OFCOM (the communications regulator) yesterday published proposals that would require VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) providers to allow users to make 999 calls.
Research has found that 78% of VoIP users thought that they could or didn't know if they could make 999 calls.
OFCOM has set a date of early 2008 for this to be sorted.
BT and Vonage already allow 999 calls through their VoIP services but OFCOM wants it to spread to all VoIP providers to help eliminate any confusion over the matter.
The research found that 64% of UK households with VoIP were able to make 999 calls and with VoIP ever increasing in popularity and more households getting VoIP there is a risk of confusion as to if 999 calls can be made or not.
Vital seconds could well be lost in an emergency if a VoIP provider does not allow 999 calls.
BT and 