The bill also requires that the large telecom carriers that own the 911 networks allow VOIP providers to be able to connect to the networks, and it requires the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration to put together a plan for a national IP-based emergency dialing network that can handle video and data traffic.
Independent VOIP providers including Vonage have complained that some large carriers have blocked access to 911 networks, or that some emergency dispatch centers have balked because of concerns over legal liability if VOIP 911 calls fail. Vonage in April expressed support for a similar bill, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, which is pending action in the U.S. Senate.
About 2 percent of Vonage's customers still lack access to E-911 service, even though the U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted in May 2005 to require it from most VOIP providers.
Thanks Andrew! I really hope Enhanced 911 becomes the absolute standard very soon.
Posted by: Easton Ellsworth | November 20, 2007 11:25 AM | Permalink to Comment