Federal Communications Commission makes 911 compulsory for VoIP

Federal Communications Commission makes 911 compulsory for VoIP

The FCC (Federal Communications Commission) has made it compulsory for the VoIP operators in the United States to provide the 911 service to all their customers. In addition, it also mandated for incumbent carriers to provide access to their 911 networks to Internet telephone companies. This includes access to other services like trunk lines, selective routers and 911 databases.

However, they have not clarified how this interconnection would take place and what rates can the carriers charge for these services. FCC Chairman Kevin Martin said in a statement: “By not dictating the technical means by which providers must come into compliance, we do not impose undue regulation on these services.”

VoIP has become quite popular in the recent times with services like Vonage going all out to promote the technology. However, they have also come under criticism in failing to provide their customers similar access to the 911 helpline.

FCC Chairman Kevin Martin added: “The requirement to provide access to 911 is about public safety. Because the commission previously found that the VoIP services at issue were interstate, the commission assumed the responsibility to ensure that basic public safety requirements are implemented and satisfied.”

They have also made it clear that VoIP providers must inform their new and existing customers of the 911 capabilities and limitations of their services.