In May 2005, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted to require VoIP  providers to offer enhanced 911, or E911, to their customers by early 2006. But VoIP providers have run into several problems, and the FCC extended its deadline.

Some VoIP providers have complained that some 911 networks, controlled by traditional telecom carriers, have blocked access and some emergency dispatch centers have worried about legal liability if VoIP 911 calls fail.

The legislation, which had bipartisan support in the House and Senate, would give dispatch centers liability protection when handling VoIP calls. It would require that 911 networks connect VoIP providers using the same rates and conditions they use when connecting mobile phone carriers. And it requires the U.S. government to create a plan for migrating to IP-based 911 networks.

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