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April 04, 2005

The Canadian CRTC Addresses VoIP Service Providers Requirements to Offer Emergency Response Service:

It looks like the CRTC is expecting more "cookie-cutter" behavior from the burgeoning IP-based communications industry.

Here are the emergency response obligations as we currently understand them:

VoIP service providers who provide "fixed" VoIP service must provide the "same level" of 9-1-1 emergency service that is provided by the incumbent telephone companies to their existing customers (either Enhanced 9-1-1 or Basic 9-1-1 service), within 90 days.

VoIP service providers providing either "nomadic" VoIP service or "foreign exchange" VoIP service must implement, within 90 days of the date of the CRTC decision, an interim solution which provides a level of service comparable to Basic 9-1-1 service.

In addition to the above service requirements, the CRTC also requires all VoIP service providers to provide customers with notification, both before service commencement and during service provision, regarding any limitations associated with their emergency 9-1-1 service. The VoIP service providers must also secure the customer’s express acknowledgement that they are aware of these limitations, prior to providing this type of service.

VoIP service providers must notify customers of all limitations on emergency services before commencement of service to them. This information must be provided to them in the marketing material used for television, radio and printed media; in the terms and conditions of service; in on-line material; through their customer service representatives; in their service contracts and in their starter kits. Where service limitations exist, the CRTC also requires that all VoIP providers provide on-going customer notification during service provisioning, by issuing warning stickers to be affixed to telephone sets, through any subsequent advertising and in billing inserts.

The CRTC Interconnection Steering Committee (CISC), composed of CRTC staff and industry, consumer and emergency services representatives, has been asked to resolve the challenges related providing Enhanced 9-1-1 and Basic 9-1-1 service with nomadic and foreign exchange VoIP services. Specific timeframes have been established for when CISC is required to report to the CRTC on possible solutions and recommendations to solve the 9-1-1 issues.

Types of VoIP Services:

There are currently three different types of VoIP service offered to customers: fixed, nomadic and foreign exchange. Users of fixed VoIP service can only place a telephone call from the location where their service is being provided. Users of nomadic VoIP service can make calls from any location where users can get access to Internet service. Foreign exchange VoIP service allows users in one exchange to receive telephone calls dialed as local calls in another exchange that they have selected (e.g. a customer located in Ottawa with a Halifax local telephone number).

Existing Enhanced and Basic 9-1-1 Services:

The existing local telephone network currently provides for two types of 9-1-1 service: Enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) service and Basic 9-1-1 service. Enhanced 9-1-1 service automatically sends customer location information to an emergency center where an operator dispatches a response service. Basic 9-1-1 service connects the caller to a central call center which then connects the call to the correct emergency response center, at which point the caller must identify his or her location in order for an emergency response service to be dispatched.

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Posted by jeff on April 4, 2005 04:18 PM | Permalink

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Comments

Posted by: injection molding at June 29, 2009 07:59 AM

Posted by: Lawrence Davis at May 21, 2008 06:18 PM

I have been looking for a VoIP Phone Service Provider and found one at VoiP Phone Service Provider
http://www.1-satellite-tv-facts.com/VoIP.html

Posted by: Lawrence Davis at February 4, 2008 04:42 PM

Competitive and Affordable Canadian Telecommunications Service Petition:


The purpose of this petition is to encourage the public and private sector in Canada to promote competition within the Canadian Telecommunications Sector. The current practices cause a decrease in service quality and an increase in costs of devices, rates and data plans, which are ultimately transferred to consumers.

According to the latest SeaBord Group study (published March 2007), Canada is second last in terms of wireless penetration among the OECD members. This is mainly due to the high prices that the consumers pay in comparison with their American and. European counterparts. The average Canadian cell phone bill is one-third more than the United States and the highest of 30 countries in the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development, according to the Seaboard Group.

Several voices in the telecommunications industry argue against the results and recommendations of this study, which urges the Government of Canada to increase the dynamism and competitiveness of the market. This defensive position could be attributed to the current profitability and higher than average prices that the Canadian consumers have to pay.

I, therefore, urge you to sign this petition and show your support and demand for a competitive Canadian Telecommunications market, increased service quality and more affordable offers. And in this way help Canada to gain a leading international position.
Canadians deserve better service!

Link:
http://www.petitiononline.com/teleserv/petition.html

Posted by: Andrei Z at March 17, 2007 09:57 PM

I must say its a great post. Keep up the good work.

Jamal Williams
http://www.foreignexchangeaid.com

Posted by: Jamal Williams at May 10, 2006 12:29 PM

Yes that is correct. I liked your comment. I too belong to the same profile and this was of great help.
Andrea Jasperson
http://www.foreignexchangeaid.com

Posted by: Andrea Jasperson at February 5, 2006 08:44 AM

how does one connect to the 911 services over IP, if you are planning to start a company to offer IP phones in canada

thanks

Posted by: voipcanada at April 15, 2005 09:10 AM

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