Cybertelecom Federal Internet Law & Policy An Educational Project

VoIP History

1964

• Paul Baran, "On distributed Communications Networks," IEEE Transactions on Systems (March 1964) (described as "first paper on secure packetized voice)

1966

• FCC Releases Computer I Notice of Inquiry.

1977

• Packet Radio Network (PRNET) experiements with VoIP in the Bay Area.  [Steve Crocker, Lecture American Art Museum, Nov. 9, 2011]
  
• IETF RFC 741 Specifications for the Network Voice Protocol (Nov. 22, 1977) "The major objective of ARPA's Network Secure Communications (NSC) project is to develop and demonstrate the feasibility of secure, high-quality, low-bandwidth, real-time, full-duplex (two-way) digital voice communications over packet-switched computer communications networks. This kind of communication is a very high priority military goal for all levels of command and control activities. ARPA's NSC projrct will supply digitized speech which can be secured by existing encryption devices. The major goal of this research is to demonstrate a digital high-quality, low-bandwidth, secure voice handling capability as part of the general military requirement for worldwide secure voice communication. The development at ISI of the Network Voice Protocol described herein is an important part of the total effort."

1980

• Computer II Order establishes the Enhanced Service / Basic Service distinction.

1983

• FCC concludes that long distance access charges should not be imposed on enhanced services (implicitly including Internet and Internet telephony)

1995

• VocalTec introduces Internet telephony software
• May - ITU initiates work on H.323
• Net2Phone "announces plans to release first PC-to-phone technology"

1996

• Rogers Communications introduces First Cable Modem Service in North America
• February 22- IETF Internet Draft Simple Conference Invitation Protocol
• ACTA files petition with FCC asking the Internet telephony software be regulated.
• July 1996 initial meeting of MIT Internet Telephony Consortium
• Voice on the Network Coalition created.
• Cable Center: "TCI and Time Warner delay planned launches of telephony services to cable subs in several markets; Cox and Adelphia Communications maintain their telephony roll out plans. Delays are due primarily from an uncertain regulatory climate. Technology for telephony over an HFC network is plagued by concern about powering and reliability about 911 and Enhanced 911 services, but launches using traditional fiber and twisted pair cable are possible."

1997

• US Dept. of Commerce NTIA Internet Telephony Forum Septa 1997
• Congress directs the FCC to file a report with congress considering the definitions of information service, telecom service, and their impact on universal service.  Departments of Commerce, Justice and State, the Judiciary, and Related Agencies Appropriates Act of 1998, Pub. L. No. 105-119, 111 Stat. 2440, 2451 (1997).

1998

• FCC Files The Steven's Report with Congress
• Dec - Nebraska PUC Investigates whether ISP traffic is local or interstate, and considers treatment of IP telephony.

1999

• FCC releases Sec. 255 NOI (inquiring about impact of IP telephony on disabled)
• FCC releases Local Competition and Broadband Reporting Order
• Dialpad goes online.

2000

• ITU IP Telephony Workshop, 14-16 June 2000, Geneva
• Rep. Markey introduces HR 4769 Internet Telephony Access Charge Prohibition Act of 2000
• Rep. Upton's H.R.1291 Internet Access Charge Prohibition Act of 1999 is passed.
• FCC Chairman Kennard speaks at VON Conference.  Sept. 12.

2001

• Mar 7-9 2001 ITU World Telecom Policy Forum: IP Telephony
• FCC Releases Universal Service Reform Proceeding.  Fed Reg Notice.
• ITU WTPF IP Telephony Regional Meeting The Arab Region Internet and Telecom Summit Mar 28-30
• ITU 2nd Experts Group Meeting on Opinion D Part 3 (ITU-D) Geneva, 8 - 10 October 2001
• CITEL PCCI Meeting 9/2001 Paraguay
• MS releases Windows XP with Windows Messenger using SIP
• Jan 2001 Vonage Founded

2002

• World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-02) March 18, 2002 Turkey
• March 2002  Vonage initiates service

2003

• Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Roundtable Feb. 12, NTIA 1/10/03
• FCC VoIP Forum December 10

2004

• March 2004 Callvantage begins service
• AT&T IP Telephony Petition Denied
• Pulver Free World Dialup ruled not a telecom service
• FCC preempts MN Decision that Vonage is a Telecom Service

2005

• Texas AG Files Suit: During Home Invasion, according to reports, a girl attempts to call 911 on Vonage service but is unable to.
• Madison River v Vonage complaint resolved (port blocking)

2006

• FCC imposes CALEA, Universal Service and 911 obligations on VoIP.
• Regulation of Prepaid Calling Card Services Order

2007

• FCC imposes CPNI, and Number Portability obligations on VoIP

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