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VOIP in Public-Safety Showdown

<<<... Regardless of the reason for the delays, the FCC has become increasingly concerned that consumers are replacing their traditional phones with VOIP devices -- without understanding the implications for emergency services. In late March, Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed a lawsuit against leading VOIP provider Vonage after a Houston family subscribing to Vonage tried to call 911 during a home invasion. Two victims were shot multiple times, but the victims' daughter apparently was never able to get through to 911.

Although the shooting victims survived the incident, Abbott charges that Vonage should have disclosed its alleged 911 shortcomings. "The lawsuits have started flying," said William Stofega, IDC's research manager for VOIP services. "The FCC is saying 'enough already. Let's treat this as a mature service.' I would expect pretty clear guidelines on what VOIP carriers need to do." VOIP providers insist they are not against providing 911 support, but they have balked at requirements that might increase their costs and give rival Bell operating companies a choke point to slow or prevent their entry into the market. Rich Tehrani, chairman of the Internet Telephony Conference, said that the VOIP industry generally supports the concept of offering 911 capabilities but has urged extreme caution.

"I support any initiative that may save lives and keep human beings safe," Tehrani said. "On the other hand, I am concerned that regulation may make it difficult to provide inexpensive VOIP service." Tehrani said the industry is pretty much holding its breath in anticipation of Thursday's action. "Depending on how drastic the FCC rules are, it may be impossible to comply in the short term," he said. "Some providers may not be able to afford to comply." Vonage spokesman Chris Murray said much will hinge on the incumbent local exchange carriers, or LECs, that control access to the 911 switching centers -- known as public-safety answering points, or PSAPs. more>>>