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.