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June 27, 2006

Keep in Touch: The VoIP Feature of the Week

You live in Texas. Your best friend lives in New York. Your other best friend lives in Seattle. Your traditional weekend gatherings are a thing of the past, and it seems like it's getting harder and harder to stay in touch. It's expensive enough to make a long distance call to just one of them, let alone both, and trying to fit in calls during everybody's "anytime" minutes is impossible, unless you feel like talking in the middle of the night or at the crack of dawn.

There's an easier way than relying on traditional phone services. All three of you can get together to get updates on who is dating who, who got promoted and to make plans for that long overdue reunion with my people conference calling. And it's not just for friends -- once you see how easy it is to use at work, you'll find your productivity levels sky rocketing:

"Use it for business calls, or maybe just to get together with some good friends from all over the country without having to eat bad airplane food. With my people conference calling, we've made it easy for you to chat with up to two of your people at once."

The conference calling feature is fast and easy to use, and requires you to know nothing more than how to push a button and dial a phone number:

1.While on the first call, depress the flash button.

2.Listen for a dial tone.

3.Dial the other party's number.

4.When you are ready to add the original caller, depress the flash button again.

Put the IP back and VoIP and catch up with your two best friends. Or just complain about something on TV together, like you used to do when you were in the same room.

Posted on June 27, 2006 at 06:47 AM in , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-27

"The conference calling feature is fast and easy to use, and requires you to know nothing more than how to push a button and dial a phone number"

"When Hurricane Wilma struck South Florida last October, most business owners had to struggle to survive without telephone service. Not Stephen McWilliam. "

"Shamelessy copied straight from David Isenberg, because it’s the most clear, succinct and accurate representation of what AT&T says."

"There are still people who think that Internet access pricing should be more complex."

"I found several donations, most of them to Net Neutrality opponents."

"Inflight data and voice services seem to be really hitting a wall these days."

"Here is more on the NSA showing how much of the agencies’ resources were being used for surveillance. None of it is surprising to me. "

Posted on June 27, 2006 at 05:33 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 26, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-26

"As VoIP continues to grow in popularity here in the States, it's easy to overlook what's happening with the technology elsewhere."

"In More Companies Tell Workers to Silence Cell Phones, USA Today reports due to the productivity impact, more companies are telling workers to silence cell phones on the job, and in some cases banning the devices outright. "

"On Thursday night June 22nd at Galina located in the Port of Tel Aviv, over 900 people joined our “Summer Party” for the Israeli Hi-Tech Industry."

"To me, though, the specter of The Torrents used for illegal, or illegal purposes doesn't mean that we have to allow a bunch of file-swappers to gum our Internet up for the rest of us."

"I received this letter from Consumer’s Union. It seems like a worthy cause. I get lost of e-mails from Consumers Union on a variety of different causes. I don’t always agree with their causes but if the following is true, it is very scary."

"Voltron the Space Commander would look way more intimidating with a cordless in the treehouse."

Posted on June 26, 2006 at 06:39 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 23, 2006

European Vacation

With the World Cup in full swing, it's a good time to turn our attention to other parts of the globe. Americans are, after all, prone to looking inward most of the time. Since the Cup Finals are in Germany, let's focus on Europe for today. As VoIP continues to grow in popularity here in the States, it's easy to overlook what's happening with the technology elsewhere. But businesses and many consumers in America will be directly affected by VoIP in Europe, and the development of the technology as a whole is linked to a number of European companies.

