New bill will improve VoIP 911 calling

Posted by Joe on February 28th, 2008

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A new bill approved by the senate this week would drastically improve the quality of 911 service provided to subscribers of Voice over IP telephone service by giving VoIP providers the same type of access to 911 calling infrastructure that traditional phone service providers have.

Enhanced 911 is not new and VoIP providers are already providing these services to the vast majority of their subscribers. However, in a small percentage of cases a 911 call made by a VoIP subscriber may be routed to some location other than their local emergency services department.
Vonage estimates that more than 98% of their current subscribers already have enhanced 911 access, but the new legislation helps make it easier for Vonage and other VoIP providers to provide service that is comparable and, in many ways, better than standard phone service.

We see this as a big win for both VoIP providers and their subscribers as it will ensure that the growing number of consumers that use VoIP services will always have the best possible emergency services available.

• New legislation gives all VoIP subscribers access to standard 911 services
• 3 tips for VoIP 911 calls
• T-Mobile launches discount VoIP service with a few big downsides
• Vonage makes customer support a top priority
• Court decision will keep Vonage subscriber fees low