STATEMENT OF 
JONATHAN S. ADELSTEIN
Re:  In the Matter of IP-Enabled Services, WC Docket No. 04-36
Today we take an overdue step to further protect users of interconnected Voice 
over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services.  I support this Order because it reaffirms the 
Commission’s commitment to consumer protection and public safety as consumers 
continue to migrate to new and innovative technologies like VoIP.  Interconnected VoIP 
users will no longer be subject to abrupt discontinuance of service as carriers will now be 
required to give them sufficient notice before discontinuing, reducing, or impairing 
service.  The bottom line is that interconnected VoIP users will now enjoy the same 
protection as users of traditional telephone service.  
This is good news for the millions of Americans who subscribe to interconnected 
VoIP services.  We already have extended disabilities access and privacy requirements to 
interconnected VoIP.  As we have recognized for a while now, these users expect the 
same protection as users of traditional telephone technologies.  This is critical since we 
expect that more people will switch to VoIP, especially as we push broadband availability 
throughout the country.  
Today’s action is not merely about consumers’ convenience.  It is a serious public 
safety matter.  If a subscriber does not receive sufficient warning that their interconnected 
VoIP provider will cut off service, that consumer could well be left without telephone –
and 911 – service.  The Commission should have given consumers these protections 
years ago, as we have seen interconnected VoIP service providers go out of business and 
strand consumers.  
Today is also a victory for competition.  By giving interconnected VoIP users the 
same protections as users of traditional telephone, we further position this exciting 
technology as a direct competitor against more established services.  
I want to thank Chairman Copps for bringing attention to this and the other 
consumer-protection actions that we take today.  This is government at its best, taking 
concrete steps to protect citizens’ safety and well-being.