Principles for a Successful IP Transition: Trustworthiness

At its January 30 open meeting, the Federal Communications Commission will propose a series of experiments utilizing all-IP networks. Those experiments will allow the networks, their users, the FCC and the public to assess the impact and potential of all-IP networks on consumers, customers and businesses in all parts of our country. In a recent blog post about the FCC's agenda, FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler wrote, "The best way to speed technology transitions is to incent network investment and innovation by preserving the enduring values that consumers and businesses have come to expect." He identified consumer protection as one of those key values. Consumer protections are largely seen as being built into traditional telephone networks. Will they continue as we transition to broadband networks? As technology moves forward, consumers must retain key protections that ensure a fair and safe experience. This includes, but is not limited to, consumer protections like privacy, truth-in-billing, blocking unwanted solicitation and preventing cramming and slamming.