NENA Submits Filing on VoIP / Indoor Location Accuracy
On October 3, NENA submitted comments in response to the Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted by the Commission on July 12, 2011. In the filing, NENA recommends that: A) The Commission should extend its E9-1-1 rules to cover VoIP services that permit consumers to terminate calls to the PSTN, B) The Commission should adopt a generalized location accuracy framework for VoIP service, C) The Commission should encourage the adoption and evolution of location-capable broadband technologies, and D) The Commission should initially require some generalized testing for indoor positioning performance.
FEMA & FCC Unveil New Tip Sheet for Consumers on How to Communicate During Disasters
As part of National Preparedness Month, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released new tips for consumers aimed at preparing them for major disasters when communications networks are more likely to be compromised or damaged. Nearly one month ago, a 5.8 magnitude earthquake and Hurricane Irene struck the East Coast. In the minutes and hours that followed, mobile networks experienced significant network congestion, temporarily making it harder for millions of people to reach loved ones and emergency services. This tip sheet aims to help prepare Americans about how to communicate with each other, and loved ones, in the event of another disaster.
NENA Applauds FCC Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on Next Generation 9-1-1
- Read the NPRM
- Continue reading the NENA Release
- FCC Release: FCC Adopts NG9-1-1 NPRM & Staff Presents NG9-1-1 Cost Study
- Next Generation 9-1-1 Cost Study
- FCC Chairman: 9-1-1 “a cornerstone of our public safety communications infrastructure.”
- Statements from Commissioners Clyburn, McDowell, & Copps
National 9-1-1 Assessment Guidelines Public Comment Deadline Approaching
The National 9-1-1 Assessment Guidelines Working Group (NAGWG) requests feedback from 9-1-1 industry stakeholders on proposed guidelines that would serve as the basis for a statewide 9-1-1 program assessment process. All comments are due by Monday, September 26.
USDA Announces Funding to Improve 9-1-1 in Rural America
Rep. Eshoo Calls for Nationwide, Interoperable Communications Network for First Responders
Get Ready for the Nationwide EAS Test
On November 9, 2011, at 2 PM Eastern Standard Time (EST), the FCC and FEMA will conduct the first-ever, nationwide test of the Emergency Alert System (EAS). EAS alerts are transmitted over radio and television broadcast stations, cable television and other media services. The purpose of the November 9th test is to assess the reliability and effectiveness of the system as a way to alert the public during nationwide emergencies. Although FEMA and the FCC are taking steps to ensure that broadcast announcements are made during the test, some people may not see or hear these announcements and, as a result, 9-1-1 Call Centers may receive calls. That is why both agencies are conducting various outreach activities to educate 9-1-1 Call Centers and other public safety agencies about the test. In addition, the FCC has established a website dedicated to the November 9th test which can be found on PSHSBs website at www.fcc.gov/pshs. Moreover, both agencies plan to work with EAS stakeholders to educate the public in advance of the test.
FCC Announces September Public Safety Showcase
The Federal Communications Commissions Office of Managing Director and the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau recently announced that during the month of September, the FCC Technology Experience Center will showcase public safety and homeland security technologies in recognition of Emergency Preparedness Month.
FCC Chairman Announces Action Plan to Improve the Deployment of NG9-1-1
NENA Supports the AT&T and T-Mobile Merger
On Monday, July 11, NENA filed a letter with the FCC endorsing the merger of AT&T and T-Mobile USA. This action, approved at the Executive Boards March 28th meeting in Washington, D.C., recognizes AT&Ts historical commitment to advancing 9-1-1 service and the benefits of expanded coverage and higher broadband speeds that the public safety community and consumers will realize from the merger. A copy of the endorsement letter is available.