FCC passes new E911 requirements
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(InfoWorld) - The U.S. Federal Communications Commission has adopted new rules requiring wireless telephone providers to move toward testing location-based emergency dialing service at the local level. The FCC late Tuesday opposed regulations that require wireless providers to phase in testing of enhanced 911, or E911, dialing services over the next five years. E911 allows emergency dispatchers to pinpoint the location of callers. Until now, wireless providers have been able to test and report the E911 location accuracy on a regional or statewide basis. But the new rules would require wireless carriers to provide the FCC with local accuracy information. The old way of testing "does not provide public safety with the information it needs to do its job effectively," said FCC chairman Kevin Martin. "Meeting location accuracy standards on average in the entire state of New York by providing enhanced 911 capability in Manhattan does not help first-responders in Buffalo." In many cases, E911 does not work well with wireless phones, critics have said. In some cases, callers can't be pinpointed closer than several hundred meters, or on the right floor of a high-rise building, critics say. FCC commissioner Robert McDowell said the FCC may be moving ahead too fast. In May, several wireless providers, tech vendors, and public safety advocatesÂ told the FCC they don't yet have a plan for better wireless E911, he said. "We must walk before we can run," McDowell added. CTIA, a wireless trade group, criticized the FCC's action. The wireless industry has is committed to improving location accuracy and the FCC's action will "hamper that effort," Steve Largent, CTIA's president and CEO, said in a statement. "I am concerned that the commission's action may lead to unrealistic -- and potentially harmful -- consumer expectations." CTIA wanted the FCC to move forward with a collaborative effort involving the wireless industry and public safety officials, Largent added. However, the National Emergency Number Association praised the commission's decision, calling the new rules a step toward improved safety. It is "essential" that the accuracy of E911 be improved, said NENA president Jason Barbour, 911 director for Johnston County, N.C.
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