How soon for e911 + Very Helpful first call to support.

Posts: 482 · Posted: Thu Feb 17, 2005 9:28 pm Post subject:

Thanks for everyone telling me what to do. I've not told anyone else what to do, of course...my concerns must not be valid.

If you want to jump on someone who is negative about Vonage, there are plenty to be found here. I am not one of them. I've not said a single negative thing about Vonage in this thread or anywhere. I never said I can't sleep at night. I never said Vonage is bad or unreliable or anything else. I clearly said the e911 issue isn't Vonage's fault, and that there are alternatives, and I am exploring them. I'm not the only one who is a little uneasy about the way 911 works with Vonage. I'm not even the one who started this thread.

As a husband and father, I have a duty to make sure I don't make a mistake that might have awful consequences. Why do you people keep jumping on me for that? Why can't someone just say "hey, I disagree but I understand your concerns, maybe Vonage isn't for you?"

I absolutely love the service and I still think there's a way for my family to use Vonage and also alleviate my and my wife's concerns. But that's a decision we have to be comfortable with, and despite being told what to do, we'll do what we think it right for our family. Anyone who has issues with that or another smart comeback has a problem.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 18, 2005 Posts: 3

Wow. Lot of emails on this. I just joined Vonage and had a question that I don't think was answered in the string of emails. I live in California and Vonage tells me that if I call 911, they will know my address (so long as I register). Based on your emails, this statement may be false. Can someone help?

Thanks

Posts: 427 · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 2:40 am Post subject:

To my knowledge, E911 (where your physical address) is displayed to the answering agency (PSAP) is only in RI at this time. Beta testing is being preformed.

I have read posts that states E911 will soon be available in other areas. (Define soon).

So, for the moment, and subject to correction, E911 is not available in California, at this time.

Posts: 482 · Posted: Fri Feb 18, 2005 7:21 am Post subject:

vchavan,

Registering your address with Vonage for 911 only determines which local number they connect you to when you dial 911. Unless you live in Rhode Island, your information does not pop up on the operator's screen when you dial 911 from Vonage. If you haven't already, read this thread from the beginning. When you dial 911 from Vonage, they're basically just forwarding your call to a local seven-digit number, but for most people, they do end up getting connected to a real emergency response number.

Also realize that Vonage isn't trying to hide anything about the way it currently works. They make the differences very clear and specifically warn you that calling 911 from a Vonage phone is not the same as traditional 911 service from a POTS line.

Posts: 3 · New Forum Member Joined: Feb 18, 2005 Posts: 3

Thanks for the replies gentlemen. Answers my questions. Unfortunately this is a concern for me (but I won't voice my reasons as I might get my head chewed off!!!).

I guess I have to call Vonage to find out how soon California will change.

Thanks everyone

Posts: 5 · New Forum Member Joined: Jun 08, 2004 Posts: 5

OoTLink wrote:

There's an idea -- put the number on speed dial Wink

I agree. I simply have my local 7-digit emergency numbers programmed into my speed dial.

My only concern from here is that my address doesn't get displayed on Emergency's call display.

I contacted the police department to see if there is a "central telephone number registry" so that I could register my number with them, but there isn't. Maybe this differs by city.

Maybe if I listed my telly with the phone book company, that would make my address show up?

Does anyone have experience with this?

Posts: 482 · Posted: Mon Mar 14, 2005 1:04 pm Post subject:

Alikatu,

It the answer was simple, I would gladly give it to you, but this one is pretty involved. However, all the information on how e911 works, what databases they are pulling from, etc. has been posted here in this forum already and if you search, you'll find plenty of it.

You are on the wrong track with your thinking, though. The e911 systems don't have anything to do with caller id, and if it was a simple as adding your address to a database, Vonage would be offering that service.

Posts: 1 · New Forum Member Joined: Apr 04, 2005 Posts: 1

Reading the press releases for the E911 rollout in RI, and reading between the lines, I have to say it sounds like a one-off (hack). Also I don't expect e911 across the board from Vonage in the next few months.

I sympathize with SBC's statement in their letter that they don't want to test a different solution for each VOIP provider, although I'm not niave enough to think they're in any hurry to see voip e911 across the board. I'm sure they're relishing their (last?) advantage.

The question I have is, how does p acket8 supply e911, when Vonage seems to be willing but unable? What is it about their solution that vonage can't emulate?

Posts: 44 · Full Forum Member Joined: Jan 21, 2005 Posts: 44

Holy cow. I knew the limitations of Vonage's 911 service, but I ASSUMED it was a similar problem among all VOIP companies. WRONG. Reading the E911 Statements at other VOIP companies' websites shocks me. If others can do it, why can't Vonage???

I see others may charge for it, $10 activation and $1.50/month. I'll pay it. Vonage, please give us the option to sign up for e911 soon!