Two reasons why Verizon is opening up its NYC E911 to VoIP

As we report today, Verizon Communications now says it will open its New York City E911 call infrastructure to VoIP operators this summer.

If the technology goes well, and to quote Verizon "all the kinks are ironed out," the company will open E911 call infrastructure in all of its service areas to VoIP providers.

At first, I was a bit surprised by Verizon's choice of NYC as its E911 open-access test bed. I mean, that's the biggest, baddest market out there. Ever been in Manhattan longer than five consecutive minutes without hearing an E911-summoned siren go off?

Reason One: Then, I thought, well, since Verizon is based in Manhattan, maybe they want a test bed close enough for them to roll out of their own beds to test every morning. And, with a robust enough service load.

If Verizon can get open E911 right in New York - well, start spreading the news. If open E911 can make it here, it can make it anywhere. "New York, New York."

Reason Two: Some of this move has something to do with another city, some 220 miles to the south-southwest. Show you are eager to open your E911 to Vonage and other VoIP players, and maybe Congress or the FCC will decide that regulation to make you do that isn't necessary.