911 Administrators Want Longer Backup Power Requirements
The proposed requirement in the IP Transition rulemaking (see 1411210037) that providers supply at least eight hours of backup phone power in the case of power outages isn't enough, said the National Association of State 911 Administrators in comments posted…
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Friday in docket 05-25. The requirement should be at least 24 hours, because “consumers in the midst of a power outage due to a natural disaster or other emergency will likely have urgent communication needs that may take time to accomplish,” NASNA said. When legacy copper landlines are being retired, consumers repeatedly should be made aware of the change before the switch, the group said. To get agency authorization to retire a service, providers should be required to show that a substitute service is available to customers that offers 911 capabilities consistent with the commission’s standards, NASNA said. It said public safety answering points should be given adequate notice of the retirement. If not, legacy PSAPs may be forced “to replace, upgrade or reconfigure their equipment with very little notice and before they are able or ready to do so,” the group said.