Internet providers lobby against backup power rules for phone lines
Found on Ars Technica on Monday, 09 February 2015
The Federal Communications Commission is considering whether to impose backup power requirements on Internet providers that offer phone service, but cable companies and telcos don’t want to be required to keep customers connected through long power outages.
Not surprisingly, voice providers don’t want to face any new requirements. They argue that consumers have willingly switched from copper landlines to VoIP service despite carriers being required to inform customers of the power limitations. Customers are also increasingly using cellular service instead of landlines to make voice calls, they note.
Unfortunately, providers are jumping on the VoIP train just like cows running to the water. For them, VoIP makes it cheaper to provide a service if they are willing to cut off some features. The strict separation between Internet and phone lines adds another layer of security. Plus, there are still a lot of use cases for powered phone lines, like emergency call systems in case the elevator gets stuck due to a power outage and you don't want to be trapped in there for hours or days. Also many home alarm systems are hooked onto the phone line. Adding a UPS and GSM device won't help much if there's an IMSI catcher powered on nearby before breaking in.