VoIP 9-1-1 Recommendation For Fongo Mobile
- Due to the limitations regarding VoIP 911 calling, we recommend Fongo Mobile users use the native phone app on their mobile device to place 9-1-1 emergency calls.
- Why?
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- In Canada, mobile devices will always have the ability to call 9-1-1 emergency service, even without a SIM card or cellular voice plan
- 9-1-1 operators may be able to use your device’s GPS to locate you
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- Why?
How 911 Works on Fongo Mobile
As a Fongo customer in Canada, you get access to VoIP 9-1-1 phone service. In order to use Fongo's phone services, you must confirm that you understand and accept the differences between traditional 9-1-1 service and VoIP phone 911 service.
With traditional phone services, your 9-1-1 call is sent directly to the nearest emergency response centre. With VoIP phone service, your 911 call is forwarded to a third-party VOIP 911 service partner that will automatically or manually route your call to the appropriate emergency response centre. Since you can move your VoIP phone between locations (and because, for unforeseen technical reasons, the emergency operator may not have your name, location, or contact information available), you must immediately inform the emergency operator of your location and contact details whenever you dial 911. If you are calling from your mobile phone, we recommend that you use the native Phone app to call your local emergency number as it will automatically be routed to the local dispatch centre.
To assist the operator and avoid delays in emergency service response, it's important that your 9-1-1 address is the address that you primarily use Fongo from. If your primary residence has recently changed, you need to update your address. How to update your 911 information:
- Log in to your account on the Fongo account page
- Click on "Settings"
- On the "911 Information Settings" page, enter your new address
- Click "Update Info" to save your changes
Availability
9-1-1 Emergency calling service is unavailable for use with Fongo Mobile services in the provinces of
- Quebec
- New Brunswick
- Newfoundland and Labrador
- Prince Edward Island.
If you are travelling outside of Canada, our VoIP 9-1-1 service will not reach a dispatch centre local to your physical location. If you are calling from your mobile phone, we recommend that you use the native Phone app on your device to call the local emergency number when travelling.
Use the native Phone app to call your local emergency number as it will automatically be routed to the local dispatch centre.
Additional Information
When a 9-1-1 call is made on the Fongo Mobile app, we store the IP address and GPS coordinates (if available) of where the call was made in the event that Emergency Services or Law Enforcement request them.
Click here for complete details about the differences between Traditional 9-1-1 services and VoIP e9-1-1 services.
It is against the law to make frivolous calls to 9-1-1. Doing so may cause emergency services to arrive at your location to investigate whether you have requested them or not (for example, if you hang up on the 9-1-1 operator, police may still be dispatched). For non-emergency calls to law enforcement, please look up your local police station's non-emergency reporting phone number.