FCC Moves Forward on Nationwide Implementation of Next-Generation 911 Services

FCC Moves Forward on Nationwide Implementation of Next-Generation 911 Services

Late last week, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a draft Report and Order (Draft Order) containing rules that would require communication service providers to transition from legacy 911 networks to Internet Protocol (IP)-based technologies and applications as part of the Next Generation 911 (NG911) System. The FCC will vote to adopt a final set of rules in its monthly meeting on July 18. Advocacy efforts to modify the Draft Order are now underway until July 11, a week before the vote when advocacy about items listed on the agenda for the meeting can no longer be conducted.

JSI has been active in this proceeding assisting clients and state and national associations in filing comments and conducting ex parte presentations with FCC officials. Among the concerns raised in these advocacy efforts have been rules proposed by the FCC that would require rural carriers to bear costs associated with delivering 911 traffic to points outside of their network. Of particular concern are situations where 911 Authorities could require carriers to deliver 911 traffic hundreds of miles to points outside of the state. Advocacy on this issue will continue as the draft Order allows 911 Authorities to require providers to deliver traffic outside of their boundaries. However, in a “win” for rural carriers, the Draft Order does not allow 911 Authorities to require providers to transmit 911 traffic to points located outside the state.

JSI will provide more details about the new rules including a timeline for implementation and potential impacts for carriers in states that have yet to implement NG911 after the July 18th vote and release of the final text of the order. In the meantime, if you have any questions concerning the Draft Order or would like JSI’s assistance in participating in the unified advocacy efforts underway, please contact Douglas Meredith or John Kuykendall.