The plans were apparently revealed in a letter sent by Nancy Victor, Assistant Secretary of Commerce, to the State Department. Specifically, the Department of Commerce said it will support an electronic numbering system known as ENUM, which will enable users to specify a single identifier for their telephone numbers, e-mail and instant messaging communications, and fax and mobile phone numbers, Reuters reports.
ENUM, also known as E.164.apra, "translates" phone numbers into a series of URLs or e-mail addresses and vice versa. Internet browsers or advanced telephone devices can automate this process.
The standard also allows consumers to make telephone calls through the internet, facilitating internet access through telephones, which have an input mechanism limited to 12 keys on a keypad.
The US Department of Commerce reportedly said that the country should endorse the effort provided that privacy and security issues are addressed, and that it would co-operate with the Federal Communications Commission to set up the necessary network infrastructure.
More information about ENUM is available at: www.enum.org/
