Voice Over internet Phone (VoIP)
What is a VoIP phone?
A VoIP phone is a telephone system uses a digital format to transmit audio over the Internet. This is not a standard telephone setup. A VoIP phone does not use telephone lines to make phone calls. Instead it uses the internet to connect phone calls.
Problems with 911 and VoIP's
- VoIP 911 calls may not connect to the 911 center or may ring to the administrative lines of the 911 center.
- VoIP 911 calls may ring in to the 911 center but may not relay the correct phone number and address.
- VoIP 911 calls may send 911 calls to the 911 center in the area where you previously lived. If you lived in Washington when you got the phone but moved to Texas, when you call 911 it may send the call to the 911 center in Washington.
What to do if you have VoIP service
- Have your current address ready and available when calling 911.
- Update your address with your VoIP service provider. Know what the provider’s procedures are to change your address.
- Inform anyone in your house of the limitations of your service. This should include children, guests and babysitters.
Cell Phones
Accidental 911 calls tie up the phone lines in the wireless carrier’s networks in the 911 system, which could block real emergency calls from getting through. Accidental calls also tie up the 911 call takers, so they are not available to answer other 911 calls.
Preventing accidental 911 calls will be even more critical when our 911 Center implements FCC Phase 2 wireless service, and is able to determine the location of the caller. With location information available a law enforcement officer will be sent to find the caller. Early 2004 is the target for the FCC Phase 2 feature.
Preventing accidental 911 calls will be even more critical when our 911 Center implements FCC Phase 2 wireless service, and is able to determine the location of the caller. With location information available a law enforcement officer will be sent to find the caller. Early 2004 is the target for the FCC Phase 2 feature.
- LOCK your keypad
- TURN OFF the 911 auto dial feature (not all wireless phones have this feature)
- DO NOT program 911 into the speed dial
Each month, over 200 Wireless 911 calls for service are received by Pacific County Communications. “Cell phones” have proven to be an invaluable tool for help when an emergency arises. Quick access to 911 services is one of the most common reasons why people choose to purchase a wireless phone.
This service, while crucial, has created a growing problem within the E911 community. Wireless phones can easily dial 911 on their own, without the phone’s owner being aware that the 911 call has been made.
It’s estimated that accidental dialing causes over 30% of the wireless 911 calls in Pacific County. Accidental 911 calls are made when the phone is put in a pocket or purse, and gets bumped. Some adults give old wireless phones to children as toys. Phones with no wireless service can still dial 911, and 911 calls from children playing with a phone are not uncommon.
Pacific County Communications is asking for the public’s help in reducing the number of accidental 911 calls from wireless phones. Each person who owns a wireless phone can do their part to help solve this problem by following 3 easy steps.
This service, while crucial, has created a growing problem within the E911 community. Wireless phones can easily dial 911 on their own, without the phone’s owner being aware that the 911 call has been made.
It’s estimated that accidental dialing causes over 30% of the wireless 911 calls in Pacific County. Accidental 911 calls are made when the phone is put in a pocket or purse, and gets bumped. Some adults give old wireless phones to children as toys. Phones with no wireless service can still dial 911, and 911 calls from children playing with a phone are not uncommon.
Pacific County Communications is asking for the public’s help in reducing the number of accidental 911 calls from wireless phones. Each person who owns a wireless phone can do their part to help solve this problem by following 3 easy steps.
