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EBAY » Topics » The current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is unclear, and Skypes business could be harmed by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to its products.This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Apr 28, 2009. The current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to its products. The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are generally subject to different regulatory regimes in different countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory requirements. However, the status of VoIP providers is uncertain in many jurisdictions and Skype frequently must respond to inquiries about its regulatory status. Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about computer-to-computer communications, either of which may make complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency service requirements, difficult or impossible. Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change its product offerings in a manner that subjects it to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be required to meet various emergency service requirements, disability access requirements, user protection requirements, number assignment and portability requirements, and interception or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could erode Skype’s pricing advantage
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over competing forms of communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption. The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet communications, and Skype has received an increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek greater protection for their existing businesses and increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements in all countries in which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to comply with these requirements could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, increased regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer. New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being considered in various countries around the world, and at least some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet, which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and thus its revenue. These excerpts taken from the EBAY 10-K filed Feb 20, 2009. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet
communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of
the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and
VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are
generally subject to different
Table of Contents
regulatory regimes in different countries, and in most cases are
subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser, or no,
specific regulatory requirements. However, the status of VoIP
providers is uncertain in many jurisdictions and Skype
frequently must respond to inquiries about its regulatory
status. Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to
rules that are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due
to the nature of its communications technologies, which could
adversely affect its business. For example, while suitable
alternatives may be developed in the future, Skype is currently
unable to identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic
traversing the Internet or to provide detailed calling
information about computer-to-computer communications, either of
which may make complying with future regulatory requirements,
such as emergency service requirements, difficult or impossible.
Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and
administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change
its product offerings in a manner that subjects it to
telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by
governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications
heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP
and Internet communications, and Skype has received an
increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its
products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent
telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to
seek greater protection for their existing businesses and
increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various
state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries
have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products
are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are
unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are
currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal
requirements in all countries in which Skype is used.
Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom Skype
transacts business to comply with these requirements could
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, increased regulatory
requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as
a result, our business would suffer.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
The current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to its products. The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are generally subject to different
Table of Contentsregulatory regimes in different countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory requirements. However, the status of VoIP providers is uncertain in many jurisdictions and Skype frequently must respond to inquiries about its regulatory status. Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about computer-to-computer communications, either of which may make complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency service requirements, difficult or impossible. Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change its product offerings in a manner that subjects it to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be required to meet various emergency service requirements, disability access requirements, user protection requirements, number assignment and portability requirements, and interception or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption. The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet communications, and Skype has received an increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek greater protection for their existing businesses and increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements in all countries in which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to comply with these requirements could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, increased regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer. New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being considered in various countries around the world, and at least some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet, which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and thus its revenue. This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Oct 23, 2008. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet
communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of
the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and
VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are
generally subject to different regulatory regimes in different
countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no,
regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory
requirements. However, the status of VoIP providers is uncertain
in many jurisdictions and Skype frequently must respond to
inquiries about its regulatory status. Regulatory agencies may
require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or
impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its
communications technologies, which could adversely affect its
business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be
developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify
the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the
Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to- computer communications, either of which may make
complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency
service requirements, difficult or impossible.
Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and
administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change
its product offerings in a manner that makes it become subject
to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by
governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications
heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP
and Internet communications, and Skype has received an
increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its
products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent
telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to
seek greater protection for their existing businesses and
increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various
state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries
have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products
are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are
unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are
currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal
requirements in all countries in which Skype is used.
Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom Skype
transacts business to comply with these requirements could
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, increased regulatory
requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as
a result, our business would suffer.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
Table of Contents
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Jul 24, 2008. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet
communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of
the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and
VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are
generally subject to different regulatory regimes in different
countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no,
regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory
requirements. However, the status of VoIP providers is uncertain
in many jurisdictions and Skype frequently must respond to
regulatory inquiries about its status. Regulatory agencies may
require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or
impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its
communications technologies, which could adversely affect its
business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be
developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify
the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the
Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to- computer communications, either of which may make
complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency
service requirements, difficult or impossible.
Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and
administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change
its product offerings in a manner that makes it become subject
to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by
governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications
heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP
and Internet communications, and Skype has received an
increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its
products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent
telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to
seek greater protection for their existing businesses and
increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various
state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries
have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products
are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are
unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are
currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal
requirements in all countries in which Skype is used.
Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom Skype
transacts business to comply with these requirements could
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations. In addition, increased regulatory
requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as
a result, our business would suffer.
Table of Contents
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Apr 24, 2008. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet
communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of
the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and
VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are
generally subject to different regulatory regimes in different
countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no,
regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory
requirements. However, the status of VoIP providers is uncertain
in many jurisdictions and Skype frequently must respond to
regulatory inquiries about its status. Regulatory agencies may
require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or
impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its
communications technologies, which could adversely affect its
business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be
developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify
the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the
Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to- computer communications, either of which may make
complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency
service requirements, difficult or impossible.
Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and
administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change
its product offerings in a manner that makes it become subject
to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by
governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications
heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP
and Internet communications, and Skype has received an
increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its
products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent
telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to
seek greater protection for their existing businesses and
increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various
state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries
have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products
are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are
unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are
currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal
requirements in all countries in which
Table of Contents
Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the failure of those with
whom Skype transacts business to comply with these requirements
could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. In addition, increased
regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s
costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Apr 24, 2008. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype believes that its Internet
communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of
the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and
VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are
generally subject to different regulatory regimes in different
countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no,
regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory
requirements. However, the status of VoIP providers is uncertain
in many jurisdictions and Skype frequently must respond to
regulatory inquiries about its status. Regulatory agencies may
require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or
impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its
communications technologies, which could adversely affect its
business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be
developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify
the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the
Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to- computer communications, either of which may make
complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency
service requirements, difficult or impossible.
Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and
administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change
its product offerings in a manner that makes it become subject
to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by
governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of Internet communications
heightens the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP
and Internet communications, and Skype has received an
increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its
products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent
telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to
seek greater protection for their existing businesses and
increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various
state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries
have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products
are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are
unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are
currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal
requirements in all countries in which
Table of Contents
Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the failure of those with
whom Skype transacts business to comply with these requirements
could materially adversely affect our business, financial
condition and results of operations. In addition, increased
regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s
costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
These excerpts taken from the EBAY 10-K filed Feb 29, 2008. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are
currently subject to few, if any, of the same regulations that
apply to traditional telephony and VoIP-based telephone
replacement services. VoIP companies are generally subject to
different regulatory regimes in different countries, and in most
cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser,
or no, specific regulatory requirements. Regulatory agencies may
require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or
impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its
communications technologies, which could adversely affect its
business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be
developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify
the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the
Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to-
Table of Contents
computer communications, either of which may make complying with
future regulatory requirements, such as emergency service
requirements, difficult or impossible.
Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and
administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change
its product offerings in a manner that makes it become subject
to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by
governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of the VoIP telephony and
Internet communications market heighten the risk that
governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet
communications, and Skype has received an increasing number of
inquiries from regulators about its products and services.
Competitors, including the incumbent telephone companies, may
devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek greater protection
for their existing businesses and increased regulation of VoIP.
In the United States, various state legislatures and regulatory
agencies are beginning to impose their own requirements and
taxes on VoIP. Some countries have prohibited Skype. In many
countries in which Skype products are available, the laws that
may relate to its offerings are unclear. We cannot be certain
that Skype or its customers are currently in full compliance
with regulatory or other legal requirements in all countries in
which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the failure of
those with whom Skype transacts business to comply with these
requirements could materially adversely affect our business,
financial condition and results of operations. In addition,
increased regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase
Skype’s costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
The current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to its products. The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are currently subject to few, if any, of the same regulations that apply to traditional telephony and VoIP-based telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are generally subject to different regulatory regimes in different countries, and in most cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser, or no, specific regulatory requirements. Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about computer-to-
Table of Contentscomputer communications, either of which may make complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency service requirements, difficult or impossible. Governments may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change its product offerings in a manner that makes it become subject to telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and other charges. In addition, such fees may be assessed by governments retroactively or prospectively. Skype may be required to meet various emergency service requirements, disability access requirements, user protection requirements, number assignment and portability requirements, and interception or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption. The increasing growth and popularity of the VoIP telephony and Internet communications market heighten the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet communications, and Skype has received an increasing number of inquiries from regulators about its products and services. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek greater protection for their existing businesses and increased regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Some countries have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which Skype products are available, the laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are currently in full compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements in all countries in which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to comply with these requirements could materially adversely affect our business, financial condition and results of operations. In addition, increased regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer. New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being considered in various countries around the world, and at least some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet, which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and thus its revenue. This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Oct 29, 2007. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are
currently subject to few, if any, of the same regulations that
apply to traditional telephony and VoIP-based telephone
replacement services. VoIP companies are generally subject to
different regulatory regimes in different countries, and in most
cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser,
or no, specific regulatory requirements. Governments may impose
new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative burdens on VoIP
companies, or Skype may change its product offerings in a manner
that makes it become subject to telecommunications regulations.
