FCC Delays 911 VoIP Customer Disconnect Again

The Federal Communications Commission again delayed enforcing a deadline for Internet phone service providers to disconnect customers who have not yet verified that they understand they might not be able to reach an emergency dispatcher when they dial 911 on their cellular phones. The FCC noted that status reports from the VoIP service providers indicated that nearly all subscribers have responded to the prompts. Those providers who have received confirmations from 90 percent or more of their subscribers do not need to meet the disconnect requirement, but must continue to seek complete compliance. Other service providers have until October 31 to reach the 90 percent threshold to avoid disconnecting users. Up to 10,000 subscribers faced disconnection under the original ruling.

San Jose Mercury News, 27 September 2005