JURIST - Paper Chase: Texas sues Vonage over 911 problems

[JURIST] Texas Attorney General Greg Abbott filed suit Tuesday against internet phone provider Vonage [official site], alleging that the service does not adequately warn customers about problems they have in trying to call 911. Vonage does not route 911 calls in the usual manner. Most calls wind up at the administrative offices of emergency call centers rather than with dispatchers. This can cause delays for callers. In February, a 17-year old girl was unable to get through to police [USA Today report] after dialing 911 on a Vonage phone after her parents were shot by intruders. Vonage contends that they provide ample information to consumers about their 911 service limitations. Issues regarding 911 services have been a major sticking point for the introduction of internet phone service, or VoIP, in the US. The FCC is grappling with VoIP regulations, while state public utility commissions are also attempting to regulate calls. This is the first time a state attorney general has brough an action against Vonage. Read the Texas Attorney General's press release announcing the lawsuit. CNET has more.

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