The New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act was passed on Monday by unanimous consent. While the legislation had passed the House of Representatives in November, the Senate had made a few changes. Now, the bill will have to go back to the House for final approval.
The U.S. Federal Communications Commission voted in May of 2005 to require VoIP providers to offer enhanced 911 or E911 to their customers as early as 2006. Unfortunately, many VoIP providers have run into several problems and theFCC ( News - Alert) extended its deadline.
These problems have come in the form of run-ins with 911 networks, controlled by traditional telecom carriers that have blocked access for VoIP providers. In addition, some emergency dispatch centers have worried about legal liability if VoIP 911 calls fail.
Gaining bipartisan support in the House and Senate, the legislation would give dispatch centers liability protection when handling VoIP calls. It will also require that 911 networks connect VoIP providers using the same rates and conditions they use when connecting mobile phone carriers.
Ensuring that this area of contention is not left open for erroneous interpretation, the Act also requires that the U.S. government create a plan for migrating to IP-based 911 networks.
The Senate received significant praise from the VON Coalition, a trade group for VoIP providers. Jim Kohlenberger (News - Alert), executive director of the VON Coalition said that this action is a big win for public safety, broadband consumers and innovators alike. Dialing 911 may be the most important call a person ever makes, making it critical that 911 emergency service is provided in an Internet world.
Kohlenberger also highlighted that VoIP providers in the U.S. offer E911 service to more than 97 percent of their customers. E911 provides dispatch centers with location information of the 911 caller.
One proponent of the bill is Senator Ted Stevens, an Alaskan Republican. Stevens pointed out that many rural areas do not yet have access the newer E911 services.
"Congress has been working on this important legislation for several years and I am pleased to see that it is finally moving forward," Stevens shared in a statement. "This measure will ensure that our nation's 911 laws are up-to-date with new technologies and will continue to save lives."
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Autor(en)/Author(s): Susan J. Campbell
Quelle/Source: TMC Net, 19.06.2008
