Is this new patented product from Mediatrix, a must-have product for all Canadian VoIP providers. And more interesting is this the sort of product that can work in the US – allowing a customer to have PSTN backup for 911 calls? Keep in mind that a phone line in the US must provide 911 service – even if it is an inactive line.

Patented technology, integrated in Mediatrix VoIP residential gateways, allows VoIP service providers to offer subscribers full access to 911 emergency services

Montreal, May 17, 2005 - Mediatrix Telecom, Inc., a leader in Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) access technology, today announced its Mediatrix VoIP residential product line complies with recent Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) decision addressing the requirements for VoIP service providers to offer emergency 9-1-1 service.

Indeed, in its decision dated April 4, 2005, the Commission requires VoIP service providers offering fixed VoIP service to grant the same level of 9-1-1 emergency service that is provided by the incumbent telephone companies to their existing customers (either Basic 9-1-1 or Enhanced 9-1-1 service).

Mediatrix integrates a patented technology (Canadian patent # 2303392) in its VoIP residential gateways allowing users to place phone calls over either the Internet network (IP network) or the legacy telephone network (PSTN network). Mediatrix VoIP residential gateways route calls over the IP network while directing emergency calls through the PSTN network. In the event of a power failure or network outage, all calls automatically fall back to the PSTN network, thus ensuring home users have access at all times to 911 lifeline support.

“With its reliable patented solution addressing 911 issues and fully compliant with the recent CRTC’s decision, Mediatrix sets itself apart from other VoIP vendors” commented Mr. Robert Comeau, CEO of Mediatrix. “We have been amongst the first ones to identify and meet the need for a VoIP service that would allow users to access 911 lifeline support. Our patented technology answers these safety requirements and our Mediatrix Residential VoIP gateways have proved to be very successful, as they have been widely deployed by leading service providers around the world. Not only are they reliable, but their genuine plug & play features greatly facilitate installation and maintenance, and they offer unparalleled quality of voice.”