911

[Robert F. Stockdale IV]

How would that work with Skype, the free Voip program? There is no 
Service provider.
Bob

John Seth wrote:
> VoIP E911 service is a bit better now, thanks to the FCC raising hell 
> with VoIP providers.  The issue, originally, is that when you took your 
> VoIP phone somewhere, and called 911, you *might* have gotten a 
> non-emergency phone number to anywhere.  In other words, you ordered 
> service in Buffalo, NY and took your phone with you when you traveled to 
> Houston, TX.  You slip and fall and are in need of 911, so you call... 
> only to find out that the 911 number you called was actually redirected 
> to a non-essential phone number in Buffalo that no one is answering 
> since it's 2am. This issue happened too many times, many people died 
> since they themselves, or other people attempted to use VoIP phones for 
> 911... thus prompting the FCC to take action and require VoIP providers 
> to provide proper 911 services.
> 
> The FCC recently stepped in and said VoIP providers MUST provide a 
> proper 911 solution, or clearly state and repeat several times, and make 
> the customer sign a waiver stating 911 is not available.  Since people 
> wouldn't go for that, the typical response of VoIP providers is to ask 
> customers for the physical address of the VoIP phone system.  Then, they 
> send any 911 calls to the local 911 center WITH the details you 
> provide.  Here's the sticky part though....
> 
> If you pick up your VoIP phone and take it to Houston, you MUST update 
> your providers directory information, or else your 911 call WILL go to 
> the Buffalo address.  The information you give to your provider is sent 
> to the 911 call center, just the same as if your normal phone made the 
> call.
> 
> Having just moved to Phoenix, AZ ... I opted to buy my Cable TV, Cable 
> Internet and VoIP service in one package, thus sparing me of a landline 
> phone for $20 more per month.  I hope this clears up VoIP issues.  Also, 
> if your VoIP provider is sending your 911 calls to 
> non-essential/non-emergency phone numbers, report them... it is now 
> illegal to do so.
> 
>  -   Tony
> 
> 
> JJ Neff wrote:
> 
>> Vonage actually suggest you call 911 ONCE when you have VOIP to test 
>> that you
>> get routed and answered.
>>
>> JJN
>>
>> --- vlok stone <vlokstone at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>
>>  
>>
>>> That's what I thought. Never tried because I don't
>>> know the repercussions. Actually when you get no voice
>>> dsl they assign you a telephone number. Mine is
>>> ###-#### although when you call it says it's
>>> disconnected. So can you call 911 as a test
>>> or do they get really pissed if you do that?
>>>
>>> --- JJ Neff <jjneff at yahoo.com> wrote:
>>>
>>>    
>>>
>>>> Yes it goes to call center type solution and
>>>> depending on your situation this
>>>> may not be manned 24X7.  Since you can pick up your
>>>> VOIP device and plunk it
>>>> down in, say, Tucson AZ, tmrw they have no way to
>>>> tie your device to a
>>>> location, thus the manual address.
>>>> It also will not do enhanced 911 ( although VOnage
>>>> claims it is in the works)
>>>> where if you dial, your address automatically shows
>>>> up even if no one can
>>>> speak.
>>>>
>>>> These risks are VERY well documented and I do
>>>> believe a land line has to dial
>>>> 911 if it is connected - even if no active service
>>>> is enabled.  Folks with
>>>> serious medical concerns should definitely keep a
>>>> backup
>>>>
>>>> JJ
>>>>
>>>> --- Josh Johnson <joshj at linuxmail.org> wrote:
>>>>
>>>>      
>>>>
>>>>> I have vonnage. I'm not sure if it is required or mandatory for 
>>>>> them, but they have a 911 solution. You have to signup for it. Fill 
>>>>> out a form that gives your street address, etc (since they can't 
>>>>> trace your call to an address). Then when I call 911, my 
>>>>> understanding is that it doesn't go to an official 911 center, but 
>>>>> it goes somewhere where they can dispatch the appropriate 
>>>>> authorities and they will have my address. HTH
>>>>>
>>>>> -Josh
>>>>