MagicJack To Pass 911 Access Charges to Users
Magic Jack recently sent the following email, basically informing users that they will begin collecting local 911/911E access service fees, which could double the cost of their annual service in some jurisdictions:
This fee is optional, and only if you want to use "911" for direct access to local emergency services. However, you can generally find the local "direct" phone number online, typically called the Emergency Communications Center for your city or county, and program that into your MagicJack contacts without paying additional fees.
- Dear customer:
This is not a bill, but a choice for you as described below. If you decide you will not pay, you do not have to take any action.
Due to recent changes, magicJack will start to charge for 911 services for 911 capability. If you decide to continue to receive certain limited 911 calling privileges as described in our TOS, you will need to go to my.magicjack.com and fill out the necessary forms and give new debit/credit card information.
magicJack will not profit by collecting these pass through charges for the 911 authorities.
The charges will be billed annually by email and may cost anywhere from $6.00 to over $60.00 a year. On average throughout the country it will cost about $12.00 a year.
magicJack will provide limited exceptions for hardship cases for people who made a 911 call before July 1, 2013 and will post notification or email these certain customers later concerning the eligibility.
These unfortunate changes were made necessary because certain emergency 911 Districts in certain jurisdictions requested we attempt to bill on their behalf and benefit.
Dan
This fee is optional, and only if you want to use "911" for direct access to local emergency services. However, you can generally find the local "direct" phone number online, typically called the Emergency Communications Center for your city or county, and program that into your MagicJack contacts without paying additional fees.
