System in development to trace 999 calls made using VoIP hardware

Due to the increasing number of 999 calls made using VoIP hardware, phone companies are working on a way to trace call origins, reports The Register.

Although 999 calls made using VoIP solutions still account for a minority of those registered in the UK, the number of calls made to BT emergency centres using VoIP solutions has increased by a factor of ten over the past 18 months.

Being able to trace calls made using VoIP technology is becoming important as people needing emergency help may not know their location or may not even be able to speak when they call.

Owing to the flexibility of VoIP hardware, calls can be made using any broadband connection, meaning that providing a timely emergency response can be a potentially challenging proposition for ambulance crews and other services.

Methods to address the problem are expected next year, although the maintenance costs involved might alienate some internet service providers.

In other news, a new report from broadband industry regulator Ofcom has suggested that fees could be imposed to give customers priority access to applications including VoIP solutions.