FCC is seeking comment on petition for declaratory ruling filed b...
FCC is seeking comment on petition for declaratory ruling filed by OnStar on extent to which telematics units embedded in vehicles are covered under Enhanced 911 rules. Comments are due Jan. 24, replies Feb. 7. OnStar sought clarification that…
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such embedded devices weren’t handsets as defined under FCC E-911 orders and that those units weren’t included in calculating wireless carrier’s Phase 2 handset compliance requirements. FCC rules define location-capable handsets as “portable or mobile phones that contain special location-determining” hardware or software used to pinpoint E-911 calls. OnStar said embedded telematics devices shouldn’t be treated as handsets and weren’t covered under Phase 2 requirements. Embedded telematics systems use standalone GPS while handset-based Phase 2 solutions use network-assisted GPS handset solutions. OnStar also told FCC that telematics units shouldn’t be counted as handsets in calculating carrier compliance with handset activation milestones. OnStar said handsets had relatively short life cycles but retrofitting existing analog telematics units with digital systems was more costly.