On May 1, I wrote about a VoIP 9-1-1 service nightmare scenario.
Yesterday, the CRTC pronounced on the matter, issuing an information circular to remind “nomadic local VoIP service providers” of their emergency services obligations.
The interim solution that the Commission considered would provide benefits similar to basic 9-1-1 service for nomadic local VoIP service was described by the Commission at paragraph 60 of Telecom Decision 2005-21 as one that “routes 9-1-1 calls directly to a third-party call centre. There, agents answer the call, verbally determine the nature of the emergency and the location of the caller, and transfer the call to the appropriate PSAP or emergency services agency.”
The Commission noted that this solution, including the requirement to verbally determine a 9‑1‑1 caller’s location, was again described in Telecom Decision 2007-44.
What are the implications for Comwave, the service provider at the centre of the Calgary incident?
Update [July 29, 9:50 am]
The CRTC sent a letter to Comwave coincident with its Information Circular yesterday. The letter finds that Comwave’s third-party call centre operator did not follow the proper procedures.
All service providers should take note.