Aswath Weblog: Location Update with POTS Phone

June 06, 2005

Location Update with POTS Phone

DGLewis has posted an entry (first in what promises to be a series on FCC’s recent E911 ruling) reviewing FCC requirement that states that "at least one option that requires use only of the CPE necessary to access the interconnected VoIP service." He feels that one way to meet this requirement is to employ the services of customer service department. Given the sorry state of responsiveness of these departments, he goes on to suggest that this scheme will not meet another requirement that requires timely notification. But I think technology is on hand to meet this requirement.

DGLewis indicates, as everybody will also suggest that web technology be used to update the location information. The interesting thing is that we could use VXML, another web technology to accommodate the sticky scenario as well. But we have to pay attention so that the data entry is simplified. How about the following suggestion?

Data entry steps:

Enter the zip code
Enter the digits corresponding to the first n letters of the street name, followed by #
The system utters matching street name(s) one by one - # to select it and * to move to the next in the list
Enter the door number
Enter the Apt/Suite number if needed
System utters the full address and gets confirmed

If you have any doubt, just ask Tellme or somebody like that.

Posted by aswath at June 6, 2005 11:01 PM

If you do not have an OpenID, then please use www.enthinnai.com/unauopenid/anyblog.

Comments

Aswath,

Certainly VXML could be used, as could any number of voice response or prompt/reply technologies. I question, though, whether it would be cost-effective for a VoIP service provider to invest in building an automated system to do location updates when they're providing the capability solely to meet a regulatory requirement, and expect that very few users will actually make use of it.

Posted by: DG Lewis at June 7, 2005 10:53 PM

I thought that because they will have web based update mechanism in place, adding VXML server is only an incremental cost. In any event it is certainly a better alternative than setting up customer service representatives or reject it saying that timely updates may not happen.

Posted by: Aswath at June 8, 2005 12:27 AM

Exactly the idea I had to propose to Vonage..Pass on location info mandate to end user-let them register themselves on their website in similar way :

I would add 2 more steps to your list-

Enter NPA-XXX or your PSTN Phone number you have/had prior to VoIP service

Enter Broadband service provider name:

Anish

Posted by: Anish at June 8, 2005 08:53 PM