On June 9, 2023, the FCC released a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comment on proposals to expedite the NG911 transition by adopting certain requirements that would apply to wireline, Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS), interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), and Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (TRS) providers as state and local 911 authorities transition to IP-based networks and develop the capability to support NG911 elements and functions. This item was adopted at the June Open Meeting. Specifically, the NPRM seeks comment on the following:
- The FCC proposes to require wireline, interconnected VoIP, and Internet-based TRS providers to complete all translation and routing to deliver 911 calls, including associated location information, in the requested IP-based format upon valid request of 911 authorities who have established the capability to accept NG911-compatible, IP-based communications.
- Compliance Timeframe: Wireline and interconnected VoIP providers would be subject to this requirement six months from the effective date of the IP service delivery requirement, or six months after a valid request for IP-based service by a state or local 911 authority, whichever is later. (Internet-based TRS providers are provided an additional 6 months).
- The FCC proposes to require wireline, interconnected VoIP, CMRS, and Internet-based TRS providers to transmit all 911 calls to destination point(s) in those networks designated by a 911 authority, including to a public safety answering point (PSAP), designated statewide default answering point, local emergency authority, ESInet, or other point(s) designated by 911 authorities that allow emergency calls to be answered, upon request of 911 authorities who have certified the capability to accept IP-based 911 communications.
- The FCC proposes that in the absence of agreements by states or localities on alternative cost recovery mechanisms, wireline, interconnected VoIP, CMRS, and Internet-based TRS providers would be presumptively responsible for the costs associated with transmitting 911 calls to the point(s) designated by a 911 authority.
- The FCC also seeks comment on an appropriate definition of “Next Generation 911” (or, alternatively, whether a definition of this term is necessary for compliance) and offers various options, including a defined used by Congress and one used by the public safety community. The FCC also seeks comment on proposed definitions of “Emergency Services Internet Protocol Network (ESInet),” and “911 Authority.”
- The FCC seeks comment on whether to adopt new data collections to assist in monitoring compliance with the proposed rules for NG911, including the frequency of such reporting, and whether it should simply adopt a certification requirement instead of a new reporting requirement.
Comments will be due 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
Reply comments will be due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register.
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