Studies that were taken as late as October of last year showed that Europeans were not taking to VoIP technology as quickly as many thought they would:

"In fact, less than half of the European organizations surveyed have spent anything on IP telephony, and less than a third expect to increase spending this year. Indeed, Velez notes that while 32% of companies surveyed are evaluating or piloting VoIP, and there will be twice as many deployments this year than in 2004, some 40% of respondent still have no immediate plans to adopt the technology." (From Information Week)

As more affordable options have become available, things have started to turn around for European VoIP, but other studies suggest that VoIP interest and spending peaked quickly and that it will simply drop off over the next several years:

"International callers from Europe will spend more than $31 billion on Voice over the Internet Protocol (VoIP) bypass this year. Since EU telecommunications companies have brought their international rates into line with actual costs, the attractiveness of VoIP as an arbitrage opportunity has already peaked and will gradually diminish." (From Insight Research)

Despite the number, don't be quick to write off the long-term future of VoIP. Numbers seldom account for innovation, and innovation is what will drive the technology forward. Whisperings out of France have already started to prove this point:

"VoIP is gaining momentum in France with a large number of cell phone users keen to use Wi-Fi convergence technology to make cheap VoIP calls on their hand-held sets...Remi Thomas, an analyst with Cheuvreux is optimistic about the growth of VoIP market as it saves a lot of money on user's mobile phone bill. It seems that France is going to be the leader in wireless convergence, preparing ground for the dual-mode handset industry." (VoIP Now)

VoIP in Europe and the U.S. might not follow the exact same trajectory, but businesses and everyday phone users on both sides of the ocean are starting to realize that the technology simply offers them more options and a way to save some money.

Enjoy the soccer (or football) games.

Posted on June 23, 2006 at 02:20 PM in , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-23

"This week, Jeff Pulver announced the winners of his Save the Net video contest. We’re very pleased to announce that we made the list of the 'top runners-up.'"

"So begins Tim Berners-Lee’s short piece arguing for net neutrality.  He applies Occam’s Razor to the arguments being made by the big media companies, and service providers, finds them wanting, and reduces the case for net neutrality to this simple statement."

"Internet phone calls have been cheaper than regular landline calls until now. But those bills may rise after the FCC approved a new plan today to fund phone subsidies."

"This is sleazy stuff, and it forms the real basis for being concerned about the games the network owners would play if free to play games. The really striking part of this (to me, a constitutionalist) is how the legislative branch keeps passing laws that the executive branch just ignores. And why ignore the laws? Corporate influence. That’s what this case reeks of."

"Well, the FCC voted unanimously yesterday to require all voice over Internet Protocol services that connect to the public-switched telephone network (PSTN) to contribute to the Universal Service Fund."

"This fee, which was originally designed to tax the access lines of the cities in order to provide access for the rural areas, is supposed to apply to the LINES in service, not to the voice application itself."

"Tim Berners-Lee simplifies the yowling in Washington about Net Neutrality."

"No, seriously – a dog dialed 911 and saved someone’s life."

Posted on June 23, 2006 at 05:57 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 22, 2006

Video Stars: The Jeff Pulver "Save the Net" Contest

This week, Jeff Pulver announced the winners of his Save the Net video contest. We’re very pleased to announce that we made the list of the “top runners-up.” Now, Pulver doesn’t have our name attached to it, but we swear it’s ours. You can check it out by visiting The Jeff Pulver Blog and clicking on http://67.15.182.229/nn.html.

Make sure to view the grand prize winner and the other runners-up, as well. Everyone has a unique take on the net neutrality situation and the power of the Internet in general, and you’d be amazed how much you can get from a simple image of traffic signs clogging up a forest, from a variation on gaming favorite Halo, or from some classic undercover animation.

Here’s what Jeff had to say about the contest:

“While I was pleased with the quality of the top submissions, I still have grave fear that we are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of the legislators and policymakers. They do not see what the Internet could be if we are afforded the best policy framework to innovate on the open Internet.”

In order to keep fighting, Jeff has introduced Round II of the Save the Net video contest, so if you missed out the first time, or if you just want to keep putting interesting videos out there, make sure you submit an entry. You can get all the details at http://www.pulver.com/savethenet/.

