MOST VOIP SUBSCRIBERS EXPECT TO HAVE E-911 BY NOV. 28

摘要

Despite complaints from many VoIP providers about the FCC’s aggressive mandate, the “vast majority” of 2.5 million VoIP subscribers will have E-911 service by the Nov. 28 deadline, VON Coalition said in a progress report. Of 12 major interconnected VoIP service providers surveyed, 42% estimate that 100% of their customers will have E-911 for their primary fixed location by Nov. 28, the study said. But it said there would be 750,000 mostly nomadic residential VoIP customers who will have access to only basic 911, not E-911, by the deadline. The survey said 42% of respondents expect to have to disconnect customers to comply with the FCC order. The Coalition urged the FCC not to require interconnected VoIP providers to disconnect customers. “VoIP should be treated like every other phone service where policymakers chose specifically not to shut off of a basic 911 service while E- 911 is being deployed,” VON Coalition said: “Shutting off service could undermine the important progress created by the FCC’s E-911 order.” nnChallenges cited by VoIP providers in adopting E-911 include: (1) No direct access to trunks, selective routers and E-911 databases. (2) A tough deadline. (3) Absence of an interim numbering administrator. (4) Lack of leverage for small companies negotiating with 3rd party 911 providers. (5) 911 gateway providers charging high prices. (6) Public safety answering point outreach. “Additional regulatory flexibility and time would facilitate the continued deployment of E-911,” the VON Coalition said. Survey respondents said VoIP offers other emergency benefits, beyond E-911, with 92% citing the ability to move a VoIP phone to another location in an emergency, 83% pointing out to the ability to use VoIP over any network and 75% citing the ability to speed the transition to an IP-based emergency network capable of emergency advances not available on today’s phone network.