Source: voipcentral.org

The House panel has approved the debatable Bill that allows VoIP providers direct access to nations existing E911 system. It means the VoIP companies will soon answer emergency calls from customers without depending upon the third parities. The move comes in the backdrop of sharp criticism from the telephone companies and mobile operators.

The House Energy and Commerce Committee has approved the 911 Modernization and Public Safety Act on October 10, 2007 ensuring VoIP customers to reach 911 operators during critical times. The Bill provides VoIP providers same liability protections as enjoyed by telephone service providers.

The Bill was introduced by Barton Jennings Gordon last month. He pointed out that,

When Americans dial 911, they expect the call will go through regardless of what technology they use to place the call. But thats not always the case. Roughly 98 million Americans live in areas where Internet phone providers do not have access to the 911 network.

The Bill will be tabled in the full Energy and Commerce Committee.

Via: eWeek

Source: voipcentral.org

Barton Jennings Gordon has tabled a fresh 911 Bill that encourages VOIP providers direct access to the 911 system and large scale deployment of emergency 911 services for the customers.

The Bill, better known as 911 Modernization and Public Safety Act (H.R. 3403), is aimed at providing VoIP players fully access to the components of the 911 infrastructure, which they require to route emergency calls.

In a statement, Gordon said,

We saw how our emergency communications systems collapsed in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks and after Hurricane Katrina. We need a more robust and reliable system that will be available to those who are facing a life-or-death emergency.

He added,

When Americans dial 911, they expect the call will go through regardless of what technology they use to place the call. But that’s not always the case. Roughly 98 million Americans live in areas where Internet phone providers do not have access to the 911 network.

Interestingly, the telephone companies have some reservations on the VoIP 911 bill on the ground that it concedes too much for VoIP players. They demand for an amendment to the Bill stating that the Bill enables VoIP providers more access to 911 infrastructure than wireless carriers possess.

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