SBC To File Tariff With FCC For New VoIP Service

SBC Communications Inc. is planning to introduce True IP to PSTN (TIPToP) service in the coming week by filing a tariff with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

TIPToP service is a time division multiplexed (TDM) telecommunications service featuring switched circuit interfaces specifically designed for use by a VoIP provider to connect traffic from its IP end users to end users of the circuit-switched network.

According to SBC officials, TIPToP service is not a mandatory offering but voluntary. VoIP providers who choose not to purchase TIPToP service may use other services, "to the extent permitted by existing tariffs and prevailing law, to connect traffic from their customers to the circuit-switched network," according to SBC.

According to reports in the Wall Street Journal, SBC's plan will involve an increase in fees normally paid for interconnection services--a rate increase that has reportedly drawn immediate scrutiny from the FCC.

In response, SBC stated there is no fee increase and that it could not release pricing details until after the tariff was filed, noting that "some VoIP providers may find it more economical than what they are purchasing now."SBC added it is "confident that VoIP providers that are interested in offering a compelling VoIP service to their customers will recognize TIPToP's benefits."

TIPToP Service provides two types of switched circuit port interfaces (one-way and two-way) designed to provide seamless functionality between Time Division Multiplexing (TDM) based voice services and IP based Voice Information Services. The interfaces incorporate Transport, SS7 connectivity, Choke trunks and call related data base query capability to the tandem or end office switch in which these interfaces are installed.

According to SBC, TIPToP service provides a more efficient form of connectivity for VoIP providers and their customers who want to send calls to, and receive calls from, the circuit-switched network.

"We're hopeful that VoIP providers will think it's a good product at a good price and will buy it," said a SBC spokesperson.