MagicJack Settles $5 Million FCC Investigation

The FCC said it has reached a $5 million settlement with VoIP phone provider magicJack for not reporting interstate revenues and contributing to the Universal Service Fund. 

The company also agreed to an extensive compliance plan.  

“Today’s settlement sends a strong message that we take seriously the requirements on VoIP service providers to meet their legal obligations,” said Chairman Ajit Pai. “I am glad we can resolve this long-standing investigation." 

Internet service providers don't have to contribute from their broadband revenues to the Universal Service Fund, but phone service providers, even if they use the internet to allow calls to and from traditional mobile phones and landlines, have to contribute to USF. 

The FCC pointed out that the company's service includes "traditional" phone services including caller ID, voicemail, call forwarding and 411 service.

John Eggerton

Contributing editor John Eggerton has been an editor and/or writer on media regulation, legislation and policy for over four decades, including covering the FCC, FTC, Congress, the major media trade associations, and the federal courts. In addition to Multichannel News and Broadcasting + Cable, his work has appeared in Radio World, TV Technology, TV Fax, This Week in Consumer Electronics, Variety and the Encyclopedia Britannica.