Ofcom proposes compulsory 999 for VoIP services

By Simon Aughton

Posted on 26 Jul 2007 at 13:16

Ofcom is proposing that certain VoIP providers will be compelled to offer 999 calls by early 2008. The telecoms regulator claims that only 64% of UK households with VoIP use a supplier that provides 999 access.

Ofcom is concerned that VoIP users should not have to locate an ordinary landline or mobile phone, causing a potentially critical delay in getting through to emergency services.

Some VoIP providers, including BT and Vonage, already allow users access to 999. Ofcom estimates that for those that do not, the cost will be around 90p per household per year.

Earlier this year, Ofcom introduced a code of practice that requires all VoIP providers to make it clear to consumers whether or not their service includes access to emergency services. That code of practice will continue to apply under the latest proposals.

The new rules will not apply to p2p services such as Skype and "VoIP In" services which allow users to receive calls from ordinary phone numbers but not make them.

Ofcom notes that unlike other telecoms services, VoIP is not bound by national borders, so these measures are part of a series of initiatives across the EU. The regulator is working closely with European counterparts to ensure that VoIP providers enjoy the maximum degree of regulatory consistency possible.

Ofcom will accept responses to the Regulation of VoIP Services: Access to the Emergency Services proposals until 20 September 2007.