For VoIP the relationship with 911 is a strained and complicated one. The FCC has imposed new regulations that VoIP service providers need to comply with Emergency 911 regulations, but the problem is deeper than just a matter of compliance. The problem extends to the fact that the very infrastructures of VoIP and PSTN networks vary.

For instance, when someone is on a VoIP network and dials 911, there is no way to “trace the line” and receive an accurate location. If someone calls 911 from a VoIP network, and then drops the phone, the call simply will not be traced. There are some steps that VoIP service providers have enacted to help address the problem, but the simple point remains, that IP addresses can not be traced during a 911 call to report an exact location.

When you first sign up with your VoIP service provider, the issue of 911 will be addressed. The FCC has enacted regulations to address this problem and the first step the FCC has taken is to make sure that all VoIP service providers have their customers sign a “waiver” or statement that they understand that their 911 services may be impacted due to VoIP.

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