Internet Phone: Skype's call on locations

THE web-based phone service Skype says Australia needs to reconsider its approach to allocating phone numbers to allow for numbers not linked to an address.

The company

The company, based in Luxembourg, says the change would boost development and innovation of services using voice over internet protocol (VoIP), which allows users to make and receive calls online but requires a phone number to connect with traditional phone services.

The subject is being reviewed by the Australian Communications and Media Authority, which is considering changes that would allow users to be allocated phone numbers that do not necessarily match with location.

But this plan, which would allow traditional providers to offer numbers outside their area code, has upset the Australian Communications Consumer Action Network.