On April 26, 2024, the FCC released the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (“NPRM”) seeking comment on a proposal to require wireless carriers to implement a georouting solution for calls to the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (“988 Lifeline” or “Lifeline”). The NPRM was adopted at the April Open Commission Meeting. Specifically, in the FNPRM, the FCC:
- Proposes to Mandate Georouting for Wireless 988 Calls to the Lifeline – The FCC seeks comment on a proposal to mandate the use of one or more georouting solutions by wireless carriers originating calls to the 988 Lifeline. In doing so, the FCC notes that major stakeholders have begun exploring potential georouting solutions and that it supports voluntary efforts by carriers and federal partners to deploy solutions in wireless networks in the near term. Additionally, the FCC specifically seeks comment from wireless carriers that voluntarily deploy georouting solutions, to inform its decision-making.
- Seeks Comment on Potential Georouting Solutions for Wireless Calls to 988 – The FCC seeks comment on potential georouting solutions for the 988 Lifeline. The FCC notes that Intrado and several stakeholders have already begun to develop their own solutions and seeks comment on the viability of these solutions. In addition, the FCC seeks comment on: (1) the technical specifications, (2) how to correlate a caller’s location with a call center, (3) the required routing data and transmission information, (4) technical limitations, (5) infrastructure and system considerations (including necessary changes or upgrades that may be required), (6) the costs and benefits, (7) testing, (8) timeline for deployment of the proposed solutions; and (9) alternative georouting solutions. Additionally, the FCC seeks comment on the form of rules and how this proposal would affect non-wireless calls and text messages to the Lifeline.
- Seeks Comment on its Legal Authority – The FCC seeks comment on its legal authority to adopt its proposal and the effect is proposal may have on digital equity.
Once adopted, comments will be due 30 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register and replies will be due 60 days after the date of publication int eh Federal Register.
Please Contact Us if you have any questions.