Since VoIP services can be used from any internet-connected device, there is an assumption that it cannot be associated with a specific physical address. Which would then mean an emergency call would not be routed appropriately.

Not true. Enhanced 911 (E911) service solves that problem.

With E911, we associate a physical address with the caller’s telephone number and route calls to the most appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) for that address.

In the case of a cell phone user, the phone number and receiving antenna are sent to a dedicated switch for E911 calls. This will route the call to the appropriate PSAP, and then an operator can see the approximate location based on GPS triangulation.

Stay tuned for VoIP Myth #4 – You only save money calling VoIP to VoIP

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