"CALEA contains a provision that authorizes the Commission to deem an entity a telecommunications carrier if the Commission finds that such service is a replacement for a substantial portion of the local telephone exchange," read the statement.

But in calling them replacements, will VOIP providers soon be subject to other FCC telecom regulations?

The answer is "yes," according to Ron Cowles, research vice president at Gartner.

VOIP providers will be subject to certain rules and regulations "for the good of the public," said Cowles.

Although the Supreme Court found that the FCC has authority to deregulate (that is not regulate) Internet and VOIP providers, under Title 1 of the Communications Act, the Court also said that they can impose regulations in order to meet certain social obligation requirements.