FCC Mandates Tax for Internet Phone Companies

Following a ruling by the Federal Communications Commission, internet phone service providers will now be required to pay a portion of their revenue to the Universal Service Fund. Previously, these firms had been exempt from the tax because they had not been classified as traditional phone companies. It is expected that the tax will hinder the competitive advantage internet phone companies such as Vonage previously held, and may make it more difficult for these types of firms to play a large role in the industry.