There are several Legal issues that have been addressed due to popularity of VOIP services across world. Governments of many countries are trying to regulate VOIP services.
USA
· United States and FCC(Federal Communications Commission) now making mandatory to notify their customers to attach a sticker warning that if VOIP providers cannot able to support Enhanced 911 services.
· VOIP providers also needs to be in compliance with the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act (CALEA) wiretapping.
· VOIP providers need to support Local number Portability.
Latin America and Caribbean
Countries in which telephone company are owned by state beware of rising VOIP popularity. In country Panama VOIP services are taxed. In Ethiopia it is criminal offense to use VOIP services.
European Union
In European Union, it is up to each country telecom regulator to decide upon VOIP companies.
VOIP providers can provide services using managed networks (broad band connection) or unmanaged networks (Internet).
· VOIP providers who offers service over a managed network must need to follow obligations dealing with price control and accounting separation.
· VOIP services using unmanaged network may be provided without any special sanctions since they suspected of rendering poor services.
Middle East and Asia
China is attempting to block VOIP completely.
· India allows using VOIP but it is not allowed to have gateways.
· UAE have not forbidden VOIP services but Skype and Gizmo sites are blocked.
