Access to emergency services by dialing 911 is an essential element of public safety. The public is accustomed to the functionality of 911 calls to conventional phones. Consumer customers of Vonage, Skype and Google Voice and business customers of Hosted PBX, Hosted VoIP and virtual PBX using VoIP provider over Internet Protocol (VoIP), a very different technology is Voice. VoIP technology presents unique challenges and different functions in 911 call processing.
Do not expect VoIP 911 calls are just like traditional phone calls to 911th
Significant differences between VoIP and traditional 911 calls
1. traditional telephone calls to 911 to the point of public safety (PSAP), which is for a specific area to be sent. Normally, the local emergency call centers can automatically the number and location of the caller. Some VoIP providers can not access local emergency center or inappropriate they enter the administrative work that the emergency services can not be filled by the hour or by trained 911 operators answered ring.
2. VoIP calls to 911 can connect to the appropriate emergency call center, but do not automatically transfer the numbers and location.
3. Many VoIP providers allow their customers to their mobile phones in the car at any location with broadband Internet access has to move. update the customer has to assume the responsibility, the location information of the phone, not VoIP providers will be aware of the move.
4. traditional residential phone service can get their energy from the phone company. Business telephone systems get their power from central plants that may have an emergency power supply. 911 and other calls may fail on the VoIP service during a power failure, each device needed is to connect the IP phone to the Internet no power to save.
5. VoIP calls, including calls to 911 will fail if the Internet connection is overloaded.
6. VoIP 911 calls may be reviewed by a central VoIP-911, phone number and address before forwarding the call to go to the local emergency center.
7. VoIP phones can not call Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) can not exceed 911 call functions at all.
Although the differences between traditional and VoIP 911 calls may be frightening, it is not possible with these tips.
Tips for VoIP 911 calls
1. Select one or VoIP Hosted VoIP provider that routes 911 calls to their local center 911 or emergency services for your region.
2. Enter a physical address for the specific VoIP provider for each phone.
3. Do you know the procedure for updating the physical address and update quickly in the event of a change.
4. Install a backup power units to keep up with the Internet, the router (s) and VoIP phones work during a power outage.
5. Make a test call to 911 for a new cell phone or VoIP system after a change in the physical address.
6. Identify all the phone does not produce to the PSTN and can not 911 calls.
The FCC imposed 911 obligations on all providers of interconnected VoIP services in 2005. VoIP is a network of VoIP services over a broadband Internet connection, which connects to the PSTN or traditional phone network. The FCC rules, the VoIP providers offer 911 standard to the physical address of the customer before service activation and will provide an easy way to update the information. With FCC regulations and in accordance with the above tips will be 911 on VoIP phones for the emergency.