Voice Over IP Articles

VoIP 911 Calls- One of the biggest concerns to people with VoIP is the ability to make VoIP 911 calls. VoIP 911 calls are very important and you should do your research to make sure you can make VoIP 911 calls. Here is our VoIP 911 calls tutorial.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service allows customers to make phone calls from computer-to-computer, phone-to-computer, computer-to-phone, or even phone-to-phone, using a computer connection instead of or in addition to the standard Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN). And in may cases, the add-ons and features of VoIP service have exceeded the features of PSTN service, including emails of voicemail messages, file transfer, and video calls. One element that is standard with PSTN service that is not yet available to all VoIP users, however, is full 911 service.

Beginning in June of 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took upon itself to impose the obligation of providing 911 service to customer on those who provide "interconnected" VoIP service. "Interconnected" service refers to VoIP that employs traditional phone numbers and a system that uses the PSTN, an Internet connection, generally employing an analog phone with an Analog Telephone Adapter (ATA), or a VoIP phone that connects either to a computer or Ethernet modem.

Pointing to the essential nature of the 911 service for public safety and emergency situations, the FCC said that it was absolutely necessary for the public to be able to place 911 calls, regardless of the type of phone service that they chose. Additionally, the FCC said that Enhanced 911 (E911), which automatically identifies a caller’s phone number and, most often, location, were also required.

The FCC requirement rolls out at the end of the summer of 2010, at which time VoIP, wireless, and wireline providers must change the way they handle the porting period for "simple ports," shortening it and bringing their practice into compliance with Local Number Portability (LNP) rules.

Even with the changes that the FCC is instituting, this does not mean that VoIP 911 service will work exactly the same was as PSTN 911 service. PSTN 911 calls usually connect with a Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP), a regional call center that is usually automatically enabled to identify your location so that emergency personnel can be directed to your aid, even if you cannot direct them. Additionally, they can identify the initiating phone number, so that they can call back, should the call become disconnected.

VoIP 911 calls may or may not connect to PSAP. Even if they do make the connection, they may not transmit either the location or the phone number information. Alternatively, VoIP customers may be able to ensure that their information is transmitted if they provide the information to their VoIP providers, but must keep it updated when their location changes. In addition, if the VoIP service fails to function, due to a power outage or network outage, 911 calls as well as all other calls will fail.

The protocols from this must change, according to the FCC guidelines:

•　911 service must become a standard, compulsory feature of the service.

•　911 service will not be open to customers’ choice (there will not be an opt-out alternative)

•　Prior to service being started, a new VoIP customer will be required to give a physical location at which the service will be initiated.

•　One or more straightforward methods of updating location must be made available by the VoIP service providers.

•　All 911 calls must be transmitted along with the location and callback number to the appropriate authority, either an emergency service provider or in the case that the provider cannot either receive or process the location or callback information to the PSAP.

•　Any limitations of 911 service must be explicitly and prominently detailed for both new and existing customers. In addition to any other way in which this information is communicated, it must be provided on labels meant to be placed on or near the equipment, and each customer must acknowledge the limitations.

VoIP subscribers should make sure of the current situation of their 911 service. They should also insure that anyone who will be dependent on their phone system, such as baby sitters, house guests, and visitors.

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