Posted on June 22, 2006 at 01:28 PM in | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-22

"It's great to remember the little things that brought you joy as a kid, but don't get so nostalgic that you miss what's out there now. Let your old phone line take its place on memory lane with your copy of Thriller and your old cassette Walkman."

"Here is a letter being sent out on the upcoming VoIP Developer show."

"VoIP is gaining momentum in France with a large number of cell phone users keen to use Wi-Fi convergence technology to make cheap VoIP calls on their hand-held sets."

"The House of Representatives defeat of an amendment to the omnibus Communications Opportunity, Promotion and Enhancement Act could have a profound impact on the development of voice over IP telephony, said independent service providers."

"The Federal Communications Commission voted Wednesday to increase the amount that cell phone providers must pay into the Universal Service Fund (USF), while also requiring VoIP providers to contribute for the first time."

"In today's How-To, we're taking the diagonal cutters to the Ma Bell umbilical cord and hooking up our voice over IP adapter so we can use our old phone jacks. No soldering irons or caustic acid required. This time."

"It really is up to the user to make sure that their emergency contact information is correct and up-to-date."

Posted on June 22, 2006 at 06:01 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 21, 2006

Feeling Nostalgic

As you get a little older, you start to look back fondly on the items that played a major role in your youth. For some, it might entail digging up old tapes and thinking about those times before the digital revolution when hearing the constant whir of a cassette (audio or video) was commonplace. Others (if they're not afraid to date themselves) might even stroll down memory lane with some old albums or even the dreaded 8-tracks. It's nice to reminisce for a bit, before of course you turn towards your computer to download your favorite new song, turn on the DVD player, and settle back for some crystal clear sound and visuals.

Don't be sad, but the good old analog phone is about to go the way of the cassette and other obsolete technologies. Cell phones have replaced landlines for many, and now VoIP has started to take the phone to the next level. To quote the people at Modem Central:
"To be honest, analog modems stink. Analog phone lines stink. We've been using them because nothing better has been available, but that's changing."
In the near future it will be harder and harder for the giant telcos to convince consumers that the phones of the past still have purpose. Even the venture capitalists have pictured the fall of analog voice in their minds:
"'In the next 10 years any analog voice call will become digital,' said Edward Sim, managing director at Dawntreader Ventures..." (From Siliconvalley.com)
It's great to remember the little things that brought you joy as a kid, but don't get so nostalgic that you miss what's out there now. Let your old phone line take its place on memory lane with your copy of Thriller and your old cassette Walkman.

Posted on June 21, 2006 at 06:17 AM in , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-21

"As VoIP continues to grow, it's clear that its newest features will reach into virtually every area of entertainment and affect the way people do business."

"VoIP has competitive advantages, but its main disadvantage is a dilly: It requires a technology comfort zone, if not downright know-how."

"During this 16-minute podcast, TechRepublic technical director George Ou and section editor Bill Detwiler explore business cases for and against VoIP."

"For those of you who haven’t heard what Bruce Kushnick has to say, his $200 Billion Broadband Scandal book is available for free download in PDF for, until Monday, June 26, 2006."

"In a newly posted piece on Salon.com, two former AT&T network engineers state that an AT&T NOC (Network Operations Center) in Bridgeton, Mo. houses a 20 by 40 foot, secret room where it is thought that National Security Agency operations can be performed."

"This service has been tried in baby steps, but there's so much more to go. And such an upside, that I cannot believe this wouldn't be a huge hit."

