Source: andyabramson.blogs.com

It is with the most profound sadness that I have to report the the untimely passing of Russell Shaw, a blogger, journalist and friend.

Russell passed away suddenly in his hotel room in San Jose Thursday night or early Friday morning. According to his girlfriend whom I spoke with after being advised of Russell’s unexpected death by CNET Editor in Chief, Dan Farber just moments ago.

Russell was best known for his BlackBerry blog that he was often the most proud of and his work with ZD Net where he blogged on all things Telecom.

According to Ellen, Russell had been suffering a very bad cold for a few days and been traveling across the USA. She spoke to him the night before and they were discussing how he could return back to Portland. He was found by the hotel housekeeper when he didn’t answer his door after check out time on Friday, having traveled to Silcon Valley to attend eComm.

I know all of us in the VoIP world will miss his style, wit and friendly manner.

Rest In Peace, Russell, from all of us.

Update: Dan Farber, Editor in Chief of CNET, and Russell’s former editor at ZD-Net adds his thoughts.

Source: voipcentral.org

Russell Shaw of ZDNet claims, he has received an e-mail from Verizon which states that the company will stop providing 911 services from first of next month.

The email reads,

Effective on or about April 1, Verizon Web Calling will no longer connect calls to emergency services providers. Calls to 911 and other emergency service numbers will not be completed.

Russell Shaw says that the mail has been sent to him from support@verizon.com.

However, we should not read too much of the mail, since there is no official announcement from the company. After all, dropping E911 service by established player like Verizon, will badly affect the VoIP service in America.