Increased fees could include access and other charges payable to
local exchange carriers to carry and terminate traffic,
contributions to federal or state Universal Service Funds in the
United States and elsewhere, and other charges. Skype may be
required to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, user protection requirements,
number assignment and portability requirements, and interception
or wiretapping requirements, such as the Communications
Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar
laws in other jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in
substantial costs depending on the technical changes required to
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of the VoIP telephony and
Internet communications market heighten the risk that
governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet
communications, and Skype has received an increasing number of
inquiries from regulators about its products and services.
Competitors, including the incumbent telephone companies, may
devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek greater protection
for their existing businesses and increased regulation of VoIP.
In the United States, various state legislatures and regulatory
agencies are beginning to impose their own requirements and
taxes on VoIP. Increased regulatory requirements on VoIP would
increase Skype’s costs, and, as a result, our business
would suffer.
Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that
are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the
nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely
affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives
may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to
identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing
the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to-computer communications, either of which may make
complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency
service requirements, difficult or impossible.
Some countries have prohibited Skype. In many countries in which
Skype products are available, the laws that may relate to its
offerings are unclear. We cannot be certain that Skype or its
customers are currently in full compliance with regulatory or
other legal requirements in all countries in which Skype is
used. Skype’s failure or the failure of those with whom
Skype transacts business to comply with these requirements could
materially adversely affect our business, financial condition
and results of operations.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
Table of Contents
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Jul 27, 2007. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are
currently subject to very few, if any, of the same regulations
that apply to traditional telephony and VoIP-based telephone
replacement services. VoIP companies are generally subject to
different regulatory regimes in different countries, and in most
cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees and lesser,
or no, specific regulatory requirements. Governments may impose
new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative burdens on VoIP
companies, or Skype may change its product offerings in a manner
that makes it become subject to telecommunications regulations.
Increased fees could include access and other charges payable to
local exchange carriers to carry and terminate traffic,
contributions to federal or state Universal Service Funds in the
United States and elsewhere, and other charges. New laws and
regulations may require Skype to meet various emergency service
requirements, disability access requirements, user protection
requirements, number assignment and portability requirements,
and interception or wiretapping requirements, such as the
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act in the
U.S. and similar laws in other jurisdictions. Such
regulations could result in substantial costs depending on the
technical changes required to accommodate the requirements, and
any increased costs could erode Skype’s pricing advantage
over competing forms of communication. Regulations that decrease
the degree of privacy for users of Skype’s products could
also slow its adoption. The increasing growth and popularity of
the VoIP telephony and Internet communications market heighten
the risk that governments will seek to regulate VoIP and
Internet communications, and Skype has received an increasing
number of inquiries from regulators about its products and
services. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone
companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek
greater protection for their existing businesses and increased
regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state
legislatures and regulatory agencies are beginning to impose
their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Increased regulatory
requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as
a result, our business would suffer.
Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that
are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the
nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely
affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives
may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to
identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing
the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to-computer communications, either of which may make
complying with future regulatory requirements, such as emergency
service requirements, difficult or impossible.
