The Senate Commerce Committee Wed. unanimously passed a bill spon...
The Senate Commerce Committee Wed. unanimously passed a bill sponsored by Sens. Nelson (D-Fla.), Burns (R-Mont.) and Clinton (D-N.Y.) that would require VoIP providers to give subscribers E-911 capability. “The heart of this bill requires those who have VoIP…
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to offer E-911,” Nelson said. The bill would require Bells to open their networks to VoIP providers so 911 calls can be completed. Under FCC rules, access rules can be negotiated between Bells and VoIP providers. “Given the urgency of the issue, we are calling on House leaders” to act quickly to ensure workable 911 and E-911 solutions for VoIP, said Staci Pies, pres. of the VON Coalition. Rep. Gordon (D-Tenn.) has introduced a similar bill in the House. NARUC praised the bill, but said it looked forward to working with the committee on some issues. “This bill affirms VoIP providers’ duty to protect consumers with effective E-911, and we look forward to working with Congress on our issues as it moves forward,” said NARUC Pres. Diane Munns. The bill gives VoIP providers the same access rights as wireless carriers, which often avail themselves of state dispute resolution procedures, Munns said.