VoIP services must allow 999 calls from September

Ofcom is to introduce new regulations on 8 September 2008 making it mandatory for VoIP services to allow 999 calls.

The regulator decided to introduce the ruling after research highlighted that VoIP users were unaware that 999 calls might not be available on VoIP services.

The study showed that 78 percent of people using a VoIP service which did not give access to emergency calls, were unaware of this fact.

Ofcom is concerned that VoIP providers should ensure that 999 and 112 calls could be made from their service, so that users are not put in the position of having to locate an alternative phone in the case of an emergency, and possible lose valuable time in calling for help.

Under the new ruling all VoIP providers who connect to the UK’s public switched telephone network (PSTN) will now have to modify or upgrade their systems to allow 999 and 112 calls to be made.

The regulator initially proposed the mandatory emergency call requirement in July this year, with the introduction planned for early 2008, making the new date of 8 September 2008 around six months later than planned.