Comments on: Texas sues Vonage over 911 problem

U.S. Net phone leader wasn't clear about technology's less reliable 911 service, state attorney general claims.

Learn to read!

Is it possible these people are too lazy to read the instructions on a product they are buying?

I have looked into Vonage for my own home, and it states clearly on the website about the issue of the 911 problems.

Why do you think Vonage went into business, because the "Bells" already charge too much.

[jeffhughes1]

Not only that

Vonage e-mails you within 2 weeks of being transferred about signing up for the 911 service! I don't know how they could make it any more clear besides showing up on your door!

[Sir Geek]

Are any of the Major Bell's homed in Texas ?

Could this be a matter of someone owing the "bells" a favor and just trying to help them out ?

[montgomeryburns]

...

Southwestern Bell is in tx and you're and idiot.

[Stating]

They Can't/Won't Guarantee 911 Service

Vonage and other VoIP providers can't and won't guarantee that their 911 and regular service will continue to function in the event of things like power failure, router failure, ISP failure, denial of service, etc. Take a look at paragraphs 1.4 and paragraph 2 (very lengthy) of the terms of service. They indemnify themselves from any damage resulting in loss of 911 access while using their service.

Bottom line is that VoIP companies are not phone companies, so don't expect the same level of service, because you're not paying for it and it's not required by law. They are classified as information providers. You can't have it both ways -- exemption from Federal and state telco taxes yet regulated reliability.

My prediction: More VoIP subscriber damage lawsuits to follow.

[John Kuzak]

loss of 911 access

http://www.analogstereo.com/pontiac_vibe_owners_manual.htm

[jrothell]

911 Woes

I do agree that rigid standards be put in place for 911, their seems to be a real mis-understanding about VOIP and 911. Our company has been providing full fledge 911 services for 2 years, and my previous company was providing 100% 911 as far back as 2000.

Providers like Vonage, who use the public internet have not integrated 911, and for their networks it is more difficult. Our underlying provider is already interconnected with the "Public Service Access Points" (PSAP) that allow for 911 to work across a VOIP environment.

My point here is simply understanding that their are about 3 types of VOIP deployments in the market today, and only one of these have challenges for delivering VOIP. Unfortunately the other two will get lumped in with this kind of press, and it sends a very in-accurate message to those seeking to move into the VOIP space.

ive been censored

well, if you guys have been watching, my posts appeared for about 10 minutes and then were censored by this administrations minions.

its soooo typical of the dictatorship that Boosh represents.

[kieranmullen]

What ?

Has nothing to do with Bush you moron. Its private business.

Gee

Seems like I have been preaching on this subject on this very forums for three months and being told I didn't know what I was talking about.

As I said, someone will have to die before VOiP providers are required either to provide 911 services or admit to prospective customers that they are giving up 911 when they give up their land line.