Global debate continues on number migration
Decisions being made thousands of miles away are likely to have a significant impact on the future of the online communications sector over the coming months and years.
At present, the markets for voice over IP (VoIP) communications systems, both within the US and within the European Union are somewhat fragmented, though experts who have long called for greater harmonisation look likely to get their way sooner rather than later.
Most recently, the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) clarified the existing rules regarding local number portability, an issue likely to benefit businesses of all sizes.
The advantages to a business of being able to take their VoIP number with them when they move premises are all too apparent: not only does it cut back on the likelihood of customers losing contact details but the new legislation also means that they will be able to keep the same number when they switch from one IP services provider to another, an increasingly common occurrence as the market becomes increasingly competitive.
In addition, the FCC has ruled that the validation requirements for a number port have been simplified, a move which could have implications within the EU.
Now just four pieces of data are needed, namely a ten digit number, an account number, a five digit zip code and a pass code, with the FCC declaring that, once these are provided, a simple number port should be provided within 48 hours.
Progress is almost inevitably made quicker across the Atlantic in comparison to Europe, particularly given that many of the EU member states have different practices on the matter of number portability.
However, just last week, the EU's 27 national telecoms regulators called for harmonisation rules covering the online voice communications sector within the bloc, with the matter of number migration the top concern.
"Voice over IP has been identified as a key area for harmonisation," said Roberto Viola, chair of the European Regulators' Group.
"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," he added.
Though progress does appear to be being made at a steady rate, as some observers argue, it's one thing for regulators to pass such rules and another matter for IP providers across Europe to stick to them.
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