Posted on June 21, 2006 at 06:07 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 20, 2006

The Features are coming, the Features are coming

In mid 2005, In Stat conducted a research study to grasp what people really wanted out of their phones. After chatting with cell phone users and some of the first everyday folks to truly embrace VoIP technology, the researchers put together a "big trend" outlook for 2005 to 2010:

* 42% of the respondents were very or extremely interested in voice activation for their wireless phones.
* More than 4 in 10 were very or extremely interested in buying a wireless phone with built-in Wi-Fi for voice and data.
* Just 12% had an interest in buying a wireless phone capable of receiving TV broadcasts

In Stat also discovered that:

"...end-users think about...location-based services, phones that act as your wallet for mobile payments..."
Well, we've already started to see some of these predictions come to fruition. Voice activation and speak to dial, while not available everywhere, have become features on some cells and VoIP services, and watching TV on your iPod has clearly begun the on-demand television in your pocket- in the car-on a plane-etc. revolution. But what else is out there? What else are people looking for in a phone? You can already use it to find love, escape a bad date, and get sports scores, so what does the future hold? Ken Camp knows what he's looking for:
"Want to win my business in the next generation? Based on the plethora of phone calls I got yesterday, give me Caller IQ. I'll pay for that!"

Others just want VoIP to change the way we play video games against our friends across the country and the way we shoot videos here at home:

“‘The next generation of MMO and persistently casual games invite new methods of communication between players and the worlds they inhabit. We have enabled 3D positional voice communication in our platform to further extend the options for our Developers." (From Videogame Net)

A little green puppet once said:

"Difficult to see. Always in motion the future is."

He's right, of course. But as VoIP continues to grow, it's clear that its newest features will reach into virtually every area of entertainment and affect the way people do business. Now, if we could just get a phone that enables you to get paid twice as much for doing half the work, we'd really be onto something.

Posted on June 20, 2006 at 06:17 AM in , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-20

"AT&T quietly rolled out standalone DSL broadband service for the first time this week, giving consumers the choice to drop their home phone land lines."

"Being in the WSJ also has the effects of a one-sided high school reunion. So far I have been contacted by two people I haven’t spoken to since the early 80’s, as well as a few others from my prior life living in the world of spreadsheets, financial analytics and real-time market data."

"While I was pleased with the quality of the top submissions, I still have grave fear that we are losing the battle for the hearts and minds of the legislators and policymakers. They do not see what the Internet could be if we are afforded the best policy framework to innovate on the open Internet."

"Although FCC ruling make it compulsory for the VoIP providers to provide E911 to their customers, Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) have still some problems, a 911-solution vendor executive explains."

"Slowly, but surely, people are starting to figure out what's really going on with the network neutrality debate."

"It's yet another reminder on why actually trusting the telcos on anything they say is a unlikely to do you any good."

"When it comes to USB powered gadgets, this doesn’t just take the cake, it takes the entire bakery and then burns it down for the insurance money. The USB shirt has two fans on the left and right sides of the back, taking in air to cleanse all the sweat off your spare tire."

Posted on June 20, 2006 at 06:05 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 19, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-19

"This bill does nothing to ensure Net Neutrality. All it does is say in effect to consumers, well, if you think your ISP is slowing down your Google, well you have the right to complain to the FCC."

"These few lines just to say that VoIP can demonstrate that is not a bubble, but the trick is to work VERY HARD to create new business models and innovative initiatives, without thinking that VoIP can bring money from nothing. VoIP is a new technology that can be used to create value. Let's work (everyone involved in the VoIP scenario, starting from the VCs) to do that, not just to speculate on it."

(Registration required) "If approved, those rules could drive up prices for Internet calling, which allows customers to make cheap or free calls worldwide using technology similar to the way e-mail is delivered. That, in turn, could hamper the industry just as it is getting started."

"Governments around the world are wrestling with the impact of VoIP on telecom regulation. Some treat VoIP as just another way to deliver telephony services (and subject to all the taxes and regulatory constraints of legacy voice). Others view it as an emerging technology that has to be carefully nurtured, and therefore protected from taxes and regulatory constraints."

"While I'm scheduled to speak at VON Israel on Tuesday morning, I am planning on spending a good portion of my time on-site meeting with start-ups. My hope is to discover "the next big thing" in communications, someone and/or something beyond the current blogosphere hype surrounding 'Voice 2.0', 'Telco 2.0' and 'Communications 2.0.'"

