911 bill passes House

The House of Representatives has passed a bill requiring large telcos to connect VoIP providers to the carrier's 911 emergency networks. VoIP  providers will also have to offer enhanced 911, or E-911 services, which pinpoints the caller's location. The 911 Modernization and Public Safety Act also requires the U.S. National Telecommunications and Information Administration to establish a national IP-based emergency dialing network for both video and data.

During the California wildfires last month, a number of VoIP users complained they did not get emergency evacuation calls because unlike traditional phone users, their numbers were not handed over to the emergency services. About 98 million U.S. residents live in areas where VoIP providers don't have access to 911 networks, according to Representative Bart Gordon (D-Tenn).

More Reports:
- Houses passes Bill to streamline VoIP 911 Report

Related Articles:
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- 911 from the public safety angle Report