answered question
0
Votes
Votes
4
Answers
Answers
M$1.00
If I discontinue my landline telephone service, will I still be able to dial 911 in case of an emergency?
I've heard various rumors that even if you terminate your telephone landline, you'll still be able to dial 911 in case of an emergency -- with or without a dial tone. I realize that it's very unlikely that the telephone company will physically disconnect my home (i.e., they won't disconnect the wiring/cabling) but the dial tone will, I assume, stop functioning.
|
Report
answers (4)
The answer is that "probably, but it depends on what you switch to."
If you go to VOIP for your phone service, don't forget that Internet telephone service relies on Internet service, which in turn relies on electricity. Well, 911 still works, in most cases. In California, telephone companies are required to keep the line “warm” even if service is voluntarily or involuntarily discontinued. This access to 911 service is often referred to as ‘warm line access’ or ‘quick dial tone,’ so named because a minimal amount of electricity continues to run through the line. You may not get a dial tone, but plug a phone into a socket with no phone service and the phone will light up. .
By law in every state, telephone companies must continue to offer 911 service to people who voluntarily or involuntarily discontinue service. The utilities regulations provide that the phone companies must provide existing and newly installed residential telephone service with 911 access “regardless of whether an account has been established.”
Telephone companies are only required to offer 911 access if technology allows. The utilities codes also say that “… to the extent permitted by existing technology or facilities.” So, if you cut all electricity to the ‘warm lines,’ then AT&T and Verizon can’t offer emergency service (one reason why you would cut the warm line is to use your home's copper wires for VOIP service — but most VOIP users don't do this).
If you go to VOIP for your phone service, don't forget that Internet telephone service relies on Internet service, which in turn relies on electricity. Well, 911 still works, in most cases. In California, telephone companies are required to keep the line “warm” even if service is voluntarily or involuntarily discontinued. This access to 911 service is often referred to as ‘warm line access’ or ‘quick dial tone,’ so named because a minimal amount of electricity continues to run through the line. You may not get a dial tone, but plug a phone into a socket with no phone service and the phone will light up. .
By law in every state, telephone companies must continue to offer 911 service to people who voluntarily or involuntarily discontinue service. The utilities regulations provide that the phone companies must provide existing and newly installed residential telephone service with 911 access “regardless of whether an account has been established.”
Telephone companies are only required to offer 911 access if technology allows. The utilities codes also say that “… to the extent permitted by existing technology or facilities.” So, if you cut all electricity to the ‘warm lines,’ then AT&T and Verizon can’t offer emergency service (one reason why you would cut the warm line is to use your home's copper wires for VOIP service — but most VOIP users don't do this).
| Asker's rating: |
Great information and explanation!
It depends if you have what's called a quick dial tone line left after being disconnected. It really depends on what area you live in, and your telco. If they physically disconnect your house, then you can't, but if they just discontinue your service, without doing any physical disconnections, then you should be able to still call 911. Though I'm pretty sure you'll still get the ability, these days and stringent laws you know. You should contact your telco provider and ask which would happen if you discontinue your telephone service.
Are you planning to switch over to a VoIP provider like Vonage?
A lot of local landline telco's are using the 911 service as a way to retain customers. Rest assured that Vonage (and many other) VoIP providers have absolutly no problem with 911. When called, 911 responds to the address on your bill (just like a regular landline).
Also, all Cellular telephone companies have access to 911. So if by some chance your Internet service isn't avaliable, you can always call from your cell phone.
Last, if you request a "dry loop" when cancleing your phone service, most phone companies / technicians disable incoming and outgoing calls but 911 is still avaliable on the line. A dry loop leaves the wires physically connected to the central office of your telephone company for DSL or future use. Dry loops are the easiest way for your phone company to "cancel" your service because it's usually a simple software change that can be completed without dispatching a field technician.
So, keep in mind that landline telephone companies use 911 as a marketing method. Don't listen to them... there are plenty of ways to contact 911 in case of an emergency.
A lot of local landline telco's are using the 911 service as a way to retain customers. Rest assured that Vonage (and many other) VoIP providers have absolutly no problem with 911. When called, 911 responds to the address on your bill (just like a regular landline).
Also, all Cellular telephone companies have access to 911. So if by some chance your Internet service isn't avaliable, you can always call from your cell phone.
Last, if you request a "dry loop" when cancleing your phone service, most phone companies / technicians disable incoming and outgoing calls but 911 is still avaliable on the line. A dry loop leaves the wires physically connected to the central office of your telephone company for DSL or future use. Dry loops are the easiest way for your phone company to "cancel" your service because it's usually a simple software change that can be completed without dispatching a field technician.
So, keep in mind that landline telephone companies use 911 as a marketing method. Don't listen to them... there are plenty of ways to contact 911 in case of an emergency.
source(s):
I've used Vonage for a couple of years and have had outstanding service.
I've used Vonage for a couple of years and have had outstanding service.
The other respondent is right. If you have VOIP telephone system somehow you are still allowed to contact 911.
source(s):
www.pbx101.com
www.pbx101.com
Related questions
140 characters left
ask any question
