VoIP subscribers will now have the same level of access to the 911 emergency call system in the country as fixed lines standards with the new legislation sponsored by United States representative Bart Gordon. The bill, H. R. 3403, 911 Improvement Act, new and emerging technologies of 2008, was passed earlier this week and is expected to be signed into law by President George Bush by the end of the month.
There is currently a two-class system in terms of access to infrastructure Nations 911. standard telephone services and wireless providers typically have full access to the 911 traditional systems that route calls to the geographical nearest emergency services call center. VoIP providers have traditionally been held outside of this system. A call to 911 over a VoIP line is generally routed first to a central VoIP vendor managed call which will then route to emergency service operators located closer to the location of the caller.
The bill will eliminate the two-class system and give all Americans, whether on a line VoIP, standard phone line or wireless, the same access to emergency services . According to Gordon:
"When Americans dial 911 in an emergency, they expect the call will go through, whatever phone they use is why Congress has acted. that all Americans have access to 911 services on their wireless phones, and it's why we act now to ensure that all Americans have access to rescue 911 on their VOIP phones and other new technologies. "
Gordon legislation includes provisions to achieve the same level of access to all future forms of communication that may be mandated to grant users with access to services urgency and improved services used by the elderly and existing disabilities.
"This ensures consumers do not compromise their safety when they use new technologies such as services and service video and text based car-911 used by people with disabilities" said Gordon.
911 improvement Act, new and emerging technologies in 2008 also opens the door to vast improvements in the existing 911 system that would be based on the same technology that allows VoIP calls .
"Our 911 system uses technology and 30 years is simply not up to date," said Gordon. "National Emergencies as September 11 and Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed the 911 system and highlight why IP box-based system must be a priority."
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