November 22, 2004

Cities welcome the idea of VoIP, IP-Enabled, and other advance technologies. These technologies as with other modes of communications are an economic development tool strengthening metropolitan economies and in turn the nation's economy. However as outlined in the Conference's Comments filed in the Federal Communications Commission's "IP-Enabled Services" proceeding, cities have four central interests in this technology.

1) Fair Compensation — Is government receiving adequate compensation for resources it is committing to this endeavor? This may display as adequate rent for use of public land or other resources, or adequate participation in broad-based taxation system.

2) Fair Treatment of Consumers — Local government is the regulator of last resort when citizenry has interest that require police power protection not asserted by federal or state authorities, local government must act to protect the consumer.

3) Fair Treatment as a Consumer — Is the government receiving fair treatment when it becomes a customer or consumer of the service? The local government is destined to be one of the largest local consumers of advanced technologies.

4) Quality of Life — What is the effect on the quality of life of the citizenry? This may display as economic opportunity, environmental effects, or better integration of individuals into the community.