The Cloud Voice Alliance (CVA), in partnership with the Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA), has petitioned the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to challenge the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) new regulatory framework for interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The petition argues that the CPUC's Decision 24-11-003 conflicts with federal law and FCC precedent, such as the Vonage Preemption Order, by imposing state-specific requirements that hinder competition, stifle innovation, and create barriers for smaller VoIP providers.
LANGHORNE, Pa., Jan. 31, 2025 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ -- The Cloud Voice Alliance (CVA), in collaboration with the Cloud Communications Alliance (CCA), has filed a Petition for Declaratory Ruling with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to challenge the California Public Utilities Commission's (CPUC) recent regulatory framework for interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services. The petition argues that the CPUC's regulations, adopted in Decision 24-11-003, conflict with federal law and FCC precedent, including the Vonage Preemption Order.
The CVA's petition highlights how the CPUC's new rules impose unnecessary state-specific requirements that create barriers to entry, stifle competition, and undermine innovation in the VoIP industry. It urges the FCC to reaffirm its exclusive jurisdiction over VoIP services and its commitment to fostering a unified regulatory framework.
"The CPUC's decision threatens to dismantle the foundation that has allowed the VoIP industry to grow and innovate under a clear federal framework," said Jeff Dworkin, Managing Director of the Cloud Voice Alliance.
"These regulations are especially burdensome for small and medium-sized providers that drive competition and deliver affordable services to consumers and businesses."
Bill McClain, President of the Cloud Voice Alliance, added:
"Our petition is not just about challenging a state decision's about ensuring the VoIP industry remains competitive, accessible, and innovative. The CPUC's approach sets a dangerous precedent that could jeopardize the affordability and availability of advanced communications services nationwide."
The petition outlines how the CPUC's framework conflicts with the FCC's end-to-end jurisdictional analysis, which has long been the definitive standard for determining the regulatory treatment of VoIP communications. The CPUC's requirements, including state-specific registration processes and performance bond mandates, create a fragmented and impractical regulatory environment that undermines federal policies designed to promote innovation and affordability.
About the Cloud Voice Alliance (CVA)
The Cloud Voice Alliance (CVA) is a member-driven organization that supports small and medium-sized cloud voice service providers in delivering competitive, high-quality communications solutions. By uniting providers under a common voice, the CVA ensures that its members have access to the tools, resources, and advocacy needed to thrive in a highly competitive industry.
Through collaboration and engagement, the CVA empowers its members to compete effectively, innovate freely, and offer consumers affordable and reliable communications services.
About the Petition
The joint petition filed by the CVA and CCA seeks a declaratory ruling from the FCC to reaffirm the federal government's exclusive jurisdiction over VoIP services and declare that the CPUC's framework is preempted by federal law. The petition underscores the need for a unified regulatory approach to avoid a fragmented landscape that could stifle growth and innovation in the VoIP market.
The full petition is available upon request. For media inquiries, please contact:
Jeff Dworkin
Managing Director, Cloud Voice Alliance
Tel: 267-356-4800
Email: [email protected]
Bill McClain
President, Cloud Voice Alliance
Tel: 267-356-4800
Email: [email protected]
Jonathan S. Marashlian
Managing Partner, Marashlian & Donahue, PLLC
Tel: 703-714-1313
Email: [email protected]
Media Contact
Jeff Dworkin, Managing Director, Cloud Voice Alliance, 1 267-356-4800, [email protected],
Bill McClain, President, Cloud Voice Alliance, 1 267-356-4800, [email protected],
SOURCE Managing Director, Cloud Voice Alliance
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