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Google Voice now supports calling 911, but ONLY for businesses and schools

Started by Sheffield_Steve, December 19, 2018, 04:01:57 PM

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Sheffield_Steve

"One of the major limitations of Google Voice since its inception is that you can't call 911 or other emergency service numbers. Most VoIP services share this problem, since it's usually impossible for responders to obtain your exact location. Google is working on addressing this, but not for regular users."

Google Voice now supports calling emergency services, but only for businesses and schools

SteveInWA

Sadly, good old fashioned journalism has devolved into a bunch of nerdy young men running websites that try to out-scoop each other with rumors, leaks and questionable conclusions from limited information.  The worst are 9to5google and BGR.  There's now a flood of sites that have figured out that posting articles or reviews of products, along with affiliate links to Amazon, is a way to make money with little effort.  Its nearly as bad as the "content farm" concept that started back with "ask.com" and all of the junky click-bait sites you see promoted by "outbrain" or "taboola".

In this case, the article is so devoid of context as to be completely useless.

The truth:  Google is now offering a new, separate service:  Google Voice for G Suite users.  This is targeted at larger enterprise customers (100+ seats initially, maybe fewer seats later).  It is a paid service, with direct customer support and yes, E911 service.  This has nothing at all to do with the consumer version of Google Voice.  The service can be seen as competition to Microsoft's Skype for Business, for example - an add-on to a full suite of business applications.

Nobody is going to give away 911 calling for free.  The legal liabilities are a nightmare, let alone being a money-loser.

Marc

@SteveInWA,
I give you an awful lot of credit for having the patience to put up with and expose the barrage of false information and unfounded conspiracy theories.
OBi110 (stored in closet now,) OBi200 x 3, Polycom 200 x 1, OBi202 x 4, Polycom 202 x 2, OBi1032 x 3, OBi1062 x 5, OBi2182 x 3

Combination of GV (consumer,) CallCentric & voip.ms both direct and via Asterisk.

SteveInWA

Thanks for the kind words, Marc!  It's easier doing this, than wasting emotional energy on political conspiracy theories and hate posts!

Happy Holidays...