A. Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) is a phone service that instead of typical telephone lines uses data lines commonly utilized by Internet providers and cable companies. Typically people use VoIP phones over standard phones because long distance calls are cheaper.

A. Lake County Department of Public Safety officials are urging residents who are considering purchasing a VoIP service to ask the provider how or if it handles 911 emergency calls and if there are separate charges for the service. While officials are not discouraging people from using VoIP, it is imperative they understand the system may have 911 call limitations, or worse yet, no 911 service at all. To learn more about VoIP phones and 911 calls please view our News Release, Lake County cautions Internet-based telephone services may not dial 911.

A. Once a building permit is issued, a letter will be sent out to the property owner automatically with the new address, or an address can be obtained by visiting the Communications Systems office at 315 W. Main St., suite 411, Tavares.

A. Communications Systems will issue a "temporary" address until the time a property owner is issued the permit for a residence or commercial structure.

A. While some rate increases are inevitable, Communications Systems will step in as a local intermediary if a resident is not satisfied with their cable company's response to billing questions. By law, a local cable franchise is limited to regulating only basic cable services (the first 18-20 channels). Annually, the Federal Communications Commission determines if fees can rise when cable companies file forms to support their increases. Communications Systems works to ensure all cable companies operating within Lake County comply with all laws, rules, mandates and contracts.

A. The call will be answered by the closest "Public Safety Answering Point" to the cell tower receiving the call anywhere wireless Emergency 911 service is operational.