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New system to trace VoIP emergency calls in development
A new system that can pinpoint the origin of VoIP calls more accurately is being developed in the UK.
With the number of calls made to the emergency services by VoIP users on the increase, phone companies are concerned that response times may be affected by difficulties in tracing the calls, the Register reports.
According to the website, the number of VoIP calls being made to emergency contact centres around the country is now ten times higher than it was 18 months ago.
The bid to improve call tracing has been overseen by the NICC - the UK telecoms forum for interoperability standards - and chaired by John Medland, policy manager for 999 services at BT.
"It has been difficult. We've tried to share as much with the industry as possible to get cooperation," Mr Medland told the website.
Industry watchdog Ofcom is also keeping an eye on the system, which requires VoIP companies and internet service providers to share information with each other.
8el are liaising with BT on this matter on a regular basis to meet with their regulatory requirements. Justin Hamilton-Martin, Managing Director of 8el states "The location database and 999 compliance is both a logical and regulatory requirement for VoIP users and we are delighted to have enabled this essential capability to our network"
According to figures from the Ambulance Service, over six million 999 calls were received by the emergency services in England in 2006-07.
If you would like more information on 8el's VoIP solution, please call our sales team on 0118 338 3062 or email info@8el.com.
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