Most people do not know the
differences between 911 and E911 (Enhanced 911), and just how important some of
those differences are. In fact, while
E911 services carry some obvious benefits, consumers who are concerned about
safety should consider maintaining a landline telephone service, for the safety
of their families.
Basic 911 services, in terms of a
landline, usually means that when an emergency call is made, the system
automatically reports the telephone number and location to a 911 operator,
serves as a dispatcher. A phone call made to 911 with a landline is extremely
reliable and accurate with location.
However, what about 911 for cellphones?
Basic 911 services in this case could result in one of three ways: the
911 center gets no information, it only gets the cellphone's number, or the
center gets the call back number and coordinates with a POSSIBLE location. This last one is the least likely, which is
where E911 comes in.
E9-1-1 services are utilized by cellphone
companies and VOIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) phone services. This service is meant to rectify the problems
caused by basic 911. With E911, the
consumer's billing address is stored in a database so that when an emergency
call is placed, that call is automatically routed to the emergency center that
corresponds with that location and the information is displayed on the
dispatcher's screen. This means that if
the call is incomplete, disconnected or if the caller cannot speak, then
emergency services still has a location to go to.
While E911 answers some of the
issues raised by wireless communications and emergency services, there are, in
fact, still a number of problems. The
addresses stored as the consumer's location must be updated any time that
customer moves, changes their number or adds numbers, otherwise, emergency
services may go to the wrong location.
Furthermore, in the case of VOIP services that require broadband
connections to operate, if the power is out or the broadband connection is
down, then no 911 services are available.
The same holds true if your Internet service gets cut off due to any type
of technical difficulties. Obviously, E911 services are far from perfect and
may not be available in times of an emergency.
For this reason everyone should seriously consider maintaining a
landline for the safety of their families.
If you want to save money on your long distance service, contact
National Access Long Distance.
