The International Assn. of Fire Chiefs, National Assn. of Countie...

level, rather than averaged over entire states. “We share APCO International’s concern that too large of a measurement area will leave some public safety answering points (PSAPs) with very poor levels of accuracy, making it difficult for first responders to locate emergencies in a timely manner,” the groups told the FCC. They said wireless 911 accuracy should be required at the community level, because “Phase II E911 services are requested, deployed and utilized at the local level, contracts between wireless carriers and PSAPs are initiated at the local level and responses to calls begin at the local level.” The groups urged the FCC to provide “clear guidance regarding the relevant geographic area in which wireless carriers must provide and test E911 accuracy to the levels specified in the FCC’s rules.” The issue has spurred a huge fight between those in public safety and the industry, which has been advocating accuracy testing on a statewide bases. The 49- member Network Reliability & Interoperability Council (NTIC) in March urged accuracy testing be conducted on a statewide basis, but APCO dissented. Sam Feder, then FCC Chmn. Martin’s aide, has said Martin has “some sympathy for APCO’s view that you need to look at this on a more granular basis.” He has urged the carriers to work with APCO on “a solution about how that can be done.”