CPUC Seeks Comment on Regulating VoIP

California has authority over many communications types, the California Public Utilities Commission said in a scoping memo Friday in a proceeding on possible VoIP rules (docket R.22-08-008). “California’s Constitution specifically extends the Commission’s jurisdiction to companies engaged in ‘the transmission of telephone and telegraph messages,’” said the CPUC memo by assigned Commissioner John Reynolds. “This includes services delivered over any technology, including but not limited to, traditional copper lines, coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, and mobile or fixed wireless radios.” The CPUC seeks to determine an appropriate regulatory framework for VoIP and if and how it should differ from that of other telephone technologies. Comments are due June 2, replies June 30. Industry earlier bristled at possible new regulations (see 2301240058).