Many VoIP Firms Still Not E911-Complient After FCC Deadline Passed

Even after the deadline set by the FCC for VoIP companies to provide full E911-complience for their customers has passed, yet many VoIP providers still do not offer this service.

The E911 regulations require that the caller’s telephone number and location at the time of calling be made known to the Public Safety Answering Point. Current legislation in the United States bans any VoIP providers from entering a contract to provide VoIP to any new customers in areas where they have not been able to instigate E911-complience. Customers who already use VoIP in an area not meeting E911 service levels are still able to continue using their VoIP phones, at the risk of being unable to contact the emergency services.

The situation between VoIP providers such as Vonage and the FCC is fluid, with the FCC reviewing documents submitted by providers. Meanwhile Vonage and other providers are continuing their efforts to gain new subscribers.