"A group of Internet pioneers, including Vint Cerf, has authored a paper critical of the FCC CALEA requirement for VoIP."

"This is an interesting use of the iPod: scouting opposing baseball teams. Instead of having to watch game tapes on a TV in the locker room with the other sweaty guys, players can take their videos on the road and study them anytime—including right before gametime."

Posted on June 19, 2006 at 06:01 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 16, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-16

"I was reading the June issue of VON Magazine when I ran across David S. Isenberg's article on the back page. He quoted tesimony of Gary R. Bachula, Vice President of Internet2, that was given before the US Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in February 2006 on the subject of Net Neutrality. Now Gary has to be a smart guy--much smarter than I am, and he comes to the conclusion that, at least for practical reasons, Internet Service Providers would be better served by adding more bandwidth instead of attempting to ration it."

"The gist of these arguments appear to be that net neutrality might indeed be important, but the Internet is changing too fast for any new laws that could be passed at this point to endure."

"The research found that 27 per cent of consumers are keen to use their mobile phone in place of their home phone on a regular basis, while 17 per cent of users would consider switching to a more expensive broadband package if they can save money on calls with VoIP."

"A panel at this week’s National Emergency Number Association conference discussed the myriad issues facing public-safety answering point managers as they work to deploy 911 services to callers using voice-over-IP handsets. Among the advice dispensed was that officials shouldn’t let “rules of engagement” get in the way of provisioning such services as soon as possible."

"All the incumbents familiar to us in internet policy questions -- law enforcement, Hollywood, and the telcos -- share an interest in deep packet inspection.  They all want to protect their existing, old-world business models."

This is where will be this weekend--enjoying great music at the my people stage . We'll see you on Monday!

Posted on June 16, 2006 at 06:02 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 15, 2006

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-15

"Here's a tip: your dad has more ties than he needs, and no one wants to get socks on a holiday. Why not make your dad's life a little easier...or at least get him something cool?"

"I have to reiterate that many, if not all, of the current regulations do not make sense in a world where voice is an application riding on top of broadband transmission services. The current Universal Service Fund ("USF") contribution methodology, which requires service providers to determine whether its revenues are derived from intrastate vs. interstate or international services, telecom services vs. information services, or even customer premises equipment ("CPE"), is one of the many regulatory schemes that no longer work in a geographically irrelevant, converged, IP-enabled world."

"Want to win my business in the next generation? Based on the plethora of phone calls I got yesterday, give me Caller IQ. I’ll pay for that!"

"If the telcos have their way, the Internet in the US COULD become as innovation-free as the phone networks and as content-challenged and inflexible as the cable networks."

"Maybe a growing appreciation for the value of “freedom from monopolies in commerce” can help explain the fact that the NRA is among those who support network neutrality. Perhaps there’s a sense shared by many on the “left” and “right” that it’s not just the government that can exert too much power to restrict individual freedoms, but also large corporations that enjoy great market power AND great political power, the latter achieved in large measure through “investing” some portion of the economic surplus acquired via economic power in political lobbying, campaign contributions and access to mass media, which have historically been relatively few, expensive and powerful political megaphones."

"Trends driving VoIP adoption will be mobility, simplicity, and a need for on-demand telephony, the report says. Simple setup requirements will make consumers more comfortable with the technology, and the ability to access IP telephony not just at home, but while traveling will be a driver as well."

