At 16 May 2008 16:47:56 +0000 Dennis Ferguson wrote:
> > I STILL haven't figured out how they offer US phone numbers
> > without being forced to be E911 compliant.)
>
> I haven't figured that out either, but I it is somehow related to
> them not allowing the US phone numbers to be used for caller ID
> on outbound calls even though they're fine with you instead using
> any overseas SkypeIn number you have for caller ID on calls to US
> phones.


Ignore my last post! On further reflection, I think you nailed it.
Looking at various VoIP services, it seems incoming-only numbers are exempt
from 911- only services with outbound capability require 911 location.

Since Skype sells Skype-In and Skype-Out separately, I suspect the "in"
numbers are exempt by not having any outbound capability in and of
themselves. It's probably also the reason that the new unlimited USA Skype-
Out plans don't include free "in" numbers like the European plans do, but
instead just get a generous discount on a Skype-In number- if they included
the incoming number, it'd be a lot harder to convince regulators they were
separate services, under any "if it walks like a duck" scrutiny... ;-)