Under what circumstances will 911 emergency services be unavailable for a Bonchon franchise?
Bonchon Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
Windstream and its affiliates (collectively, ''WIN'') are subject to an FCC requirement to provide notification of any E911 limitations that may be associated with the service provided to your company. There are critical differences between traditional telephone service and WIN VoIP Services:
- 911 emergency services will not be available in the event of a power failure.
- 911 emergency services will not be available in the event of an internet failure.
- There are severe limitations (details below) to 911 emergency services if you move your phone from its registered location.
Loss of 911 services due to power failure or Internet connection failure:
Historically, telephone service has been powered by electrical power within the telephone network. If you subscribe to WIN VoIP Services, power is supplied directly from the premise in which you are operating the telephone.
- In the event of a commercial power outage, and if your building does not have a back-up power system, your telephone service, including 911, will not function until power is restored.
- Loss of power to your broadband gateway (through which your service is provided) will cause a loss of telephone and 911 services.
- Any internet connection failure, including a suspension for nonpayment, will cause a loss of telephone and 911 services.
WIN recommends that you always have an alternative means of accessing 911 during a power failure or internet connection failure such as a basic business or copper line (non-VoIP line) for elevator, alarm, and other critical functions.
Source: Item 23 — RECEIPTS (FDD pages 92–536)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to Bonchon's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document, 911 emergency services may not be available to a Bonchon franchise under certain circumstances related to the phone service provider, WIN. Specifically, if the Bonchon restaurant uses WIN VoIP services, 911 services will not be available during a power failure because the telephone service relies on power from the premises. If the building lacks a backup power system, phone service, including 911, will be unavailable until power is restored. Similarly, 911 services will be unavailable if the broadband gateway loses power, as this gateway provides the service. Finally, any internet connection failure, including suspension for nonpayment, will also result in the loss of telephone and 911 services.
Bonchon recommends that franchisees maintain an alternative means of accessing 911, such as a basic business or copper line (non-VoIP line), for critical functions like elevators and alarms. This recommendation highlights the potential risk and liability associated with relying solely on VoIP services for emergency communications.
It is crucial for prospective Bonchon franchisees to consider these limitations and ensure they have a reliable backup plan for emergency communications to protect their employees, customers, and business. Franchisees should discuss these limitations with WIN and explore alternative solutions to mitigate the risk of 911 service interruptions.