In many countries in which Skype products are available, the
laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear. We cannot be
certain that Skype or its customers are currently in full
compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements in all
countries in which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or the
failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to comply
with these requirements could materially adversely affect our
business, financial condition and results of operations.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world, and at least
some of these rules and regulations are likely to be adopted and
to be applicable to Skype. Such new rules and regulations are
likely to increase our costs of doing business and could prevent
us from delivering our products and offerings over the Internet,
which could adversely affect Skype’s customer base, and
thus its revenue.
Table of Contents
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Apr 25, 2007. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are
currently subject to very few, if any, of the same regulations
that apply to traditional telephony and
Table of Contents
VoIP-based
telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are generally
subject to different regulatory regimes in different countries,
and in most cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees
and lesser, or no, specific regulatory requirements. Governments
may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative
burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change its product
offerings in a manner that makes it become subject to
telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. New laws and regulations may require Skype to
meet various emergency service requirements, disability access
requirements, user protection requirements, number assignment
and portability requirements, and interception or wiretapping
requirements, such as the Communications Assistance for Law
Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar laws in other
jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in substantial
costs depending on the technical changes required to accommodate
the requirements, and any increased costs could erode
Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of the VoIP telephony and
Internet communications market heighten the risk that
governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet
communications. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone
companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek
greater protection for their existing businesses and increased
regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state
legislatures and regulatory agencies are considering whether to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Increased
regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s
costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer.
Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that
are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the
nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely
affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives
may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to
identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing
the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to-computer
communications, either of which may make complying with future
regulatory requirements, such as emergency service requirements,
difficult or impossible.
In many countries in which Skype operates or provides VoIP
products, the laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear.
We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are currently
in full compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements
in all countries in which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or
the failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to
comply with these requirements could materially adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world. Such new rules
and regulations could increase our costs of doing business or
prevent us from delivering our products and offerings over the
Internet, which could adversely affect Skype’s customer
base, and thus its revenue.
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-K filed Feb 28, 2007. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is uncertain, and Skype’s business could be harmed
by new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is uncertain and
rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are
currently subject to very few, if any, of the same regulations
that apply to traditional telephony and to
VoIP-based
telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are generally
subject to different regulatory regimes in different countries,
and in most cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees
and lesser, or no, specific regulatory requirements. Governments
may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative
burdens on VoIP companies, or Skype may change its product
offerings in a manner that makes it become subject to
telecommunications regulations. Increased fees could include
access and other charges payable to local exchange carriers to
carry and terminate traffic, contributions to federal or state
Universal Service Funds in the United States and elsewhere, and
other charges. New laws and regulations may require Skype to
meet various emergency service requirements, disability access
requirements, user protection requirements, number assignment
and portability requirements, and interception or wiretapping
requirements, such as the Communications Assistance for Law
Enforcement Act in the U.S. and similar laws in other
jurisdictions. Such regulations could result in substantial
costs depending on the technical changes required to accommodate
the requirements, and any increased costs could erode
Table of Contents
Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of the VoIP telephony and
Internet communications market heighten the risk that
governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet
communications. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone
companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek
greater protection for their existing businesses and increased
regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state
legislatures and regulatory agencies are considering whether to
impose their own requirements and taxes on VoIP. Increased
regulatory requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s
costs, and, as a result, our business would suffer.
Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that
are difficult or impossible for it to comply with due to the
nature of its communications technologies, which could adversely
affect its business. For example, while suitable alternatives
may be developed in the future, Skype is currently unable to
identify the exact geographic origin of the traffic traversing
the Internet or to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to-computer
communications, either of which may make complying with future
regulatory requirements, such as emergency service requirements,
difficult or impossible.
In many countries in which Skype operates or provides VoIP
products, the laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear.
We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are currently
in full compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements
in all countries in which Skype is used. Skype’s failure or
the failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to
comply with these requirements could materially adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world. Such new rules
and regulations could increase our costs of doing business or
prevent us from delivering our products and offerings over the
Internet, which could adversely affect Skype’s customer
base, and thus its revenue.
This excerpt taken from the EBAY 10-Q filed Jul 28, 2006. The
current regulatory environment for Voice over Internet Protocol
(VoIP) is unclear, and Skype’s business could be harmed by
new regulations or the application of existing regulations to
its products.
