How does calling 911 from a VoIP phone differ from calling 911 from a traditional home phone?

A VoIP emergency service differs in a number of important ways from traditional emergency response services:

  • A public safety answering point (PSAP) may get an emergency call on a regular ten digit line without location information or call back number.
  • An accurate, up to date Service Address is required to route your calls to the closest PSAP in the event that you dial 911.
  • If you relocate your VoIP Service phone on a temporary basis, such as taking your equipment with you when you go to a vacation home, you must use a different telephone to dial 911 from your new location.
  • VoIP will not work during power outages, network outages network congestion. The use of data services at the same time as VoIP might also affect sound quality.

Show All Answers

1. What is Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP)?
2. How does VoIP differ from traditional home phone service?
3. What is the appeal of VoIP to a consumer?
4. Can you use VoIP service from someplace other than your home?
5. With VoIP, can I talk on the phone and use my computer at the same time?
6. Can you access 911 services with VoIP service?
7. How does calling 911 from a VoIP phone differ from calling 911 from a traditional home phone?
8. What should I do if I'm interested in switching from traditional phone service to VoIP?