Despite all the good that VoIP brings, dialing 911 using IP is still a topic that not everyone understands. Still, it’s true that landlines are more reliable in a 911 situation versus mobile phones since the latter won’t always get routed to the closest dispatch center. Seconds could mean a life saved. Of course, if the situation doesn’t allow, getting to a dispatch is better than not at all.
It’s a bit different for E911, or enhanced 911, which is what emergency calls are referred to in regards to VoIP. E911 sets a series of demands that let the telephone company connect the number from which the call was placed to a database of current location information.
The National 911 Education Coalition has a checklist of items to think over should the occasion arise when a 911 call must be made. First and foremost, always know your location, especially in an E911 situation where a PBX (News - Alert) may not properly report a location. Knowing where to send first responders is a key piece of information to getting help in a flash.
If you are considering going VoIP, then ask your provider about e911 (News - Alert) services. If you have e911 when you dial 911 your telephone number and location are automatically sent to the 911 operator during the call.
Local municipalities may have checklists available for users of VoIP who are unsure about using their e911 services.
In Kent, WA, the limitations for using VoIP to call emergency services are a rare misdirected call, or a power outage that may prevent computers from working to make a VoIP call.
The FCC (News - Alert) has mandated that all new VoIP phone service providers offer E911.
While most times E911 for interconnected VoIP is every bit as reliable as 911 over your landline phone, there have been instances where calls were misrouted and never reached the PASP. In other cases, they reached the PASP administrative desk, where there was no answer after business hours.
The FCC has also introduced other laws to protect users of fully interconnected VoIP. Some key points:
- Customers may not "opt out" of E911 service;
- VoIP providers must obtain the physical location where the service will primarily be used, and that information must be passed on to emergency services personnel;
- Providers must offer an easy way for VoIP users to update their physical location following a move;
- Providers must inform customers of the potential limitations of E911 on fully interconnected VoIP lines.
In summation, always check with your provider and be familiar with the e911 protocols so you are prepared in the event of an emergency.
Edited by Rory J. Thompson