The current regulatory environment for VoIP is unclear and
rapidly changing. Skype’s voice communications products are
currently subject to very few, if any, of the same regulations
that apply to traditional telephony and to
VoIP-based
telephone replacement services. VoIP companies are generally
subject to different regulatory regimes in different countries,
and in most cases are subject to lower, or no, regulatory fees
and lesser, or no, specific regulatory requirements. Governments
may impose new or increased fees, taxes, and administrative
burdens on VoIP companies. Increased fees could include
interconnection fees and access charges payable to local
exchange carriers to carry and terminate traffic, contributions
to the Universal Service Fund in the United States and
elsewhere, and other charges. New laws and regulations may
require Skype to meet various emergency service requirements,
disability access requirements, consumer protection
requirements, number assignment and portability requirements,
and interception or wiretapping requirements, such as the
Communications Assistance for Law Enforcement Act. Such
regulations could result in substantial costs depending on the
technical changes required to
Table of Contents
accommodate the requirements, and any increased costs could
erode Skype’s pricing advantage over competing forms of
communication. Regulations that decrease the degree of privacy
for users of Skype’s products could also slow its adoption.
The increasing growth and popularity of the VoIP telephony and
Internet communications market heighten the risk that
governments will seek to regulate VoIP and Internet
communications. Competitors, including the incumbent telephone
companies, may devote substantial lobbying efforts to seek
greater protection for their existing businesses and increased
regulation of VoIP. In the United States, various state
legislatures are considering legislation to impose their own
requirements and taxes on VoIP. Increased regulatory
requirements on VoIP would increase Skype’s costs, and, as
a result, our business would suffer.
Regulatory agencies may require Skype to conform to rules that
are unsuitable for its communications technologies, that are
difficult or impossible to comply with due to the nature of IP
routing, or that are unnecessary or unreasonable in light of the
manner in which Skype’s products are offered to customers.
For example, while suitable alternatives may be developed in the
future, the current IP network does not enable Skype to identify
the geographic origin of the traffic traversing the Internet or
to provide detailed calling information about
computer-to-computer
communications, either of which may make complying with future
regulatory requirements, such as emergency service requirements,
difficult or impossible. If Skype were subject to regulations
that are costly or impossible for it to comply with given its
technology, its business would be adversely affected.
In many countries in which Skype operates or provides VoIP
products, the laws that may relate to its offerings are unclear.
We cannot be certain that Skype or its customers are currently
in full compliance with regulatory or other legal requirements
in all countries in which Skype is used, that Skype or its
customers will be able to comply with existing or future
requirements, or that Skype or its customers will continue in
full compliance with any requirements. Skype’s failure or
the failure of those with whom Skype transacts business to
comply with these requirements could materially adversely affect
our business, financial condition and results of operations.
New rules and regulations with respect to VoIP are being
considered in various countries around the world. Such new rules
and regulations could increase our costs of doing business or
prevent us from delivering our products and offerings over the
Internet, which could adversely affect Skype’s customer
base, and thus its revenue.
Our
businesses depend on continued and unimpeded access to the
Internet. Internet service providers may be able to block,
degrade, or charge us or our users additional fees for our
offerings.
Our customers rely on access to the Internet to use our products
and services. In many cases that access is provided by companies
that compete with at least some of our offerings, including
incumbent telephone companies, cable companies, mobile
communications companies, and large Internet service providers.
Some of these providers have stated that they may take measures
that could degrade, disrupt, or increase the cost of
customers’ use of Skype — and possibly our other
offerings — by restricting or prohibiting the use of
their lines for our offerings, by filtering, blocking or
delaying the packets containing the data associated with our
products, or by charging increased fees to us or our users for
use of their lines to provide our offerings. These activities
are technically feasible and may be permitted in the
U.S. after recent regulatory changes, including recent
decisions by the U.S. Supreme Court and Federal
Communications Commission. In addition, Internet service
providers could attempt to charge us each time our customers use
our offerings, or could charge us for delivery of email to our
customers. Worldwide, a number of companies have announced plans
to take such actions or are selling products designed to
facilitate such actions. Interference with our offerings or
higher charges for access to our offerings, whether paid by us
or by our customers, could cause us to lose existing customers,
impair our ability to attract new customers, and harm our
revenue and growth.
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