Texas Attorney General Issues Warning About Internet Phone Services - KCBD NewsChannel 11 Lubbock

2/11/05

Texas Attorney General Issues Warning About Internet Phone Services

Four days after NewsChannel aired a story, uncovering serious 9-1-1 concerns when using internet telephone technology, the Texas Attorney General issues a warning.

2/7/05
Technology Trips Over 9-1-1
A Houston family learned at the worst time they had no connection to 911. The reason, they were using a newer technology that allows you to make phone calls over the Internet.

On Friday, Greg Abbot urged consumers to know the facts before buying internet-based telephone service. Not all services provide access to 9-1-1 and some do not give address locators when you call.

NewsChannel 11 first reported the 9-1-1 Emergency District's concern with internet phone service Vonage Monday night. Then Thursday night, we put Vonage to the test. The service worked but the trick is to make sure you register Vonage for 9-1-1 access. The attorney general warns similar technologies also require special instruction.

2/10/05
9-1-1 Concerns Prompt New Vonage Internet Phone System Test
Thousands of Texans are replacing their traditional home phones with a virtual number from Vonage. As it grows in popularity, so do the concerns of Lubbock emergency responders.