On Wed, 2007-08-15 at 12:37 -0700, Michael Dipperstein wrote:
> > What local phone number? If I'm making my call through a cable
> > connection, or wifi, or other wireless network what local phone number
> > would be relevant?
> 
> The phone number that somebody would use if they were to call you.

But there's no guarantee that the number is "local". My current phone
line is a VOIP line, the number is for an area code 100kms (60 miles)
away from my actual location. With VOIP the whole concept of "local"
phone numbers don't necessarily apply any more. When I visit my parents
in Europe I can take the VOIP box with me and plug it in over there,
noone can tell that they're actually calling someone 4000kms away.

It's sort of a shame though. There was a time where someone could give
me their prefix (the first 3 numbers after the area code) and I could
tell them roughly where in the city they lived. It's been a LONG time
since that still worked reliably.
 
> > There is zero connect between IP activity on a DSL line, and the phone
> > number of that DSL line.
> >
> > With regards to VOIP 911 service, the solution was simple: the VOIP
> > subscriber has to fill out their physical address on signup, and are
> > charged with keeping that information current.
> 
> When a VoIP call is placed to 911 does the 911 operator get a telephone
> number too, or just an address from a database?  Four or Five years ago,
> there was an effort to route the call to the local 911 operator and
> present them with all the information that they receive from a call made
> over the PTSN.  Job priorities and then jobs changed, so I didn't follow
> the effort to its end.

It depends where you are. As I understand it, in most built up areas,
the 911 operator will receive the phone number assigned to your VOIP
line (which tells them nothing of your location, it's only useful to
call you back) and the address information you've submitted to your VOIP
provider. If that info isn't correct there is no way for the 911
operator to tell other then to ask you.

IMHO landlines are dead. I dropped mine when I moved. Many of my friends
either have a VOIP line for their primary line, or a cell phone. Most of
us aren't home much anymore anyways, so what's the point of a landline
these days?

TTYL

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