* Guest writer Jim Cavanagh explains why E-911 is so vital for VoIP
One of the areas we’ve discussed with some degree of regularity in this column is the problem of E-911 compatibility with VoIP. As it turns out, one of our associates, Jim Cavanagh of the Consultant Registry, has spent much of the past couple of years dealing exclusively with this issue, so we’ve invited him to share some of his expertise in the next two newsletters.
In this newsletter, Jim starts with some background on why this has become such an important issue.
Jim says:
“While ‘911’ is among the most recognizable ‘brands’ in the world – right up there with Coke, Nike and Kleenex – no one really thinks much about 911 until an emergency occurs. In the traditional telephone network that was OK, because 911 was a basic service that was provided automatically with every phone. We knew 911 would be there if needed and rarely gave it a second thought. When VoIP entered the market the focus was initially on providing basic dial tone and then providing enhanced services. Because VoIP was considered a non-regulated service, it seemed common sense that VoIP providers could not be burdened with providing many of the extras that regulated providers were required to provide, including 911. This was a given amongst the VoIP providers, the FCC and even among early adopters of VoIP technology both in the enterprise and consumer markets. And then along came the Johns.
“The two pivotal events that changed the FCC’s approach to E-911 calling for VoIP providers occurred in Texas and Florida, and became the driving forces behind the FCC ruling in May requiring VoIP providers to provide a ‘no opt out’ E-911 dialing program for all VoIP subscribers.
“In February a pair of thieves broke into the home of Peter John in Houston, and shot Peter and his wife. As they lay in pools of blood their daughter dialed 911 on their VoIP phone only to get this message: ‘Stop. You must dial 911 from another telephone. 911 is not available from this telephone line. No emergency personnel will be dispatched.’ In March, Cheryl Waller of Deltona, Fla., dialed 911 on her VoIP phone to get help when her daughter, Julia, stopped breathing, but instead heard a recorded voice informing her that the sheriff’s department’s administrative offices were closed. The few seconds it took for Waller to run to a neighbor’s to get help may have cost Julia her life.
“The FCC’s action and subsequent focus on E-911 by VoIP providers will, hopefully, avoid repeats of these admittedly predictable situations.”
In the next newsletter, we’ll continue with Jim’s commentary. If you wish to communicate with Jim, please send e-mail to jpc@consultant-registry.com
