TELECOM Digest OnLine - Sorted: FCC Clarifies VOIP Disconnection Deadline

FCC Clarifies VOIP Disconnection Deadline

Associated Press News Wire (ap@telecom-digest.org)
Tue, 8 Nov 2005 12:03:15 -0600

The Federal Communications Commission won't require Internet phone
service providers to cut off customers who don't have reliable 911
emergency call service.

The agency in a notice issued late Monday said providers that have not
achieved full 911 compliance by Nov. 28, will not be forced to
discontinue such service to any existing customers.

At the same time, the FCC said it expected providers to discontinue
marketing Internet call service and accepting new customers in areas
where the companies are not routing 911 calls to emergency response
centers.

In May, the FCC ordered providers of Internet-based phone calls to
certify that their customers will be able to reach an emergency
dispatcher when they call 911. Dispatchers also must be able to
identify the caller's phone number and location.

The companies were given until late November to comply, and many
providers worried that they would be forced to disconnect customers
who didn't have full 911 service.

The FCC issued the order after a series of highly publicized incidents
in which Internet phone users were unable to connect with a live
emergency dispatch operator when calling 911.

On the Net:
Federal Communications Commission: http://www.fcc.gov

Copyright 2005 The Associated Press.

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