Press & PR

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services would be welcomed by the emergency services, it has been suggested.

Lee Warhurst, secretary of the Association of Chief Police Officers, told the organisation's journal that any new technology which provides more effective and efficient telecommunications services would be welcomed.

Accessed through internet telephony developers such as Vonage, VoIP works through a quality internet connection, Mr Warhurst noted, possibly resulting in cheaper calls over a broadband phone line.

Regulation would help to ensure that high quality and responsible VoIP providers are able to invest in the provision of services benefiting both the emergency services and ultimately the general public, he indicated in the article.

Mr Warhurst also told the news provider that all VoIP phones should allow access to the emergency services by 999.

All IP telephony services will be required to provide a 999/112 service from September 8th this year following a recent decision by the Office of Communications.

Vonage offers cheap call packages across the UK using existing broadband connections.

V-Plan 1 offers unlimited free calls throughout the UK for just £5.99 a month.