The Federal Communications Commission has been examining the possibility of doing away with its call-forwarding requirements for non-service-initialized (NSI) phones as part of its on going efforts to modernize national emergency telecom infrastructure.
The regulatory agency is soliciting comment. From the notice: “We seek comment on whether the obligation to transmit 911 calls from NSI devices continues to serve an important public safety objective. A primary rationale for the initial adoption of the Commission’s rule in the late 1990s was to expedite wireless calls to 911 that would otherwise have been delayed due to lengthy call validation processes for unidentified callers that were commonly used at the time. In the nearly two decades since the rule was adopted, however, the call validation methods of concern to the Commission are no longer in use. ”
The FCC proposal goes on to highlight a number of items including how the propogation of low-cost wireless service is increasing, which suggests that NSI is increasingly obsolete.
The move to examine NSI forwarding follows a host of 911-related action earlier this year.
Chief among the moves was a mandate to improve location tracking for people who dial 911 so emergency responders can more easily locate them.
Last year the FCC also adopted the text to 911 mandate which has expanded ever since with more and more companies becoming qualified for the new service.
Thus far the reactions to the FCC efforts to update the 911 systems have been marked by resistance from telecom trade associations.
Competitive Carriers Association President & CEO Steven K. Berry said,“Consumer safety is a priority for CCA members, and modifying the NSI Rule may have negative impacts on consumers, public safety and the mobile industry.
Berry continued: “The existing rule requires CMRS providers to transmit all wireless 911 calls to PSAPs, regardless of a service contract, and this rule plays an important role in protecting consumers. Repealing the NSI Rule will likely result in failed calls to 911 – a result that no one wants to see – and with the ever-increasing use of mobile devices, it is even more important for the Commission to ensure wireless 911 calls are able to connect. The Commission should be commended for its attempts to reduce burdensome requirements on PSAPs and operators, but a sunset of the NSI Rule is not the answer. I urge the Commission to reconsider its proposal and I look forward to our continued work with the FCC on this important consumer and public safety issue.”
CTIA, the nations largest telecommunications trade association released a comment that stresses the need for Public Safety Answering Points as a way to combat fraudulent 911 calls, a concern referenced by the FCC.
“While CTIA appreciates concerns about fraudulent 9-1-1 calls, CTIA encourages Public Safety Answering Points to combat fraudulent 911 calls from NSI handsets through call-blocking within their own networks or customer-premises equipment. In contrast, a sunset approach would generate uncertainty and confusion for wireless callers, including subscribers whose handsets temporarily register as NSI in certain circumstances. For these reasons, CTIA continues to support the “all calls” rule.”
The FCC takes all issues related to 911 very seriously as demonstrated by the $17.4 million fine the Commission levied against numerous providers because of a 911 blackout that effect six states and 11 million people earlier this year.
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