Internet-based telephone services are growing in popularity, but they're also creating a growing problem with 911 service.
The problem comes when people fail to keep their current and correct addresses updated with their providers. Those who use the service are required to give that information to 911 services.
Dave Politis of Politis and Associates, and a columnist with utahtechwatch.com, says imagine buying a magicJack for your home in Sandy, then taking it on a road trip to California without notifying anybody of the change.
"911 would not be able to find us. They would think we're still in Sandy. So, if we had an emergency and used our VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone in San Diego, we'd be in trouble," Politis said.
In fact, there's a good chance you'd be calling a dispatch center back home. Politis' caution: It's your job to keep that information updated with the company.
Dispatch centers, including some in Utah, are working on ways to solve that problem. Most of Utah has what's called an enhanced 911 system, which allows dispatchers to pinpoint the location of a cell phone, but VOIP phones do pose a new challenge.
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nice article, thanks
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