Posted on June 15, 2006 at 06:16 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 14, 2006

Quick, Get Your Dad a Gift

Father's Day is quickly approaching, and if you're like many Americans, you're dragging your feet. Sure, this is the man that raised you and no gift you get will ever make up for all he's done, but you have to at least give it a shot. Here's a tip: your dad has more ties than he needs, and no one wants to get socks on a holiday. Why not make your dad's life a little easier...or at least get him something cool. Here are a few gadgets that will make work and play a bit more fun:

COOL-IT USB BEVERAGE CHILLER
"The CoolIT USB Beverage Chiller is the only way to keep your drink cold while you're at your computer. And it looks cool on any desktop...With the USB Beverage Chiller at your side, you can keep your beverage chilled and stay at your computer longer. Just seconds after plugging the chiller into your computer's USB port (no external outlet needed), the coldplate chills to 45 degrees Fahrenheit, the perfect temperature for keeping your beverage chilled..." (From Perpetual Kid)
DiskGO! USB 2.0 Flash Drive plus Ink Pen
"The DiskGO!(tm) USB Flash Drive Plus Ink Pen offers easy data storage and transfer built into the convenience of a sleek, executive style ink pen. This Ink Pen is no bigger than your standard executive style pen but it writes a lot more! Store MP3 files, PowerPoint Presentations and important spreadsheets on this USB 2.0 device."  (From Edge Tech Corp)
Of course, many dads are practical people who just want to save a little money. If you've moved out of the house and across the country (or even to a neighboring city), you can help dad save money on long distance and get far more out of his phone by giving him his very own VoIP line.

There are still a few days left to shop, so get out there and find the perfect gift. And to all the dad's, Happy Father's Day.

Posted on June 14, 2006 at 11:07 AM in , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-14

"VoIP might still give you more privacy than its counterparts."

"Mr. Pulver, 43, is anything but an ordinary businessman. He eschews standard corporate attire in favor of Hawaiian shirts and sandals. A stroll through his Melville, N.Y., office -- which is the antithesis of all things corporate -- leaves the impression he is a music magnate or poker champion rather than an IT administrator-turned-telecom whiz."

"This story was a year in the making and it was great to finally see it get published this morning."

"The challenge is that to those of us on the inside, the "VoIP industry" is this large space with lots of different segments and players. We can see the differences I outline (and many more). But to the larger business world, Voice over IP in general is so new that everything gets labelled as "VoIP". That will change over time... and really it falls to organizations like VOIPSA and others to help in that education."

"The net neutrality skeptics seem to fall into three, somewhat overlapping camps: those who are philosophically opposed to most governmental regulation; the free market Darwinists who believe the market will sort out the winning solutions from the less so-blessed, and: The enginners."

"The report also states that it would not be possible for the government to expect all products that make use of VoIP to comply with the FCC requirements mandating wiretapping backdoors for government surveillance."

"Essentially it states that a VoIP provider will be penalized by restricting them from acquiring new customers within a specific geographic region if they do not provide e911 service to that area within 180 days."

Posted on June 14, 2006 at 06:12 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 13, 2006

Who's on the Other Line? (Part II)

Last month, in Part I of what was only to be a one-part series, we discussed the possibility that the government might be tapping your phone. While this is one of the hottest topics of the upcoming mid-term elections, we avoided delving into the political machinations that are behind the taps, and like Joe Friday, tried to stick to just the facts:

"'While the NSA supposedly received records from three largest phone companies, the agency doesn't have the wherewithal to contact smaller VoIP vendors, which has prompted some consumers to switch to other carriers... VoIP companies...offer greater anonymity since PC to PC calls are more difficult to track, and since customers only have to provide an email address to get an account.'" (From Marketing Shift)

Well, no one (not even VoIP) can hide forever. After a relatively short appeals process, the courts have spoken, and the "wiretappers" have come out on top:

"US courts have said that authorities can continue tapping of VoIP calls and VoIP providers must provide access to their networks...A deadline of 14 May 2007 has been set for VoIP companies in order to comply with the decision." (VoIP Now)

Is there still hope for those who want to live in a world without wiretapping? You can always go back to school:

"...private networks (like those on college campuses), however, will theoretically remain legally secure from the wiretaps." (From Endgadget)

For many, this has been a long time coming. Traditional landlines and cell phones have already been open to this kind of surveillance, so it's not as though VoIP has been singled out. However, VoIP might still give you more privacy than its counterparts.

