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 »
 
April 2007 Press Releases  « March | May »   « 2006 | 2008 » 
 
26th -  Commerce Committee Announces Ocean Acidification, Nobel Laureates, CAFE Hearings
 
26th -  America COMPETES Act Passes Senate
 
25th -  Committee Announces Rescheduled ATV Safety Hearing Date
 
25th -  Senate Commerce Committee Approves Seven Bills
 
25th -  Senate Passes “America COMPETES Act”
 
25th -  Committee Passes VoIP/Public Safety Bill with Stevens Provisions
 
25th -  Stevens Commends Republican High Tech Task Force on Ambitious Agenda
 
25th -  Stevens and Inouye ID Theft Prevention Act Passes Commerce Committee
 
23rd -  Chairman Inouye Encourages Passage of Innovation and Competitiveness Bill
 
23rd -  Commerce Committee Announces U.S. Trade Relations with China Hearing
 
23rd -  Senator Stevens Urges Senate to Pass Competitiveness Legislation
 
20th -  Stevens and Inouye Introduce Bill To Combat ID Theft
 
20th -  Chairman Inouye Introduces Identity Theft Prevention Bill
 
19th -  Rural Air Service Hearing Announced
 
19th -  April 25 Executive Session Agenda Announced
 
18th -  Stevens Calls for Coast Guard Modernization
 
17th -  Trade Subcommittee Schedules Halliburton, U.S. Business Ties to Iran Hearing
 
17th -  Surface Transportation Subcommittee to Host Truck Driver Fatigue Reduction, Rail Safety Reauthorization Hearings
 
17th -  Statement of Senator Daniel K. Inouye on XM-Sirius and the Public Interest
 
16th -  Commerce Announces Broadband and Competitiveness Hearing
 
12th -  Statement of Senator Daniel K. Inouye
 
11th -  Commerce to Address Free Trade in Hearing
 
10th -  Stevens Calls for Improved E9-1-1 Services for Rural America
 
10th -  current Press Release
 
2nd -  VoIP, XM Sirius Subjects of Upcoming Commerce Hearings
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