Let’s talk about the important stuff. When it comes to 911 service, VoIP works a little differently than your old landline, and it’s worth understanding the difference — especially in rural areas where emergency response times already run longer.

How 911 Works with Traditional Phones

With a traditional landline, 911 is baked into the system. When you dial 911, the phone company’s network automatically tells the dispatcher exactly where you are, right down to the physical address tied to that phone line. The call gets routed to your local Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP) — the closest 911 center. It’s been working this way for decades.