Someone once said there were over 1100 VoIP companies operating in the USA. Well with the FCC ruling on Friday, watch the mergers and just plain elimination of some occur.
While everyone thought E911 would be a challenge (expensive if nothing else), now the providers all need to be CALEA compliant. FCC Chairman Martin said as part of the statements released on the new ruling affecting DSL:
We also adopt today a vitally important companion item that confirms that facilities-
based Internet access providers (as well as interconnection VoIP providers) are subject to the requirements of CALEA. Law enforcement agencies must have the ability to conduct electronic surveillance over broadband technologies
.
I have to believe this will apply to cable telephone companies and eventually to all the next generation of wireless companies too who wish to carry voice, like Clearwire and others.