers direct access to phone numbers, in the face of a legal challenge from NARUC in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit (see 1601050050). Vonage said its ability to compete in the voice services market would be impaired if NARUC's petition for review is granted. "Having direct access to telephone numbers allows Vonage to reduce reliance on third-party vendors, achieve direct interconnection with other telecommunications providers, and retain control over call routing and the quality of service provided to customers," the company said in a court motion Thursday seeking permission to intervene in support of the commission in the case (NARUC v. FCC, No. 15-1497). Vonage said direct numbering access allows for provision of higher-quality and lower-cost services. Even a partial reversal of the FCC order could be harmful if it delays implementation of the order, the company said.