Australian VoIP providers must provide emergency access

17 October 2007

The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has urged VoIP service providers to enable users to access the triple zero emergency call number.

ACMA chairman Chris Chapman reported that currently is little consumer awareness that some VoIP services currently have limited or no connectivity to triple zero.

"It is important that consumers understand the choices on offer and the differences between different types of VoIP services and more traditional telephone services."

The ACMA and the Department of Communications, Information Technology and the Arts (DCITA) have written to VoIP service providers seeking their views on the matter, as well as proposals for technical solutions to the problem.