VoIP and 911
Service
Depending on the services offered by
VoIP companies you may find yourself without being able to contact emergency
services. Due to this Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services have
taken action in trying to resolve this problem. The FCC has also taken steps
to resolve this issue by imposing Enhanced 911 (E911) obligations on VoIP
service providers to “interconnect” their services. E911 systems
automatically provide a 911 caller’s call back number, and in most cases,
location information to emergency service personnel.
What is interconnected VoIP service? Interconnected VoIP service allows you
to make and receive phone calls to and from normal phone numbers with the
use of a broadband Internet connection. VoIP services can replace the
traditional phone service.
911 Challenges of VoIP Service
Because technology is changing it is now possible to move from a traditional
phone to being able to take your home or business phone service almost
anywhere. Because VoIP services can be used from almost any area where you
can get a Internet broadband connection, the location of the person making
the call can’t automatically be determined. Unlike with a traditional phone
line where a particular phone number is associated with a fixed address. The
following is some examples of problems consumers have had with VoIP services
when it comes to dialing 911 services.
-
VoIP service did not
connect.
-
VoIP service rang to
the administrative line of the public safety answering point, which is not
often staffed after hours, and is usually not staffed by trained 911
operators.
-
VoIP service rang to
the correct 911 operator but did not provide them with the location or
telephone number from which the person was calling.
In order to be provided with 911 service with your
VoIP provider you may have to give certain information such as location
information in order for the VoIP provider to set up 911 service. If you
fail to do so your service may not give you the results you expect when
dialing 911. |
|
Back
Top of Page
  |
|
