FCC to Rule on 911 VoIP Access
Industry analysts are expecting a ruling on Thursday from the Federal Communications Commission which could set firm rules on how VoIP phone services access the 911 system.
Several cases have already occurred where emergency assistance was delayed due to the system not routing calls correctly, or failing to work at all.
The FCC is expected to put a 120-day grace period in place to force traditional and internet phone providers to work together towards solutions or face possible sanctions.
"It's an aggressive time frame, but from a public policy standpoint it's understandable why the FCC is being aggressive," Carol Mattey of Deloitte & Touche told the Associated Press.
Vonage announced on May 4 a deal with Verizon to bring enhanced 911 services to customers within Verizon's service area.