SolveYourProblem
eLearning Series
VoIP (Voice
over Internet Protocol)
VoIP
and Enhanced 911
by Jeff Cohen
VoIP
and 911 - are we applying old methods to new technology?
The basic infrastructure of the 911 system relates to the
fact that every home has a standard landline, and that phone
line can be traced to produce an accurate address. This makes
the 911 system “traceable” and is even deployed in the “reverse
911 system”.
Because
VoIP technology exists by sending “Packets” or units of information
as data signals over the Internet, and because many Internet
connections are mobile and high speed Internet can be wireless
or through a cable modem, the technology to “trace”
a computer’s location to determine an address in the case
of a 911 emergency just isn’t reliable.
As
the market for VoIP continues to grow daily, the issue of
VoIP users and 911 has been of prime importance. The main
question is, “Where does VoIP fit in with Basic 911?” The
system of emergency management has undergone many changes
over the years but has finally evolved to a very thorough
system providing quick and timely response in the case of
an emergency. When a person calls 911 from a standard telephone,
they are immediately transferred to a Public Safety Answering
Point Dispatcher. The dispatcher has the capabilities of
seeing your phone number and location when you call.
Many
mobile service providers have already established the Enhanced
911 or E911 program. This program connects to
the Public Safety Answering Point and displays the caller’s
location.
Because
VoIP is technically not a “phone service”, VoIP has not been
incorporated into the 911 systems. Unfortunately, there have
already been serious tragedies and consequences stemming
from VoIP users not having functional access to the 911 systems.
For
many, the use of 911 may be a call, and then the Public Safety
Answering Point tracing their location. With VoIP users,
this isn’t an option.
For
VoIP the relationship with 911 is a strained and complicated
one. The FCC has imposed new regulations that
VoIP service providers need to comply with Emergency 911
regulations, but the problem is deeper than just a matter
of compliance. The problem extends to the fact that the
very infrastructures of VoIP and PSTN networks vary.
For
instance, when someone is on a VoIP network and dials
911, there is no way to “trace the line” and receive an accurate
location. If someone calls 911 from a VoIP network,
and then drops the phone, the call simply will not be traced.
There are some steps that VoIP service providers have enacted
to help address the problem, but the simple point remains,
that IP addresses can not be traced during a 911 call to
report an exact location.
When
you first sign up with your VoIP service provider, the
issue of 911 will be addressed. The FCC has enacted
regulations to address this problem and the first step
the FCC has taken is to make sure that all VoIP service
providers have their customers sign a “waiver” or statement
that they understand that their 911 services may be impacted
due to VoIP.
Some
service providers do not offer 911 calling, some do, and
some will require the customer to register for 911 services.
For VoIP providers that do not offer any 911 services, it
would be a wise choice to keep a landline phone connected
to your house.
Hopefully,
if the FCC and VoIP service providers do not come to a permanent
solution, they could readdress the issue of PSTN and 911.
As it is now, you cannot purchase a landline phone for the
sole purpose of having access to 911. You must have basic
telephone services as well. Possibly, they could create special
911 lines dedicated solely to the enabling of all residences
having 911. Until then, you do have a few options.
If
your service provider does have 911, if you have an emergency,
the first thing that you will need to do, is speak clearly,
and give the operator your location, address, and name. The
Public Safety Answering Point Dispatcher will not have
any of your information in front of her. You can see, that
this could be a disastrous problem if you were out somewhere
without knowing your location. Another solution is to keep
your cell phone on you for the sole purpose of utilizing
911.
Your
VoIP service provider may require you to register your information
with 911. Always double check with your service provider
to see if your 911 services require activation. Unfortunately,
there have been cases of people not activating their 911,
and in a time of crisis, when they tried to call, they were
met with a recorded greeting.
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