ITSPA was formed in March 2004 as a trade association to represent UK-based network operators, service providers and other businesses involved with the supply of VoIP services to business and residential consumers within the United Kingdom and across the European Union.
 
Officially launched in December 2004, ITSPA aims to promote competition and self-regulation in order to encourage the development of a flourishing and innovative VoIP industry.
 
For more information, please see the links below or contact the ITSPA Secretariat

Given the rapid growth of the VoIP community in the UK and the many regulatory issues involved, ITSPA’s founding members realised the urgent need for a trade association to help promote and represent the interests of the industry. The ITSPA has therefore been set up to act as the representative voice of the industry to UK Government bodies such as the Department for Business Innovation and Skills, the Home Office and Ofcom, as well as to the European Commission and other European institutions. The association will also encourage the innovation and development of the Internet Telephony industry through the promotion of self-regulation and competition.

To assist with the increased adoption of VoIP, ITSPA has launched a database for UK and EU VoIP providers to list their products and services in one place. The ITSPA Directory will simplify searches and enable VoIP users to quickly find the product that suits their needs. It will also be a valuable tool for the industry who are looking for specific services.

The database was launched at the ITSPA HD Voice Workshop on the 27th April and will include sections on residential and business VoIP services as well as specific trade resources. Businesses providing VoIP services in the UK and EU can register their services here: http://directory.itspa.org.uk.

ITSPA Chairman Eli Katz said: “ITSPA has responded to the increasing diversity of products and services entering the VoIP market, by creating a place for customers to find their ideal VoIP product or service. The aim is to develop the Directory so that it becomes a first port of call for both businesses and individuals. The continued switchover to IP communications will continue to gather pace over the next few years and the Directory will help provide suitable guidance for those looking for alternative services”.

The Directory was developed as part of ITSPA’s ongoing efforts to enhance consumer understanding and follows on from the launch of the ITSPA Quality Mark in December 2008. A number of ITSPA members have now signed up for the ITSPA Quality Mark, which has been supported by Ofcom as positive step forward in championing industry best practice. An FAQ section within the Directory and the ITSPA website has also been developed. The aim is to help provide further information for consumers wishing to choose a VoIP service and also for service providers to develop and improve their own customer service.

Eli Katz said: “ITSPA is proud of all the work it has undertaken to drive up standards in the industry and we will continue to find new ways to help both consumers and the industry navigate the VoIP market.”

The ITSPA Directory is being co-sponsored by two ITSPA members: Magrathea and Coms.com

For more information or for membership enquiries contact admin@itspa.org.uk or go to http://www.itspa.org.uk