“This page is a digitally archived AccessInfo Announcement”
Consumers are increasingly replacing their traditional landline telephones with wireless phones; the majority of wireless calls are now made indoors; and the majority of calls to 911 are from wireless phones.
On February 3, 2015, the FCC released a Report and Order which will significantly enhance the ability of 911 call centers to accurately identify the location of wireless 911 callers when the callers are indoors. Specifically, the rules establish a series of timeframes – from 2 to 6 years – by which 911 centers must be able to identify the caller’s “dispatchable location” (the exact location of the caller, such as the street address and floor and room number) or the caller’s location within 50 meters. In addition, the rules establish timeframes – from 3 to 8 years – by which 911 centers must be able to determine the vertical (z-axis) location of callers in multi-story buildings.
The Report and Order also contains other parts of the rules relating to reporting and compliance requirements. Because of the potential of rapid-developing location technology, the FCC encourages phone companies to work with the public, including disability organizations, to develop new and innovative solutions that will make all Americans safer.
Fourth Report and Order:
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Press Release (1/29/15):
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To request materials in accessible formats for people with disabilities (braille, large print, electronic files, audio format), send an e-mail to fcc504@fcc.gov or call the Consumer & Governmental Affairs Bureau at 202-418-0530 (voice) or 202-418-0432 (TTY).
For more information, contact Rochelle Cohen at 202-418-1463, or Timothy.May@fcc.gov. The ASL Consumer Support Line is also a resource for more information, and may be reached at 844-432-2275.