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One evening last year a resident of Pulaski, suffering from a medical condition, dialed 9-1-1 over her telephone for emergency service. To her great dismay, because she had an Internet broadband phone service, her call for help was routed to the 9-1-1 business office in Oswego. She was only able to reach an answering machine.

Fortunately, the woman did not experience a life-threatening emergency. Unfortunately, the Pulaski resident, like thousands of other consumers in the U.S., wasn't aware of the life safety issues that are associated with digital phone or VoIP phone technology.

Internet broadband uses a routing device and an adapter that converts phone conversations to data and transfers them across the Internet. The technology offers many attractive features, such as cost-savings and greater mobility, that aren't available through conventional phone lines.

However, users need to be aware that they must maintain an alternate means of requesting emergency services. Internet phone service providers are not currently required to route calls for assistance to the local 9-1-1 call center. Some do not have the technology to do so; others will provide the service as an option for an additional fee.

Conventional phone service providers are required to provide access to 9-1-1, even when customers encounter problems with their account or when an account is suspended or cancelled. Digital telephone providers aren't subject to the same laws and regulations. As in the Pulaski woman's case, 9-1-1 calls may be routed to a general business line that is only answered during business hours, not to the 9-1-1 call center.

Conventional telephone services provide the 9-1-1 center with the address and phone number of the caller as soon as the call is answered. Even if the caller is unable to speak, the dispatcher can locate the source of the call. When a broadband user calls for 9-1-1 assistance, the call could be routed to the wrong 9-1-1 facility, depending on the user's location. This can result in a significant delay or complete lack of emergency services.

Another major concern with broadband service is that it does not function during power outages or when the service provider has an outage. If you have a burglar or fire alarm system that dials a monitoring station, you may find that the digital telephone service is not compatible with your alarm system. In these circumstances, your alarm may not reach the monitoring station or emergency services provider.

These issues are critical when it comes to maintaining access to the 9-1-1 emergency calling system. They affect people in every county of the U.S.

Earlier this month the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) took an important step in protecting the safety of consumers who use digital or Internet phone services. Although it is at least several months away, the FCC will require that companies provide enhanced 9-1-1 capabilities to their customers. This will become a standard, rather than optional feature.

The National Emergency Number Association (NENA), which sets industry standards for the 9-1-1 providers, is calling for development of a nationwide approach to developing solutions for IP access to E-9-1-1.

I strongly urge consumers to read the fine print and consider these factors when deciding whether to subscribe to a digital telephone service. Ask the vendor about emergency capabilities, and use the Internet to investigate thoroughly before signing on the dotted line. The life you save may be your own.