Emergency calls from VoIP now mandatory in Australia

The amendments follow a consultation process conducted by ACMA, the Australian Communications and Media Authority, with carriers, VoIP providers, emergency service organisations and consumer groups.

Many VoIP providers already provide free-of-charge access for emergency calls, and the amendments makes it clear that all VoIP providers of two-way services are obligated to provide access to the Triple Zero emergency number, and the special emergency number for the hearing impaired.

Those VoIP services must also be flagged in the Integrated Public Number Database so the emergency call service operator will be alerted to ask the caller for location information. The IPND is a national database of all listed and unlisted public telephone numbers and relevant customer details.

More than forty Australian providers of VoIP services have been contacted urging them to find technical solutions so that all users of VoIP services can have access to the emergency call numbers.

ACMA has stated that, while technical solutions are being developed, it is expected there will be a commitment from providers to undertake a range of proposed consumer awareness raising measures.