No objections have been registered to TracFone’s petition to the ...
No objections have been registered to TracFone’s petition to the FCC to lift a requirement it obtain separate 911 certification from all public safety answering points in a state before it can offer Lifeline service there, the company told…
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the commission. TracFone has asked instead that it be allowed to certify that it meets 911 requirements after 90 days of inaction by any PSAP (CD Dec 30 p3). The company is the nation’s largest provider of prepaid wireless service. TracFone said in reply comments that it has received certifications from Virginia, Tennessee, and Florida and provides service in the states. It expects to offer 911 soon in Massachusetts and Connecticut but has encountered problems in Pennsylvania, other states and the District of Columbia. The National Emergency Number Association didn’t object to TracFone’s request but said the FCC should require the company to show that has complied with state and local laws on 911, including funding rules. Association officials said they met with TracFone’s CEO and other company representatives and have encouraged 911 authorities to consider TracFone’s requests. “In the end, of course, we cannot and would not attempt to interfere with PSAP decisions on certification of 911 access as that is a local matter,” the group said. Consumer Action and the National Consumers League supported TracFone’s calls for the FCC to change the PSAP certification requirement. “Wireless telephone service has become an essential part of modern life,” the League said. “That is why we have consistently supported the use of Universal Service Fund monies to bring wireless telephone service to low-income consumers via the Lifeline program.” Pennsylvania’s Public Utility Commission asked the FCC for more time to comment.