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Are VoIP 911 Problems Life-Threatening?: Page 6 of 7

If you're installing a small-business VoIP system, you can ask your equipment provider to include the ability to automatically connect emergency calls to your POTS line. Virtually all IP PBX products have this capability, but like many things in VoIP, you may have to ask for it specifically.

Finally, if you do choose to change to a VoIP service as your exclusive means of access, make sure you tell visitors and family members about the limitations if there's an emergency. They should know, for example, that they're not being connected directly to a 911 operator, and should be prepared to tell the call center that gets their call where they are so that they can be connected properly. You might also suggest that they run to a neighbor's house to use the phone if they really have an emergency.

What's The Problem?

No doubt you're wondering why these phone services have this problem. The answer is both technical and political.

The technical problem, in short, is that it's difficult if not impossible to know where IP packets are coming from, at least with any degree of precision.