I've just been following this post and would like to provide my 2 cents here:
1. I can confirm as well GEO DNS/IP Tracking is not perfect. Once my IP in Toronto traced back to Ottawa as Ovidiu's showed a different city all together. A clients IP showed Netherlands but actual physical location showed Ukraine. This is not perfect, but perhaps is also part of the solution to the chaotic buzz. 2. I can confirm from personal experience about 911 calling back. A past neighbour who's kid thought it was funny to call 911, called 911 and hung up. The operator called back and both police, ambulance and fire trucks were dispatched. 3. I can confirm from first hand experience 911 called us back -- when my son playing with our phone hit the big button which we programmed. The operator called us back and politely & professionally advised us not let our kid play with the phone. 4. Witnessing a serious vehicle accident near my previous residence (Bathurst & Finch) few months ago prompted us to call 911 and the operator requested our address and my personal information and exact location of our home address & accident location. We called from a VoIP phone (with NO PHYSICAL ADDRESS REGISTERED). Conclusion: I think all the points all of you have mentioned are simple solutions to a very simple problem. Though technologies may not be perfect, it works to an extent and each technology and/or service/approach can compliment the entire process. Some of these 911 operators already exercise most of the points addressed. **IF** the operator has not asked to confirm address, then it may have been lack of training and/or mistake on the operators part -- but unless the 911 tape is released to the public it may be hard to fairly conclude. On a similar but separate topic: MANY COUNTRIES that I have traveled to, do not have a 911 equivalent service and MOST people in those countries do not even have the number to the Police, Ambulance and Fire available handy !!! I think the number "911" needs to be internationalized as people are often drawn to Western Media and the "Mass" is the "Standard". The total number of households having access to emergency services in North America, far exceeds the rest of the world combined. (SCARY). Proper access to emergency services is a global issue, not just a local issue. I have yet to see a case where an American or Canadian calls from outside North America with their VoIP phone and asking assistance from a 911 operator. I am guessing the 911 operator would remain clueless or not know what to do or how to re-direct the call! Oh Canada! We simply take things for granted! Best, Reza. --------------------------------------------------------------------- To unsubscribe, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED] For additional commands, e-mail: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
