VoIP Companies to Defy FCC E911 Ruling

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5:10 am on December 3, 2005 | Category: Business, VoIP, Regulation

A number of VoIP telephony providers have said that they will continue to market their services in areas that are not yet completely covered by enhanced 911 emergency access.

This decision is in direct opposition to a ruling by the FCC that providers are forbidden to market VoIP in many rural areas that aren’t equipped with E911. By failing to comply, the companies could risk heavy regulatory fines from the government.

It is quite likely, however, that these fines won’t be enforced right away. Many analysts are now predicting that the FCC won’t be too strict with VoIP companies, as long as they are informing the uncovered customers of their situation, and are working towards a more comprehensive E911 solution.

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Future FCC action aside, VOIP Providers that continue to market to customers after 11/28 in violation of federal law subject themselves to huge civil liability. Simply put, if another baby dies because a parent can’t get 911 on their VoIP phone — that VoIP provider will have no defense that it knew it was in violation of federal law and continued to market their service. VoIP providers that choose that course of action spin the wheel on their future or better have good lawyers. Good Luck!

Comment by Jason Askin — December 3, 2005 #
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VoIP telephony cos set to defy FCC on E911 issue

Defying the FCC, a handful of VoIP telephony providers have said that they will continue to market their services in areas that are not yet completely covered by enhanced 911 emergency accesses.

The FCC earlier had forbidden VoIP service providers t…

Trackback by VOIP Blog — December 4, 2005 #