Interconnected Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Carriers Rulemaking (R.) 22-08-008

On August 25, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (Commission) initiated the Order Instituting Rulemaking (R.) 22-08-008 to consider changes to address the license status of interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) carriers in California that, pursuant to Public Utilities Code section 285, obtained a utility identification number under this Commission’s previously used Informal VoIP Registration Process. The Order Instituting Rulemaking also will consider other ongoing obligations for interconnected VoIP carriers and ministerial licensing reforms.

Phase I

On November 7, 2024, the Commision adopted D.24-11-003. This Decision implements the following changes:

  • Requires interconnected VoIP Providers to obtain Operating Authority or Nomadic Registration, as appropriate, and adopts new utility types: Digital Voice Fixed (DVF) and Digital Voice Nomadic (DVN), with attendant regulatory obligations as modified and clarified in this decision. All DVN and DVF providers are required to post performance bonds, pay the California Public Utilities Commission User Fee and file annual affiliate transaction reports. See General FAQ.
  • Automatically migrates interconnected VoIP telephone corporations currently operating, registered, or licensed, to Operating Authority as DVF utility type, unless the provider opts-out of the migration within 45 days. See VoIP Migration FAQ.
  • For all telephone corporation utility types, streamlines and updates the application process and attendant regulatory obligations consistent with those of interconnected VoIP telephone corporations, including: (1) standardized fees and performance bond amounts; (2) a presumptive determination that potential construction projects qualify for the CEQA 21-Day Exemption Review; and (3) presumptive confidential treatment of certain information required for applications.
  • D.24-11-003 VoIP Fact Sheet

Phase II

  • Focus on identifying providers' configuration of voice offerings, including provision of interconnected VoIP service.
  • Address any outstanding questions in how to apply the new regulatory classifications for interconnected VoIP service.

Additional Information about proceeding

All filings related to this proceeding, including documents, rulings, decisions and public comments are available here.