Public Safety Urges E-911 Functionality for ECS
Enterprise communications systems (ECS) should have the same E-911 functionality as other phones, 911 and public safety groups commented last week on a September FCC notice of inquiry (see 1709260040). That includes the ability to dial 911 directly without additional…
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digits, automatic location identification and location-based routing to the correct public safety answering point and call-back capability if a call is interrupted, the National Emergency Number Association commented in docket 17-239. APCO called the lack of those capabilities “a significant shortcoming in 911 emergency response.” The National Association of State 911 Administrators concurred. “Just as E911 for landline, wireless and VoIP has resulted in improvements in the speed at which emergency responders are able to reach the caller, so would E911 for ECS,” NASNA commented. State commissions also rallied behind the cause, with NARUC last week passing a resolution supporting required direct dialing of 911 in hotels and other enterprises (see 1711130035). Verizon agreed people should be able to dial 911 without a prefix. But AT&T urged the FCC to “first ‘do no harm’ by not impinging on enterprise owners’ discretion to adopt customized 911 calling solutions that enhance public safety.” Enterprise owners can address many of the issues raised in the NOI, the carrier commented. The Telecommunications Industry Association urged the agency “to consider the complexity of the ECS marketplace and the diverse needs of its users before acting to add regulations.” The Ad Hoc Telecommunications Users Committee said “not to interfere with the wide discretion currently enjoyed by companies to develop solutions that best meet the safety of their employees.” FCC action on direct 911 dialing isn’t necessary because Congress may pass Kari’s Law (S-123), the American Hotel & Lodging Association commented. The bill passed the Senate in August and was sent to the House.