Speakeasy Already Compliant with All Aspects of FCC Order
Requiring Safer 911 Services by VoIP Providers
Speakeasy VoIP Service Meets and Exceeds Mandate Elements,
Placing Company Months Ahead of the Industry
SEATTLE May 24, 2005—In the wake of last week's Federal Communications Commission (FCC) order requiring all interconnected Voice Over IP (VoIP) providers to offer enhanced 911 (E911) services within the next four months, Speakeasy (www.speakeasy.net), the nation's largest independent broadband services provider, is pleased to announce that its VoIP phone service already complies with the federal mandate. Speakeasy is leading the charge in meeting or exceeding all aspects of the FCC order, having included E911 as a critical component of its VoIP service offering from the time it was launched in September 2004.
The E911 capability provided by Speakeasy, and mandated by the FCC, automatically translates the telephone number of a caller into address-specific information for emergency dispatchers where the operator is capable of receiving this information. Since E911 functionality is of significant importance to the safety of its customer base, Speakeasy, unlike most providers, only offers its VoIP service to areas that can receive 911. Speakeasy VoIP is fully integrated with local Public Safety Answering Points from the moment of installation and provides name, address and phone number information for proper emergency response - unlike other providers who rely on cellular or analog backup 911 trunks.
Speakeasy takes safety one step further with its VQ Technology, which ensures that calls are clear and static-free by prioritizing voice traffic over data via its dedicated private network. "We were not willing to cut corners when it came to providing our customers with access to emergency services," said Bruce Chatterley, Speakeasy president and CEO. "Speakeasy VoIP was launched only after incorporating E911 capabilities - at the risk of arriving to market later than our competitors and with the knowledge that we would be sacrificing a portion of our overall sales volume. Speakeasy's VQ Technology adds another layer of assurance for our customers because they know that all of their calls - emergency or otherwise - will be superior in terms of quality and sound."
Speakeasy VoIP is available to Speakeasy broadband customers and includes unlimited calling to the U.S. and Canada for just $23.95 per month (and a nominal installation cost). The service is ideal when combined with Speakeasy's OneLink™ the first nationwide "naked" DSL service. Speakeasy VoIP can also be added to any other Speakeasy broadband connection, with VQ Technology included in all Speakeasy VoIP packages.
Customers interested in Speakeasy VoIP may obtain more information by visiting http://www.speakeasy.net or by calling 1-800-890-5214.
About Speakeasy
Speakeasy, the nation's largest independent broadband services company, is focused on meeting the needs of discerning businesses, professionals and those who depend on the Internet for higher productivity in life. Speakeasy manages its own private fiber-optic national network, ensuring fast connections, low latency, and an unparalleled degree of security protection from the public Internet. Speakeasy offers a full range of innovative services, including OneLink dedicated DSL, VoIP, online gaming services, and multiple business-grade connectivity options. Customers rave about the personalized and highly competent support they receive from Speakeasy's Seattle-based customer service team. Speakeasy's broadband services are available in most metropolitan areas within the 48 contiguous United States. Those interested in Speakeasy can visit www.speakeasy.net or call 1.800.556.5829.
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