OK to test 911?

Posts: 47 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:42 pm Post subject: OK to test 911?

I live in Minnesota and have activated my 911 "service." I just read a frightening article in USA today "Net-based 911 fight puts lives on line"
http://www.usatoday.com/tech/news/2005-02-28-voip-usat_x.htm and am a bit worried about who - if anyone I'll get if I need to call 911. I read on Vonage's site that "Minnesota's residents are enouraged to test their 911 service after activating it." So, should I call? If I do and I reach someone - what should I say? I don't want them thinking it's a prank call.

Can anyone give me some advice here?

Thanks!!
Jerry

Posts: 318 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 8:54 pm Post subject:

You can test...

Just tell the operator you are testing your 911 service. Tell them you are using a VoIP service provider. And ask if you have the right number.

Remember...the 911 Vonage uses is not the same as your telco gives you. The 911 dispatch center they connect you to will not automotically have your address information.

I hear "real" or E911 service is scheduled to come to Vonage soon (hopefully).

Good luck.

Posts: 47 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:17 pm Post subject:

I thought by "activating" my 911 service - it registers my number with the address I provided. No?

Posts: 47 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 9:23 pm Post subject:

It really erks me that the Bells are the ones keeping 911 service from the VoIP's. According to the article in USA Today - the Bells are not allowing VoIP's like Vonage access to their 911 directories because of competition - although the phone co's say it's because VoIP isn't a regulated service and they shouldn't have to allow access to Vonage and other companies. GEESH! This is an EMERGENCY number and the phone companies are being all whiney about it. Also according to the article, legislation that requires the phone companies to allow VoIP's access to their 911 directories won't happen until next year. UGH!

Anyway - I still love Vonage.

Posts: 318 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:17 pm Post subject:

When you input your address for Vonage to enable 911 service, you are just telling Vonage where to route the 911 calls. They verify your address and then set up your service to route to the local emergency center when you dial 911.

http://www.vonage.com/help_knowledgeBase_article.php?article=394&category=0

Posts: 47 · Posted: Tue Mar 01, 2005 10:21 pm Post subject:

ahhh..ok thanks for the clarification Smile

Posts: 30 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: Jan 28, 2005 Posts: 30

Any word on this " Vonage is working aggressively to provide this solution in additional states before the end of 2004." regarding e911?

Posts: 66 · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 7:45 am Post subject:

I tested my 911 service about a two weeks ago just to satisfy my curiosity after hearing about the Houston ordeal. I reached my local emergency services desk with no problem. I also learned that the Houston incident was with a family that has Vonage service, but the 911 service activation was never initiated by the customer to Vonage. Vonage makes it crystal clear with red boldface font that you do not have 911 service until you activate it with them. Conveniently, the TV reporters and the rest of the media failed to mention that. Wink

Posts: 482 · Posted: Wed Mar 02, 2005 9:52 am Post subject:

LouisB_TX wrote:

Conveniently, the TV reporters and the rest of the media failed to mention that. Wink

It was mentioned twice in the USA Today article linked in this thread.

Vonage's 911 offering is no better than dialing the 7-digit number yourself. They don't get your address, and you could wait on hold indefinitely during periods of high 911 call volume. Maybe not a big deal for some, but a bigger deal for others.

I'd gladly pay extra for true 911 service. In fact, when Comcast rolls out their VoIP, I'll pay the $40 for it if Vonage hasn't been able to provide e911 in my area by then.

Posts: 36 · Vonage Forum Junior Joined: Feb 24, 2005 Posts: 36

LouisB_TX wrote:

Vonage makes it crystal clear with red boldface font that you do not have 911 service until you activate it with them.

I just wish they'd stop doing this after I've gotten registered.