The FCC sees a “clear benefit” to rules requiring all...

proposed rulemaking (FNPRM), which was posted by the commission (http://xrl.us/bn6h8u). “This automatic feedback may be life-saving, allowing a person in need of assistance to immediately seek out an alternative,” the further notice said. “Providing this type of error message may also be particularly critical during the transition to NG911, as the record to date suggests there are likely to be numerous instances where consumers attempt to send text messages to [public safety answering points] in areas where text-to-911 is not yet available.” The notice clarifies that the FCC isn’t proposing to require that IP-based messaging applications allow for automatic bounce back messages. “We believe it is less likely that consumers will expect such applications to support emergency communications. Nevertheless, we encourage providers of such messaging applications to inform their users that these applications do not support communication to 911.” The notice asks whether the FCC should impose a “mandatory regulatory framework and timetable” for all carriers to make their systems ready to transmit emergency texts. The notice concedes it could takes years before all PSAPs are ready to receive texts. “We recognize that substantial progress has been achieved through the voluntary initiatives of the four major CMRS providers, 911 service providers, and PSAPs described above,” the notice states. “However, we are concerned that continuing to rely solely on voluntary measures could result in the four major CMRS providers implementing text-to-911 while other service providers -- including regional, small, and rural CMRS providers and third party interconnected text providers -- do not, or could lead to non-uniform and uncoordinated implementation, inconsistent technological approaches, and widely varying implementation timelines to the detriment of consumers. This in turn could lead to a longer transition period, increased transition costs, and increased consumer confusion regarding when and where text-to-911 will be supported, what functionality it will provide, and when and how consumers should use it where it is available.” “Given the clear need for consumer education,” the FNPRM also directs the Public Safety and Consumer and Governmental Affairs bureaus to “implement a comprehensive consumer education program concerning text-to-911, and to coordinate their efforts with state and local 911 authorities, other federal and state agencies, public safety organizations, industry, disability organizations, and consumer groups."