This morning, FCC updated its “guidance to providers of interconnected voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service concerning enforcement of the subscriber affirmative acknowledgement requirement set forth in the Commission’s VoIP Enhanced 911 (E911) rules”. Previously they had required 100% compliance from subscribers on their understanding the limitations of VoIP service regarding E911 service. The service providers were required to cut off service to those who have not complied by August 29. Today they extended the deadline to September 30, 2005.
Some service providers have suggested that they will institute “soft” or “warm” disconnect. Apparently, under this scheme, all outgoing calls, except to 911, will either be blocked or will be diverted to the customer service center. Providers like Teliphone and Broadview Networks have indicated that they will institute this to non-compliers as of September 28, 2005.
I suggest an alternative scheme: starting immediately, non compliers should hear an announcement before every call – both incoming and outgoing. Specifically, after the customer has finished dialing, an announcement is played before call setup progresses further. Similary, when the customer answers an incoming call, an announcement is played before the caller is connected to the call. We all know that nagging is effective many a times.
Posted by aswath at August 26, 2005 05:12 PM