Implementing FCC’s E-911 Order ‘Challenging,’ Industry Says
Meeting the FCC’s 120-day deadline to provide E-911 service poses daunting infrastructure challenges to VoIP providers, panelists at the E-911 Institute said Tues. Congressional staff said a bipartisan bill introduced last week (CD May 19 p1) which would require nondiscriminatory access to VoIP providers is necessary to ensure full E-911 coverage.
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“Gaining access to 911 trunks is a regulatory challenge,” said Jon Cummings, Vonage vp-E-911 services. The question will be who provides the gateway, he said. “We haven’t seen solid solutions that will work across the board,” he said, adding it will take a “significant infrastructure to put in place to make this possible.”
“The ground we're operating under is completely different than it was 2 weeks ago,” said Glen Reynolds, BellSouth asst. vp-telecom policy, referring to the “lightning speed” with which the FCC issued its order (CD May 20 p1): “Two months ago, this was not even on the FCC’s radar screen… Bell South is committed to getting this done in time to meet the FCC order’s time frame.”
Legislation is necessary to ensure the FCC maintains its jurisdiction over the E-911 mandate and doesn’t get caught up in court challenges that could delay compliance, said an aide to Sen. Nelson (D-Neb.): “Certain core social obligations need to be acted upon now.” Action on the bill isn’t expected until DTV legislation is completed.
“There are a number of things that only Congress can clarify,” said Dana Lichtenberg, aide to Rep. Gordon (D- Tenn.). The bill also would provide civil immunities and give the FCC authority to carry out the measure’s provisions.
If Canada’s experience with 911 provides a lesson, it could take some compromising to find an industrywide solution, said Chris Seidl, senior mgr.-telecom policy- Canadian Radio-TV & Telecom Commission. Canada recently imposed a rule requiring VoIP service companies to provide 911 or E-911, and to notify customers of any limitations of the service, he said. Despite a desire to move quickly, the rulemaking took over a year to complete, he added.
“The biggest challenge was getting customers routed to the right emergency call center,” he said. Ultimately, the commission decided on a “balanced” approach of meeting E-911 obligations that allowed market solutions but also social obligations. Monthly meetings assess progress, he said.