With the advent of new communications technologies comes the prioritizing of access to public safety resources in emergencies. There are a number of initiatives afoot, both at the state and federal level, to ensure that first responders are given the most accurate information, as well new ways to receive requests for assistance.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is leading a number of these initiatives, including one that seeks to accelerate the development and deployment of Next Generation 911 (NG911) technology that will allow the public to communicate with Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs) via text, photos, video, and data to enhance the information available to PSAPs and first responders in the event of an emergency. This will give the first responders a better idea as to what may need to be done in advance of their arrival on the scene of an emergency situation. The FCC also seeks comment on a number of different initiatives to bridge from the current, voice-only reporting system to a more comprehensive reporting system that includes the use of Short Message Service (SMS) or software applications capable of delivering text over the current IP-based infrastructure. Additionally, the FCC seeks comment as to how to maximize the utility and effectiveness of a text-to-911 solution to the PSAPs and the public, while at the same time minimizing the potential negative impacts and costs to the PSAPs. The FCC is also considering if and when 911 traffic should be prioritized in times of natural and manmade disasters.

In a separate, but related, proceeding, the FCC also is reviewing the idea of requiring providers of outbound-only interconnected Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) service (typically provided to call centers) to adhere to the FCC’s current 911 obligations for interconnected VoIP providers that provide both incoming and outgoing services. These requirements include customer registration of the location where the VoIP service is provided. In this proceeding, the FCC also encourages both public safety officials and the industry to work toward a technically feasible and cost-effective method to provide location information automatically whenever 911 is dialed. Further, the FCC is examining whether it should require wireless carriers to test for location accuracy in indoor locations.

The states are going forward with their own location-based initiatives for 911 service, including those directed at entities that use multiline telephone systems (MLTS), such as Centrex or PBX systems. In a number of instances, these types of systems do not automatically provide the PSAP with the location within a building where a 911 call was placed. When that happens, first responders will arrive at a location, but may need to take several minutes to locate the emergency situation, or in the case of a campus environment, the first responders may be sent to a completely different location than where the call originated. Michigan is the latest state to address this issue, with a statute that requires each user of an MLTS to install equipment and software in order to enable public safety personnel the ability to precisely locate from where an emergency call is coming in a building or campus environment. There are certain guidelines and exemptions, as in the case where the building where the MLTS is used maintains an alternative method of notification of an emergency and an adequate means of signaling and responding to an emergency situation on a round-the-clock basis.

These are all great steps towards utilizing current communications technology to ensure that those who need emergency assistance will be able to get it in a timely manner. First responders will benefit as well, with the ability to have advanced knowledge of a situation, as well as more precise location information that can save precious seconds or minutes to help in a good outcome for all.

For more information please contact Katherine Barker Marshall or any of our attorneys in the Arent Fox Telecommunications Practice Group.