US phone companies to explore replacing all phone numbers with IP addresses

[qwertywarrior]

http://www.engadget.com/2014/01/31/fcc-ip-phone-number-trials/

 

 

 

 

 

 

Voice-over-IP (VoIP) is nothing new as a technology, of course, but so far it's been regarded merely as an add-on to America's regular, analog-based copper and cellular voice networks -- networks that are currently maintained as a matter of legal requirement. The FCC isn't necessarily such a stickler for tradition, however, as it is now encouraging phone networks to explore what would happen if VoIP replaced everything else. In other words, how would the system cope if the only phone numbers were Internet Protocol addresses; if even emergency calls were transmitted over the web; and if remote rural communities became dependent on VoIP, with no other type of network as a backup? Companies that want to participate in the experiment have until late February to submit their ideas, with approvals expected to be granted as early as March -- but don't fear, the tests will only be permitted in "discrete geographic areas or situations," which is the FCC's way of politely reminding telecom providers not to get ahead of themselves.

 

 

this sounds interesting

 

[miyabwah]

yes, because an IP is easier to memorize than a phone number...

[qwertywarrior]

yes, because an IP is easier to memorize than a phone number...

especially new IPv6 

[Kilerbomb]

Wouldn't that completely invalidate the need for phone plans? All you would need is a data plan. You wouldn't need a plan with calling/texting. I really hope that doesn't mean that data plan prices will rise...

[SirReallySam]

Wouldn't that completely invalidate the need for phone plans? All you would need is a data plan. You wouldn't need a plan with calling/texting. I really hope that doesn't mean that data plan prices will rise...

They will. :mellow:

[Gunjob]

Inb4 DDOSing peoples phones. 

[Titanicium]

As if old people didn't have problems enough from before calling their grandchildren...

[MatheusSanzo]

As if old people didn't have problems enough from before calling they're grandchildren...

I hate being a dick, but... their*

[Guest]

yes, because an IP is easier to memorize than a phone number...

Hey man call me 1.88.999.888.000.987651.56:4567

[Titanicium]

I hate being a dick, but... their*

 

Haha thanks man That's actually something I thought about when writing it as I was quite unsure if it was "their" or "they're". I do that mistake all the time...

[Birdman]

Haha thanks man That's actually something I thought about when writing it as I was quite unsure if it was "their" or "they're". I do that mistake all the time...

Just remember they're is a conjunction of they are.

 

  Back on topic..

 

I really hope this doesn't happen, as stated before, that's going to make bills rise, and calling even harder.  

[Altecice]

Hey man call me 1.88.999.888.000.987651.56:4567

 

Sorry to be picky but thats not a valid IP nor would you require a socket number

(sorry)

 

I assume they would use IPV4 192.168.0.1 etc I would find that alot easier to remember than my phone number. Even if it was IPV6 they would make them a 6to4(or Turedo) to be able to work with older phones and older IPV4 cellular networks... or perhaps mapped addresses 

[Fetzie]

Wouldn't that completely invalidate the need for phone plans? All you would need is a data plan. You wouldn't need a plan with calling/texting. I really hope that doesn't mean that data plan prices will rise...

 

"Sorry, you cannot place that call to [911] because your monthly data cap has been reached. Please try again in 6 days."

[Derangel]

yes, because an IP is easier to memorize than a phone number...

 

Umm, you can still have traditional phone numbers when using VOIP. Phone numbers aren't solely tied to the old phone system. The bigger issue with this is actually much more simple: Unless every VOIP phone uses IPv6 there will not be enough IP addresses to go around. We're already getting close to running out of IPv4 addresses.

[Guest]

Sorry to be picky but thats not a valid IP nor would you require a socket number

(sorry)

 

I assume they would use IPV4 192.168.0.1 etc I would find that alot easier to remember than my phone number. Even if it was IPV6 they would make them a 6to4(or Turedo) to be able to work with older phones and older IPV4 cellular networks... or perhaps mapped addresses

You assume they will use standards ips for millions of phone users

[ionbasa]

I think people are missing the point.

 

You shouldn't need to memorise an IP address, instead of providing a switched landline connection at the tower, VoIP will be used instead.

Phones will still have a phone number, but that number will be tied to an VoIP address on the backend from cell providers.

 

Also the Article clearly says this is an experiment in order to try and provide people who live in rural areas better access to telephony services.

[wpirobotbuilder]

In case people don't already know, if you have a 4G phone you already use a version of VOIP by default. 4G networks use zero circuit-switched telephone signals, it's all done on a IP-based packet-switched network. It also supports IPv6, and carriers are mandating that mobile devices support IPv6.

 

3G phones also use packet-switched (IP) networks, but in conjunction with the existing analog infrastructure.

 

All this would theoretically do is make everyone use a 4G-like system, which would mean that older phones that rely solely on analog connectivity would cease functioning as the analog infrastructure is decommissioned. Maybe 3G could be adopted, but 2G and earlier standards would not function.

 

Maybe you could make phone calls from your home Wi-Fi and not use your data plan.

[beefalo]

In case people don't already know, if you have a 4G phone you already use a version of VOIP by default. 4G networks use zero circuit-switched telephone signals, it's all done on a IP-based packet-switched network. It also supports IPv6, and carriers are mandating that mobile devices support IPv6.

 

3G phones also use packet-switched (IP) networks, but in conjunction with the existing analog infrastructure.

 

All this would theoretically do is make everyone use a 4G-like system, which would mean that older phones that rely solely on analog connectivity would cease functioning as the analog infrastructure is decommissioned. Maybe 3G could be adopted, but 2G and earlier standards would not function.

 

Maybe you could make phone calls from your home Wi-Fi and not use your data plan.

I don't know about GSM networks but with Verizon and Sprint your calls and texts still go through their CDMA networks not LTE.  Verizon is going to be rolling out VOIP over lte soon but it probably won't be very widespread for a while.

[kuddlesworth9419]

Wouldn't that completely invalidate the need for phone plans? All you would need is a data plan. You wouldn't need a plan with calling/texting. I really hope that doesn't mean that data plan prices will rise...

Oh they will. Believe me they will.

[shizngiggles]

I think people are misinterpreting what they mean by use IPs rather than phone numbers. You wouldn't be dialing an IP address when making a call. You'd still be dialing a number, but instead of it being an analog signal that detect DTMF tones it would recognize the number and determine what the IP address is that is associated to that specific number. Currently, it's pretty much the same but rather than having a digital to digital call it converts that analog signal to digital then back to analog assuming both the dialer and dialed number are analog phones. Being forced to dial the specific IP address associated to a phone would be ridiculous. It won't turn out that way. It will more than likely be exactly how VoIP currently works.

[Beskamir]

It looks like nontechies are trying to come up with new technologies again

[rmac52]

You are not required to type an ip address to go to a website. You can use a DNS. There is no reason why a system like that could not be utilized.

Every one should remember that this is just an idea. With the way we are going right now I'll take innovation any way it comes. With out people thinking outside the box we would still be living in caves and tents.

[LonliestofAll]

Sorry to be picky but thats not a valid IP nor would you require a socket number

(sorry)

 

I assume they would use IPV4 192.168.0.1 etc I would find that alot easier to remember than my phone number. Even if it was IPV6 they would make them a 6to4(or Turedo) to be able to work with older phones and older IPV4 cellular networks... or perhaps mapped addresses 

Couldn't they implement some kind of DNS system like we have now for the internet, like where you would use someones email or something of the like instead of IPv4 or IPv6.