VoIP 911 Tips

Read these 6 VoIP 911 Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about VOIP tips and hundreds of other topics.

VoIP 911 Tips has been rated 2.9 out of 5 based on 67 ratings and 1 user reviews.
How do I know if my VOIP provider offers e911 services?

Make Sure You Know Your Provider's Ability to Deliver 911 Service

Before you choose a VOIP phone service, find out if they offer E911 phone service -- or any type of 911 phone service -- across their entire network. Since 2005, the FCC has required Internet phone companies to offer E (enhanced) 911 phone service, but many providers are still slow to deliver it completely. This can, of course, become a problem if you need to use a 911 phone service from your VOIP phone service, and it doesn't work or has a slow response.

   
How can I check to see if my VOIP 911 has bee enabled

Emergency Check? Dial 933

If you're a Vonage subscriber and you want to know if you've been connected to 911 service, don't dial 911. That will put through an actual 911 call, if the connection has been enabled. Instead dial 933. You will then receive a message telling you if your 911 service is live.

   
Do free VOIP providers offer 911 service?

No 911 with Free VOIP

One big reason why free VOIP services shouldn't be used as primary phones: 911 won't work. While commercial VOIP providers are required to provide 911 service and obtain an accurate physical address to give to 911 providers, free providers are not under the same requirements. So if you're considering free VOIP, make sure you have another service with a 911 connection.

   
Do 911 calls work with VOIP?

Make Sure to Provider Your Physical Location for 911 Calls

911 and VOIP haven't always worked well together. VOIP is a virtual service, unlike standard phone lines. So the traditional 911 system, which ID's the location from where the emergency call is being dialed, doesn't automatically work with VOIP. That's why the FCC is now requiring VOIP providers to include 911 service with all plans. So when your VOIP provider asks you for the accurate physical address of your connection, make sure to give to them. The provider will use this address for 911 responses.

   
What is my provider doing about VOIP 911 service?

How Do I Know What My Provider is Doing About 911?

If you want to know what your VOIP provider is doing about VOIP 911 service, check the web site http://www.voip911.gov. This site, maintained by the FCC, has a list of VOIP providers nationwide that have reported their progress implementing 911. If your provider has done anything about providing VOIP 911 service, you will find its report here.

   
Which provider offers the best 911 coverage?

Best VOIP 911 Coverage

If you're looking for a provider that offers solid VOIP 911 coverage, Vonage has the lead. According to PC World magazine, Vonage has been able to set up 85 percent of its customers in the US with working 911 service. Most of that remaining 15 percent is in areas served by AT&T as the regional phone provider and Vonage is currently negotiating with AT&T to provide 911 connectivity to those specific areas.

   
Not finding the advice and tips you need on this VOIP Tip Site? Request a Tip Now!


Guru Spotlight
PJ Campbell