On July 19, 2024, the FCC released the Report and Order requiring wireline providers, Commercial Mobile Radio Service (CMRS) providers, covered text providers, providers of interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services, and providers of Internet-based Telecommunications Relay Service (Internet-based TRS) (collectively “originating service providers” or “OSPs”) to take actions to start or continue the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) in coordination with 911 Authorities. The item was adopted at the July Open Meeting.
Specifically, the R&O adopts a two-phased approach, with each phase initiated by a 911 Authority submitting a valid request to OSPs within the jurisdiction where the 911 Authority is located for the OSP to comply with the NG911 requirements. In Phase 1, the FCC requires OSPs “to deliver 911 traffic in a basic [Session Initiation Protocol or SIP] format, thereby implementing the fundamental IP translation or transport that is a prerequisite for the delivery of 911 traffic in SIP format that complies with commonly accepted standards.” In Phase 2, the FCC requires OSPs “to deliver 911 traffic in SIP format that complies with NG911 commonly accepted standards,” including having location information embedded in the call signaling using Presence Information Data Format – Location Object (PIDF-LO) or its functional equivalent.
In the absence of an alternative cost arrangement, OSPs will be responsible for the cost of transmitting 911 traffic to the NG911 Delivery Points designated by 911 Authorities. OSPs will also be presumptively responsible for the costs associated with translating 911 traffic into the required IP-based format, including associated routing and location information. Once effective, nationwide CMRS providers, covered text providers, interconnected VoIP providers, and wireline providers other than rural incumbent local exchange carriers (RLECs) will have six months following a 911 Authority’s valid request to comply with each phase’s requirements, while all other providers will have one year to comply, unless a different timeframe has been mutually agreed upon by the 911 Authority and OSP.
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