WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation today approved S. 428, the IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act, with several key provisions authored by Senator Ted Stevens (R-Alaska), Vice Chair of the Senate Commerce Committee.  The measure would require Internet telephone companies to offer enhanced 911 services to all subscribers. This legislation ensures that those Americans using Voice-over Internet Protocol (VoIP) services can dial 911 during an emergency. The bill now moves to the Senate where it awaits consideration.

 

Several Stevens amendments were adopted today. The first provision addresses the issue of Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority. The change will give the FCC the authority it needs to fold 9-1-1 requirements into new services as they evolve without requiring Congressional intervention for each new technological evolution.  It gives the FCC regulatory authority over all communications providers of 9-1-1 and enhanced 911 services. This provision was similar to the broader approach to communications service that was taken in last year’s Senate Communications bill.

 

The second provision addresses access to 9-1-1 components by communications companies that serve land lines. Senator Stevens’ amendment would direct the FCC to ensure that access to the 9-1-1 network does not compromise security, and takes into account the differences in VoIP communications from its predecessors. 

 

The third provision authored by Senator Stevens addresses future IP-based 9-1-1 networks. Fifty percent of American counties do not have enhanced 9-1-1 capability.  To ensure that all communities may take advantage of the next generation 9-1-1 network, the amendment requires that the study identify mechanisms and timetables for developing next generation 9-1-1 capability ubiquitously. The study of the next generation network would also be required to incorporate altitude information and identify technical solutions because in a 100 story building, just knowing the building address is not enough.  New technologies are available that identify a caller’s location in tall buildings.