Google, Intel and Microsoft have combined in an attempt to shape the future of the internet communications industry.

The companies have combined to form a lobby group in response to European Commission regulatory proposals forcing internet-enabled communications to comply with current telephone regulations, according to Telappliant.

Proposals include making emergency calls available on Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) technology, an idea subsequently backed by UK telecommunications regulator Ofcom, reports the news provider.

Stephen Collins, director of global governmental and regulatory affairs at Skype, told the website: "In order to unleash [internet communications'] vast benefits, policymakers need to embrace forward-thinking policy approaches."

He added that consumers and businesses could miss out on the full potential of the technology "if we automatically subject it to legacy telephone regulation."

The developments follow news last week that the VoIP industry is set to produce the highest job and wage growth of any industry in the years to 2012.



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