customers whose telephone service relies upon Voice over Internet
Protocol (VoIP) technology. In a recently released report, the Texas Commission on State Emergency Communications (CSEC) provided a status of statewide efforts to provide 911 service to VoIP telephone subscribers.
VoIP is the term broadly used to describe telephone services that
transmit voice communications over a digital data network using
Internet protocol technology. Since VoIP telephony is increasingly
being adopted by the public, it is critical that VoIP customers have
In June 2005, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued an
order requiring that companies providing interconnected VoIP telephone
service also provide their customers with Enhanced 911, or "E911." E911
service means that a 911 call is routed to the correct answering point
along with the caller's telephone number and location information,
which greatly improves emergency response effectiveness. In Texas, E911
is almost universally available on traditional wireline and wireless
phones.
Texas has deployed VoIP 911 service in the majority of the state's 544
answering points. Texas 911 entities formed a working group with
industry to expedite deployment in response to the FCC's order.
According to Paul Mallett, executive director of CSEC, the purpose of
the group was to document the impact of VoIP telephony on 911 in Texas
and to explore potential solutions to identified problems. "Our agency
continues to facilitate and monitor VoIP 911 deployment in Texas to
ensure that VoIP customers have access to 911 and emergency services,"
stated Mallett.
CSEC is a state agency charged by the Texas Legislature with oversight
of 911 services in 224 of Texas' 254 counties. CSEC, in cooperation
with the Texas Department of State Health Services, also oversees the
Texas Poison Control Network that serves all Texas counties. CSEC's
mission is to preserve and enhance public safety and health in Texas
through reliable access to emergency telecommunications services. In
accomplishing its mission, CSEC collaborates with regional and local
governments and other state agencies to promote stewardship and
accountability, set high standards, and foster efficient emergency
telecommunications services.
