@aleclerc writes:
This is mandatory by law in the US and Canada.
FCC (US) and CRTC (Canada) can fine thousands (even millions) of dollars for such things.
Isn’t the above the case only for businesses and organisations like universities and schools that have a multi-line phone system where there would be more than one user of the phone system?
Why would an individual who is the sole user of a phone number have to provide E911 access to other people?
It is mandatory for voip.ms to provide 911 service to their customers, whether the customer wants it or not.
If one registers at least one number on their account voip.ms will have an address that they can simply pass on to the Public Service Answer Point when a call is made. If one fails to provide a 911 address to voip.ms then the service provider must determine the location where the call originated.
I received an email this morning from voip.ms.
NOW it’s a lot clearer !
I hope you all received it.
Can we use dialing plan configuration to opt out/block 911 dialing?
VoIP providers cannot block 911 calls by law
, but some providers may require you to enable the service by registering your physical address, and calls may fail if the internet connection is down or congested. It is illegal to intentionally block a 911 call, and doing so can be a criminal offense.
VoIP and 911
Provider requirements: Regulations require all interconnected VoIP providers to offer 911 service and not allow customers to opt-out.
Address registration: You must register your physical address with the provider for 911 calls to be routed correctly. You must also update the address if you move.
Emergency service limitations: VoIP relies on a stable internet connection, so a power outage or network congestion can prevent 911 calls from connecting properly.
No manual blocking: A VoIP provider cannot block 911 calls by default. The only way to ensure the service is unavailable is if the internet connection fails or you, as the customer, cannot set up the service correctly.
How to ensure 911 works with VoIP
Register your address: Make sure you have registered the correct physical address with your VoIP provider.
Keep your location updated: If you move, update your address with your provider to ensure emergency calls are routed to the correct PSAP (Public Safety Answering Point).
Be aware of limitations: Understand that VoIP services are dependent on power and a stable internet connection.
Consider a backup: Have a traditional phone or a mobile phone as a backup for emergencies, especially during power outages.
“Can we use dialing plan configuration to opt out/block 911 dialing?“
Legally? No. On your own equipment that no other person would ever make a call on I still would not try to block 911. You can consult a lawyer in your jurisdiction for more information.
One could probably block 911 misdials without blocking 911 but that could also block legitimate 911 calls if someone bumped an extra digit (eg: 9111). Another question for a lawyer in your jurisdiction.
… assuming you have a fixed (physical) address, and assuming you don’t live in a place where there the 911 service cannot be had in any way, shape or form, auch as, for example, an off-grid area in one of the northern territories in Canada, and assuming you don’t live outside of Canada or the US. 
A privatized subscription for government it never ends
Stephen C
They’re forcing you to pay for a so‑called “service” that comes with a waiver openly confessing it may not work when it matters most. That isn’t just bad policy—it’s outright negligence. You’re being billed for something that could fail at the exact moment it’s supposed to safeguard you, while they’ve already absolved themselves of any accountability. It’s a dangerous sham dressed up as protection.
Hi, I’d like to get an answer to my question about e911 and the new policy that 911 calls will go through regardless if you subscribe to the e911 service and no matter what your setup is. Lets talk about my setup.
OK, first of all, we all know that you CALL OUT from the sub accounts and you don’t necessarily need a DIRECT INWARD DIALING (DID) number to call out using voip.ms. You can setup your subaccount callerID to use any number that you verify is yours, such as your mobile phone number or any number from another provider
So, with the new policy that voip.ms will connect 911 calls even if it’s not configured, and no matter what your setup is… what happens if you DON’T have a DID on your sub account but you can call out and you call 911? Do I get charged a $75 fee? I called the 15555550911 and it tells me my caller ID is my mobile phone number and tells me my number isn’t set up for e911 and to do that in the customer portal, but there is NO WAY to do that for a outbound callerID number registered with another provider. (non-VoIP.ms CallerID number)
I’ve spent a while trying to figure this out, all the info on various voip.ms pages clearly says that ALL CALLS to 911 will be connected regardless if you subscribe to e911 and regardless of what your setup is. ALL CALLS. Does it really apply to all calls or only ones where the outbound callerID is a DID setup with voip.ms?
If a 4 year old child gets ahold of that phone and play dials 911, will I get a $75 charge? If that is the case, how do I avoid the $75 charge since there is no way to subscribe to e911 with that non-VoIP.ms CallerID number?
For context I have my sub account set up with a Grandstream ATA and my callerID as I said is set to my verified mobile phone number. This is NOT used as a “home phone” or for anything important. If I really did want to call 911, I would use a cell phone.
Hello @redbird,
Settings > General > e911 Default CallerID, select the DID to always use whatever the sub account for any outgoing 911 call.
This should do it. (Look ar the 
icon — mouse over — for details.)
Kid regards!
That is an interesting use case. I used a “verified” number while I was waiting for my number to port from a previous provider. With no DID on your account you would not be able to receive inbound calls (other than to the SIP address). I have found it handy to be able to use a “verified” number (such as my work number) to mask my home number when returning calls after hours.
With no DID on the account to register I wonder what number E911 would receive when they receive the call. Would they receive the “verified” Caller ID?
You may want to ask in a support ticket about how your call would be routed should someone accidentally dials 911 from your ATA. Your “no DID” situation is unique, in my opinion.