Bipartisan Bill Introduced Mandating E-911 Access
Rep. Gordon (D-Tenn.) introduced a bill Wed. to mandate E-911 access for VoIP providers, a day before the FCC is expected to issue an order requiring providers to give customers E-911 service (CD May 18 p5). Gordon’s bill has bipartisan support and a companion version in the Senate.
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“It is a more comprehensive approach,” said a Gordon aide. Rep. Shimkus (R-Ill.), co-chmn. of the E-911 caucus, co-sponsored the bill. The Senate version so far has Sens. Burns (R-Mont.) and Nelson (D-Fla.) as co- sponsors.
Under the bill, the FCC would develop new rules for VoIP E-911 access within 180 days. It would require telephone companies to provide non-discriminatory access to the E-911 network and empower the FCC to adopt rules for comprehensive E-911 solutions. The legislation, which also includes provider parity provisions, would enable equivalent liability relief for call-takers and require a national plan for a next generation E-911 system.
“Dialing 911 can be the most important call a person ever makes,” said Staci Pies, pres.-VON Coalition. “That is why VoIP providers are committed to providing 911 emergency service in an Internet world, and support FCC and Congressional efforts to ensure VoIP subscribers can reach emergency services by dialing 911.”
The group said it is grateful for the bill’s attempt to equip the FCC with “tools” it needs to ensure VoIP providers can meet it obligations to provide emergency calling services. “We look forward to continuing to work with Congress to further refine the legislation and ensure that the regulatory net doesn’t inadvertently catch the wrong fish,” Pies said.
NARUC praised the legislation, pledging to help develop a “comprehensive approach” to the issue. “The technical and regulatory issues can be complex, but the end goal is really quite simple - 911 calls that save lives,” said NARUC Pres. Diane Munns.