Whether you're up in arms or taking the decision in stride, you're not alone. Both sides of the debate (and both sides of the aisle ) will be heard loudly through this year's elections, and most likely through the elections in 2008.

Posted on June 13, 2006 at 07:00 PM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-13

"Ex won't stop calling to say how you two can still work things out? Boss bothering you at home on the weekend? Video Store hounding you about that charming romantic comedy you swear you're going to get around to watching? Ignore them."

"One of the key aspects of managing an enterprise VoIP network is based on the thought process that went into the early planning and design. We need to understand what tools and resources were implemented it the development of the solution."

"I had no trouble hearing it, and according to the convenient chart provided (reproduced at left), at the age of 42 most people my age can’t hear anything beyond 13Khz. Apparently, I am more youthful than I thought…"

"The results suggest that VoIP subscribers tend to be married and employed full-time, with household income of over $50,000. Another common thread was that most tended to make a lot of long distance calls."

"For those of you keeping score, the Internet lost a couple big battles in Washington, DC last week, and that losing streak will likely continue."

Posted on June 13, 2006 at 05:39 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 12, 2006

Blocked shots and blocked calls: The perfect combination for basketball bliss

It's the NBA Finals. You've been following your hometown team for over twenty years, and this is the first time they've made it to the big stage. You sit down, chips and drinks at the ready, and prepare for the tip-off. Then, the phone rings.

"Where do you get your daily news? If you're not getting it from---"

You hang up, disgusted that you missed the first shot of the game. A few minutes go by, and things are looking good. They're playing well on both sides of the ball, and---the phone rings again. You ignore it, refusing to get drawn into a pointless conversation with a telemarketer. Ten minutes pass, and the phone rings again with the same unknown number coming up on the caller ID.

"The game's on," you bark into the phone as you answer it and hang it up in one motion. You settle back in. Things are getting pretty close. You grab a chip for comfort.

Whether you're a basketball fan or you're just trying to have a nice family dinner, you know how annoying unwanted calls can be. Unfortunately, "do not call" lists and other tactics have failed to keep most Americans off telemarketers' radars, and many VoIP services are no better off than traditional landlines:

Last year, Fred Cohen predicted some of the problems VoIP users have had with unwanted calls:

"...small overseas call centers will violate the U.S. Do Not Call List with impunity. This comes on top of concerns about SPIT, or Spam over Internet Telephony. SPIT sends machine-generated voice calls to the phones or voicemail boxes of VoIP users..." (From Freedom to Tinker)

While marketing calls and SPIT in all its forms can be an annoyance, they can be handled, and you can guard against unwanted calls from more than just telemarketers. Ex won't stop calling to say how you two can still work things out? Boss bothering you at home on the weekend? Video Store hounding you about that charming romantic comedy you swear you're going to get around to watching? Ignore them:

Do Not Disturb

"Maybe you’re on an important call and don’t want to be interrupted or maybe you’re taking an afternoon siesta and don’t want your deep slumber disturbed – my people will make sure this never happens. With the Do Not Disturb feature, your calls will go straight to voice mail."

Next time you're watching your team march to victory in the finals for the first time or you're trying to finish that movie that's three weeks overdue, don't let the phone distract you.

Posted on June 12, 2006 at 06:27 AM in , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-12

"We all know that saving money is only one of the many draws of VoIP, but that reduction in cost has made it easier for people to communicate internationally as well as here at home."

"I need to know more about how this hack took place, but it sure sounds like these gents may have found an exploitable vulnerability in VoIP security."

"I'm not the first to suggest this of course, but I propose that rather than some kind of all-comprehensive telco bill, why don't we start by putting in place a bill that defines some of this language in formal tems. Baby steps."

"We're sorry to report, however, the case which appeared before the Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit has officially been settled upon, and it's been decided that we'll continue to live under the provisions outlined in the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA)."

