Nextel, Qwest Wireless, Verizon Wireless and VoiceStream asked FC...
Nextel, Qwest Wireless, Verizon Wireless and VoiceStream asked FCC Wireless Bureau last week to reconsider recent conclusion that mobile carriers were responsible for certain costs of Enhanced 911 wireline network. Bureau clarified last month where line was to be…
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drawn for dividing costs of E911 Phase 1 network and database components (CD May 9 p6). In letter to King County, Wash., E911 program, Bureau Chief Thomas Sugrue said proper demarcation point for funding between carriers and public safety answering points (PSAPs) was input to 911 selective routers that ILECs maintain. Those routers receive 911 calls from LEC central offices and send them to specific PSAP that serves area of emergency caller. Four wireless carriers that filed petition said appropriate demarcation point for ascertaining PSAP costs was mobile switching center of wireless carrier. “At a minimum, the bureau is obliged to reconsider its conclusions because it did not consider and address highly relevant facts and arguments submitted by commenters in response to the bureau’s solicitation of public input on the King County request,” carriers said. They are arguing that bureau decision: (1) Was beyond scope of its delegated authority. (2) Wasn’t supported in FCC rules and record. (3) Constituted rulemaking for which “the full Commission must provide notice and comment.” Carriers contend numerous industry entities had sought demarcation point at mobile switching center. “Indeed, it appears from the letter that the bureau chose to ignore altogether the many filings opposed to the King County request,” carriers said. Among points raised in comments that carriers said bureau ignored were regulatory requirements that assign financial responsibility to PSAPs for transporting and processing data once carrier has made E911 Phase 1 data available at mobile switching center. In other areas, carriers said bureau could not wipe out meaning of FCC rules through interpretations. Bureau made “new policy choice” of who should bear costs of E911 wireline network, departing from previous decisions on how joint costs should be shared between carriers and PSAPs, petition said.