[Asterisk-biz] VoIP Providers ignore FCC E911 order

[trixter aka Bret McDanel]

From http://www.vonmag.com/webexclusives/2005/12/1_FCC_E911.asp
-- The 3rd paragraph seems most interesting to me --

Some VoIP service providers say they will continue to market their
offerings to prospective customers in areas that are not outfitted to
provide enhanced 911 capabilities, despite the passing of a Federal
Communications Commission (FCC) deadline that requires E911 for all
service areas. Companies ignoring the FCC requirements risk heavy fines.

Under the FCC mandate, VoIP providers shouldn't be marketing their
service to customers in non-E911 areas; initially, the FCC wanted to
force providers to stop service to existing customers as well as stop
marketing. According to media accounts, companies such as 8x8 are
waiting for the FCC to respond to their final E911 filings due on the
November 28th compliance deadline so they can get clarity on what
service will suffice until they can implement a full E911 solution.

A few research firms believe the FCC will not enforce strict compliance
with the order so long as VoIP providers demonstrate forward progress in
ultimately meeting the E911 service requirements. And the FCC may
intentionally take its time in getting around to handing out fines
because of Congressional interest in the matter. Bi-partisan groups of
Senators and Representatives have expressed their concerns in a rush to
implement E911 due to the lack of staff support and potential for
"competitive third-parties" – ILECs – to intentionally hinder the
implementation of E911. 

-- 
Trixter http://www.0xdecafbad.com     Bret McDanel
UK +44 870 340 4605   Germany +49 801 777 555 3402
US +1 360 207 0479 or +1 516 687 5200
FreeWorldDialup: 635378
http://www.sacaug.org/ Sacramento Asterisk Users Group
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