FCC could extend access to 911 systems

FCC could extend access to 911 systems

• By Jim Sweeney
• Dec 23, 2002

The Federal Communications Commission late last week sought comments on whether it should require more communications companies to offer access to 911 emergency calling systems.

Wireline 911 service is now available to 98 percent of the population, the commission noted. Some mobile wireless services are already required to offer 911 access.

The FCC is considering 911 requirements for:

mobile satellite service

vehicle telematic services such as OnStar, which are expected to be in more than 40 percent of vehicles sold by 2008

multiline phone systems

resold cellular and personal communications service

prepaid wireless calling service

disposable mobile phones

automated maritime telecommunications systems

services and devices such as personal digital assistants with voice capabilities and IP telephony.

The proposal is posted www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Digest/2002/dd021220.html.