SUBJECT:

PURPOSE:

Albany

Wednesday
April 14, 2004
11 a.m.

State Education Building
Chancellor's Hall
(use Hawk Street entrance)
89 Washington Avenue
Albany, New York

The emergence of internet telephone service technology, or Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), has raised an opportunity for less expensive and more flexible telephone service and concerns about its impact on the present day telecommunications industry. This Committee seeks testimony about the potential opportunities and dangers VoIP poses with respect to the following telecommunications policy priorities in New York State: dedication to universal and affordable access to phone services; prompt access to emergency services though 911/E911; increased network reliability; and the maintenance of a safe and secure telephone system in light of state and national security matters.

TESTIMONY IS BY INVITATION ONLY

Persons invited to present pertinent testimony to the Committee at the above hearing should complete and return the enclosed reply form as soon as possible. It is important that the reply form be fully completed and returned so that persons may be notified in the event of emergency postponement or cancellation.

Oral testimony will be limited to 10 minutes' duration. In preparing the order of witnesses, the Committee will attempt to accommodate individual requests to speak at particular times in view of special circumstances. These requests should be made on the attached reply form or communicated to Committee staff as early as possible.

Ten copies of any prepared testimony should be submitted at the hearing registration desk. The Committee would appreciate advance receipt of prepared statements.

In order to meet the needs of those who many have a disability, the Assembly, in accordance with its policy of non-discrimination on the basis of disability, as well as the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), has made its facilities and services available to all individuals with disabilities. For individuals with disabilities, accommodations will be provided, upon reasonable request, to afford such individuals access and admission to Assembly facilities and activities.

SELECTED ISSUES TO WHICH WITNESSES MAY DIRECT THEIR TESTIMONY:

1. What is the status of VoIP services in New York State?
2. What is the impact of emerging internet telecommunications technologies on the stability of the current hard-wired telephone network?
3. What impact does VoIP have on: universal service, 911/E911, network reliability, and security issues?
4. What are the appropriate roles for the Legislature and the Public Service Commission with respect to VoIP?

PUBLIC HEARING REPLY FORM

Persons invited to present testimony at the public hearing on Voice over Internet Protocol are requested to complete this reply form as soon as possible and mail or fax it to:

Alison Guernsey
Committee Assistant
Assembly Committee on Corporations, Authorities and Commissions
Room 513 - Capitol
Albany, New York 12248
Email: guernsa@assembly.state.ny.us
Phone: (518) 455-4881
Fax: (518) 455-4128