Senate Bill Mandates VoIP E911

Several years ago some VoIP proponents argued that regulators should not impose "legacy" emergency calling rules on new VoIP providers. That was back when some providers were aiming to replace legacy calling services with a variety of new applications or services, not all of which logically seemed to be "like" public network services. That largely remains true for services that remain in the PC-to-PC domain. But it appears the battle to avoid emergency calling regulations for all "replacement" services is moving inexorably to a conclusion.

Though similar legislation will have to be passed by the U.S. House of Representatives, the Senate has passed the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, a bill proposed by Senator Ted Stevens (R-AK). The legislation now moves to the House of Representatives for further consideration.

The bill requires all VoIP companies to provide enhanced 911 (E911) services to all subscribers. The bill gives the Federal Communications Commission authority to add 911 requirements into all new phone services as they evolve, without needing Congress' involvement. Elemental fairness, some would say.

For providers who once hoped relaxed regulatory oversight would provide a price advantage in the market, that hope increasingly is dashed. VoIP services that are effective replacements for public network calling will carry the same tax, safety and regulatory burdens legacy services do. And some would say that's just fair.