June 2006
Why VoIP won't always work in emergencies
VoIP is different from traditional landline phone service because it requires both a broadband Internet connection and AC electrical power. If your electricity goes out or your Internet connection fails, you will lose your VoIP connection as well.
Also unlike landline service, there is no way to automatically locate the address of a VoIP phone number when someone calls 911. For that reason the Federal Communications Commission now requires VoIP providers to supply their customers' phone numbers and addresses to 911 emergency operators. VoIP customers must give their provider a complete address (street address, apartment number, etc.). Emergency operators also must have the enhanced technology known as E911 to read the address when a VoIP user calls. This technology is now common in most cities and suburbs but still not fully deployed in rural areas.
If you take your VoIP phone to another location, such as on vacation, you will need to update your address for emergency purposes. Otherwise, a call to 911 could have an ambulance showing up at your home, even if you're hundreds of miles away.
VoIP is different from traditional landline phone service because it requires both a broadband Internet connection and AC electrical power. If your electricity goes out or your Internet connection fails, you will lose your VoIP connection as well.
Also unlike landline service, there is no way to automatically locate the address of a VoIP phone number when someone calls 911. For that reason the Federal Communications Commission now requires VoIP providers to supply their customers' phone numbers and addresses to 911 emergency operators. VoIP customers must give their provider a complete address (street address, apartment number, etc.). Emergency operators also must have the enhanced technology known as E911 to read the address when a VoIP user calls. This technology is now common in most cities and suburbs but still not fully deployed in rural areas.
If you take your VoIP phone to another location, such as on vacation, you will need to update your address for emergency purposes. Otherwise, a call to 911 could have an ambulance showing up at your home, even if you're hundreds of miles away.
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