What is VoIP?

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), also referred to as Internet Voice or Voice on the Net, is the latest telecommunications technology. It allows people to make telephone calls using a digital broadband internet connection as opposed to traditional analog wire line phone service.

How Does VoIP Work?

VoIP works by converting a standard telephone voice signal into a digital signal that travels over the internet. VoIP calls can be made from a computer or from a standard telephone with an adaptor. VoIP calls can be received by both VoIP service subscribers and non-subscribers. If a VoIP call is received by someone with a standard phone line, the signal is reconverted from digital back to analog before the call is answered.

VoIP technology requires a broadband internet connection. The user can then make telephone calls with either their computer, a special VoIP phone, or a regular phone with an adapter.

VoIP and 911

On June 3, 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released IP-Enabled Services and E911 Requirements for IP-Enabled Service Providers, 1st Report and Order of Proposed Rulemaking, requiring VoIP service providers to provide E911 capabilities to their subscribers by November 28, 2005. At that time VoIP 911 calls are to be received through the selective router in the same way that wire line 911 calls are currently received.

FCC 1st Report and Order of Proposed Rulemaking, 2005

NENA Statement on VoIP E911 Implementation Issues, 3/6/2006

Attention VoIP Subscribers

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) telephone service may look and appear to work like a regular telephone, but it connects to the internet, not a standard telephone line. Despite the FCC ruling, some VoIP service providers may not currently offer E911 services to their subscribers. Check your service provider's website for emergency calling features. If 911 services are available, be sure to give your location and call back number, as many VoIP services do not currently provide this information. Also be advised that if the power is out, your VoIP telephone service may also be out.

Important Public Safety Information for VoIP Users

St Louis Post Dispatch VoIP 911 Warning Article, 3/14/05

Customer Survey

According to a survey by Telephia in the March 2006 edition of Mobile Government Magazine, the following are the top five reasons people give for NOT subscribing to VoIP telephone service:

• 43% - Concerned about lack of telephone availability during a power outage
• 34% - Wanted to keep current telephone number
• 31% - Concerned about 911 service and being located in the event of an emergency
• 28% - Found VoIP service to offer only limited savings over their current telephone service provider
• 23% - Were uncertain as to how to establish a VoIP telephone line

For additional information on VoIP, please visit the Federal Communications Commission VoIP page, the NENA VoIP page, or the 911 VoIP page.