"In a world where network hardware is increasingly a commodity, where can Cisco turn for its profits in the future? If today's buyout of two private companies is any sign, Cisco is betting the farm on VoIP."

"The network neutrality debate is about the third segment -- the piece between home and backbone."

"Voice-over-Internet protocol, or VoIP, is changing the way corporate and home-based businesses communicate. In the corporate environment, IP telephony accounted for 8 percent of the business lines installed worldwide in 2004, according to statistics from VoIP provider Avaya. The number is expected to quadruple by 2007."

Posted on June 12, 2006 at 06:14 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 09, 2006

VoIP's vulnerability

It's Friday, and while you may be thinking about a weekend of sun, you may want to turn your attention to Capitol Hill one last time this work week before heading off to grab that poolside margarita. Most consumers usually don't care about Capitol Hill votes until it hits them in the pocket. With that in mind, Jeff Pulver says now is the time to care:

"The Amendment, offered up by Rep Gutknecht would serve to Boost Charges on Internet Communications. The Amendment would do the following:
1) reverses the landmark Vonage decision asserting exclusive federal jurisdiction over VoIP and subjecting VoIP to a potential patchwork of conflicting 50 state regulatory frameworks,
2) would raise rates on VoIP service by requiring the FCC to apply the broken access charge regime to VoIP, and
3) gives the FCC the green light to apply their current USF proposal that would require VoIP to pay into USF at more than double the current wireless safe harbor."

What's it all mean? Pulver suggest that the amendment, among other things, could:

"Eliminate the flat-rate VoIP plans that are so popular with constituents, by applying per-minute access charges."

Pulver also believes with the increased government regulation:

"Consumers could miss out on the new services, competition, and lower prices that VoIP can deliver."

We all know that saving money is only one of the many draws of VoIP, but that reduction in cost has made it easier for people to communicate internationally as well as here at home. To learn more about all of the issues the amendment raises and what you can do about it, please check out The Jeff Pulver Blog. To learn more about Gutknecht's take on other VoIP issues of the day, read the Winona Daily News.

All right, have a good weekend and enjoy the poolside.

Posted on June 09, 2006 at 10:55 AM in , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

Daily VoIP Links for 2006-06-09

"New marketing and recording techniques have developed that are allowing bands to take their music to the people, and while musicians still face challenges, they are finally getting a chance to be heard. Add in the benefits and features of VoIP to the new marketing mix and your band can have a leg up on all those other bands competing for exposure."

"Fortunately, VoIP is growing up. Many long-standing concerns--having to do with reliability, sound quality, convenience--have finally been addressed. And scores of new products now make Internet phone systems more powerful than landlines."

"We – the Internet communications industry, entrepreneurs, innovators and enthusiasts -- need your help. And we need it today. In addition to the US House of Representatives voting the COPE Bill -- designed primarily to allow the Bell Companies franchising relief to deliver IPTV services...an amendment to the House Cope Bill has just been approved for a US House floor vote tomorrow morning. The Amendment, offered up by Rep Gutknecht would serve to Boost Charges on Internet Communications."

"Even if the intentions are not malice but simply technology incompetence due to Cox's implementation of some security software, the effects are the same."

"If you run VoIP, you better keep things tight."

"More than a year after the FCC issued an order mandating that voice-over-IP (VoIP) service providers offer enhanced 911 to their customers, public-safety answering points (PSAPs) are still left with more questions than answers, a 911 solution vendor executive said this week."

Posted on June 09, 2006 at 06:28 AM in , , , , , , , | | Comments (0) | TrackBacks (0)

June 08, 2006

(Online) Jukebox Hero

Used to be a promising local band could plug in and play on in the comfort of their drummer's garage. Their hope was to get a gig somewhere in town, get noticed, and then get a gig somewhere in a town that was just a little bit bigger than the last place. This was the struggle of the would-be rockstar, and for most it was a struggle that couldn't