It is not currently possible to make 999 calls from VoiceHost or many other VoIP providers. Please make sure that you have a phone capable of doing so, such as a mobile phone etc.

The Ofcom requirement for "VoIP" providers to offer 999 calling wherever possible, has only just become a requirement. VoiceHost is actively pursuing this aim. Like many VoIP telephony suppliers, we are looking to achieve 999 calling with a mechanism which is practical and safe for our customers to use.

The first major problem stems from the fact that VoIP handsets can move from one location to another. Because of this, VoiceHost needs to maintain an address database, which the customer must update and keep accurate. This information will be passed automatically, by VoiceHost, to the emergency services at time of dialling.

The scope for accidentally sending the emergency services to the wrong address is, we feel, more than significant and whilst we attempt to comply to Ofcom guidelines, VoiceHost are actively working with BT and other suppliers to streamline the process and apply diligence such that the risks relating to opening up 999 calling are minimised.

Until VoiceHost feels that the process can be applied with levels of diligence that we feel are commensurate to the importance of this change, 999 calls will not be routed via the VoiceHost service.