FCC Steps In Against VoIP Blocking Phone Company

By Chris Richardson - Fri, 03/04/2005 - 12:01pm.

A North Carolina phone company has been fined by the FCC for blocking customers from making VoIP calls.

The North Carolina-based Madison River Communications disabled VoIP abilities of about 200 customers. Fortunately for said customers, the FCC stepped in and forced the company to allow members to make VoIP-based phonecalls.

Madison River Communications also has to pay a FCC-levied fine of $15,000 for their actions.

An article in out-law.com reveals

According to reports, Vonage began an investigation after consumers complained that they could no longer make VoIP calls. The company found that certain ports had been blocked, but managed to reroute its customers' calls temporarily.

Vonage raised the issue with the FCC, which launched its own investigation in February.

Because of the FCC's decision, Madison River Communications agreed to cease blocking ports used by VoIP services. The company's fine must also be made payable to the US Treasury.

Chris Richardson is a search engine writer and editor for WebProNews. Visit WebProNews for the latest search news.