The FCC is asking for comment on a new plan to make wireless phone numbers available to online voice providers. Such a plan would allow users of online service like Google Voice and Skype to call wireless phones directly. 

The FCC explains that today VOIP providers have to obtain numbers through traditional telephone companies acting as a middleman.  

"This can raise costs and slow introduction of innovative services, such as high-definition voice," the commission wrote in a statement. 

The FCC is seeking comment on whether interconnected VoIP providers should have direct access to numbers. 

In addition, the FCC is seeking comment on easing access for other services that require numbers, such as IP access to emergency services, home security systems, text messaging services, programmable appliances and telematics like hands-free cellular modems in automobiles.

To test a number of technical issues related to the proposals, FCC also launched a limited, six-month trial of direct access to numbers. 

Services like Vonage and other VoIP providers with pending direct-access waiver petitions at the commission will be allowed to test direct access for 5 percent or fewer of the numbers they currently access through intermediaries – phased in over 6 months – and a very limited amount of new numbers.  

The FCC say participants in the pilot will be required to report monthly on the progress of the trial, and can be required to return the numbers if problems arise.