Interconnected Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) Regulatory Framework

On August 25, 2022, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) opened a Rulemaking (R.) 22-08-008 to address which telephone corporation rules should apply to providers of Interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services doing business in California. The CPUC needed to establish a regulatory framework applicable to Interconnected VoIP telephone corporations to create a technology-neutral level playing field for all telephone corporations providing voice services, to ensure interconnected VoIP customers have access to safe and reliable voice services, and to provide interconnected VoIP providers with clear rules and guidance as telephone corporations.

On November 7, 2024, Decision (D.) 24-11-003 adopted an interconnected VoIP regulatory framework. The Commission identified two types of Interconnected VoIP service providers: Fixed and Nomadic; established a new Nomadic Registration process and adopted compliance requirements applicable to all interconnected VoIP service providers. For more information, see D.24-11-003 VoIP Fact Sheet.

On June 11, 2026, D.26-06-009 (as modified by Decision 26-07-039) updated the interconnected VoIP regulatory framework by providing guidance to existing wireline telephone corporations that offer fixed interconnected VoIP services and establishes facilities definitions applicable to interconnected VoIP service providers. The Decision also resolved certain implementation issues following issuance of D.24-11-003.

Additional References