Certain mobile satellite service (MSS) operators will be required...

that MSS operators providing interconnected voice service must have call centers (CD Nov 14 p1). A further notice of proposed rulemaking adopted simultaneously asked about reporting and record keeping requirements. In Wed.’s order, the Commission said reporting before implementation would encourage planning and discussions between operators and the public safety community: “Advance notification will inform stakeholders how MSS carriers intend to connect with [public safety answering points (PSAPS)]… These discussions may be instrumental in ensuring that MSS carriers have the necessary resources to handle effectively emergency call traffic.” The Commission set a preimplementation report deadline for Oct. 11, 4 months ahead of the call center deadline of Feb. 11, 2005. In addition to identifying the carrier, the reports should: (1) Describe the carrier coverage area. (2) Provide the call center location and plans for routing emergency calls. (3) Describe how customers will learn about call center features. (4) Describe any problems experienced in organizing the center. MSS operators that have already established call centers, like Globalstar and Mobile Satellite Ventures (MSV), still must file a report. The FCC said it will consider requests for extensions of the call center deployment deadline. The order also requires postimplementation reports on the status of the centers, requiring information on each call received and the fate of the calls (whether they were forwarded to PSAPS). The reports, which won’t include customer-specific information, will be due once a year with annual reports already file by the operators. The first postimplementation deadline is Oct. 15, 2005, the Commission said. Meanwhile, the Commission said it will address in a later proceeding the remaining issues from the FNPRM -- how an ancillary terrestrial component (ATC) would affect MSS call center implementation and E911 rules for multiline telephone systems.