A lawsuit filed by the Texas attorney general against Vonage — which claims the company misled VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) customers about 911 emergency service — brings up one of the problems with emerging
telecommunications technology. Customers must register for 911 service as a separate step during their registration process. According to Texas A.G. Greg Abbott, that means it is misleading to claim VoIP service replicates traditional phone service.
The failure of carriers to educate subscribers about 911 service and VoIP is making news because of the Texas lawsuit, but what about educating wireless users and the E911 location capability mentioned? Wireless carriers and public safety organizations do very little to inform thier users about the fact that in too many areas E911 has not been made available, either by the carrier or by the public safety entity. Even when enabled, the mandated location of hundreds of feet, or even meters, is far less specific than the wireline termination point. So, the same lesson applies: If you want to be sure, dial 911 from the nearest land line. Otherwise, be prepared to tell the emergency operator precisely where you are!
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VoIP Creates Problems for Using 911
Posted by: Susan B. Shor March 23, 2005 01:22 PMA lawsuit filed by the Texas attorney general against Vonage — which claims the company misled VoIP (voice over Internet protocol) customers about 911 emergency service — brings up one of the problems with emerging
telecommunications technology. Customers must register for 911 service as a separate step during their registration process. According to Texas A.G. Greg Abbott, that means it is misleading to claim VoIP service replicates traditional phone service.
So, the same lesson applies: If you want to be sure, dial 911 from the nearest land line. Otherwise, be prepared to tell the emergency operator precisely where you are!