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"I commend the Federal Communications
Commission for its decision today requiring all Internet phone
providers to offer full 911 emergency calling services to their
customers. In crisis situations, immediate access to 911 services
can mean the difference between life and death. A nationwide
requirement will ensure that everyone has access to emergency
services, no matter what technology they use."
Last month, the governor introduced
legislation (Senate
Bill 238) that would require Internet-based phone providers or
Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) providers in Illinois to offer
911 emergency services to their customers by September 2005 or
clearly warn customers that standard 911 services are not provided.
[to top of second column in this article]
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 Gov. Blagojevich had the legislation
drafted after learning of a tragic incident on Feb. 3 in Houston,
Texas, where two intruders broke into the home of Joyce John, a
17-year-old girl, and shot her parents. Joyce tried to call 911, but
instead of being able to talk to the police, she got a recording
from the Internet phone provider her family had recently begun
using, telling her that access to 911 was unavailable.
[News release from the governor's
office]
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