United States Senate Committee on
Commerce, Science & Transportation
Home | Graphics On | Site Map | Text Size: A A A Search : + Advanced Search
 
Press Releases
For Immediate Release
04/10/07
Contact: Jenilee Keefe w/Inouye 202-224-7824
Email This
Print This
Statement of U.S. Senator Daniel K. Inouye Hearing on Voice over Internet Protocol and the Future of 911 Services
 
            This afternoon the Committee will examine the provision of enhanced 911, known as “E911,” as well as specific issues related to S. 428, “The IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2007,” introduced by Senators Nelson and Snowe earlier this year. 
 
            911 is the most effective means for Americans to contact emergency services.  Since 911 was created nearly thirty years ago, 911 has come to mean that help is only a phone call away.  As technology has advanced, so has 911service. 
 
Now many places in the nation have E911.  In these areas, when you call for help, your phone number and location are automatically transmitted to emergency personnel. If your call is disconnected, you are disoriented or do not know your location, this information can make all the difference in securing your safety. 
 
But the E911 system was built for wireline service.  So as technology advanced and wireless phones grew in popularity, we worked to apply E911 principles to wireless service.  With the advent of Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP), we are challenged again to ensure that our 911 policies are up to date. 
 
            In 2005, the FCC required interconnected VoIP providers to offer E911 service.  With millions of VoIP customers in the United States, there is no doubt that this measure has saved lives.  Today we will consider what additional measures are needed to ensure that VoIP E911 not only works, but works well.
 
            When it comes to public safety and services like E911, we must always strive to do better.  If questions arise about new communications services, we should tackle them.  If questions arise about the location accuracy of E911 in existing services, we must tackle them, too.  When lives are on the line, first responders need location information that is as accurate as possible. 
 
            I would like to thank Senator Nelson and Senator Snowe for their leadership on E911 and IP-enabled services.  I look forward to hearing from our witnesses today. 
 
###
 
« Previous Press Release Press Releases Next Press Release »
 
September 2008 Press Releases  « August | October »   « 2007 | 2009 » 
 
18th -  Senator Hutchison Calls for Improved Bus Safety Standards
 
18th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for DTV Transition Hearing
 
18th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for U.S.-Korea Automobile Trade Imbalance Hearing
 
17th -  Commerce Committee to Examine Consumer Privacy Issues Related to Broadband Service Providers
 
16th -  Senator Hutchison Commends Dept. of Commerce for Helping Nursing Homes with DTV Converter Box Program
 
16th -  Inouye Calls for Immediate Passage of S.1492, the Broadband Data Improvement Act
 
16th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Bus Safety Hearing
 
12th -  Commerce Committee to Hear Testimony from Corporation for Public Broadcasting Nominees
 
12th -  Commerce Committee to Review Progress of DTV Transition with FCC, NTIA
 
12th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Hearing on Consumer Benefits of Broadband
 
11th -  Commerce Committee Releases MARAD Bill Financial Disclosure Certification
 
11th -  Commerce Committee Cancels Hearing to Examine Marine Protected Areas
 
10th -  Senator Hutchison Cosponsors Calling Card Legislation to Help Consumers
 
9th -  Commerce Committee to Hold Hearing on Consumer Benefits of Broadband
 
8th -  Commerce Committee to Examine Marine Protected Areas
 
8th -  Commerce Committee Announces Witnesses for Prepaid Calling Card Hearing
Public Information Office: 508 Dirksen Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Tel: 202-224-5115
Hearing Room: 253 Russell Senate Office Bldg • Washington, DC 20510-6125
Home | Privacy Policy | Graphics On | Site Map | Help/Faqs | Search
Back to TopBack to Top