Major Carriers Agree to Provide Z-Axis Data Nationwide Within 7 Days: Rosenworcel

The FCC said Thursday AT&T, T-Mobile and Verizon agreed to start providing vertical-location information on all calls to 911 nationwide within seven days, to implement compliance plans and each pay a $100,000 fine. The consent decrees settle investigations announced in April of whether the three met an April 3 deadline to provide the data in the 25 largest markets. The providers previously sought 18-month waivers. Compliance filings were due Wednesday.

“Six years is too long to wait for 911 vertical location information that can save lives,” said FCC acting Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. “These settlements accomplish what has evaded the agency for too long: they ensure that the FCC, public safety, and wireless carriers work together to immediately start delivering this information to first responders without further delay,” she said: “They also ensure that we are improving our 911 location accuracy capabilities everywhere in the country and not just in the top 25 markets.”

The carriers didn’t immediately comment.