FCC Pushes for VoIP 911 Regulation

The FCC plans to enter the discussion over 9-1-1 services for VoIP phones by pushing for regulations to ensure that customers are able to send location and callback information to emergency responders. The proposal, if ratified, would require compliance within four months.

Kevin Martin, chairman of the FCC, drafted the proposal so it could be voted on at the Commission's next meeting on May 19. There are three other commissioners on FCC board, so in order for the new policy to take effect, 3 out of 4 must agree.

Since the proposal is not public, representatives at the FCC have declined to comment.

The subject of 911 on VoIP phones has become a hot topic among politicians after several users of the services had difficulty reaching emergency responders.

Vonage on Tuesday was sued by the state of Connecticut over accusations that misled customers over its 911 capabilities. Today's deal could signal that the VoIP company is serious about fixing the issues that could prevent first responders from getting to Vonage customers in a timely manner. Texas has already sued the company, and the state of Michigan may also file suit shortly.

It is not clear exactly how the FCC plans ensure that VoIP providers have the right tools to make the service work correctly, or how the commission would force compliance. However, Vonage has already signed agreements with Verizon and Qwest to bring Enhanced-911 services to its subscribers.