Gordon’s 911 Bill Headed To President’s Desk
June 23, 2008, WASHINGTON – Legislation U.S. Rep. Bart Gordon introduced to ensure the nation’s 911 system can process emergency calls made through Internet phone services and other new technology has passed the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate and is expected to be signed by the president in the coming days.
“When Americans dial 911 in an emergency, they expect the call will go through, regardless of what phone they use,” said Gordon. “That’s why Congress acted to ensure all Americans had access to 911 services on their wireless phones, and it’s why we’re acting now to ensure that all Americans have access to lifesaving 911 services on their VOIP phones and other new technologies.”
The House approved Gordon’s bill, H.R. 3403, the New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008, today (June 23). The Senate has approved the bill, and it is expected to be signed into law by the president later this week.
The bill will give Voice Over Internet Protocol, or VOIP, phone service providers direct access to the 911 system at the same rates, terms and conditions, as wireless phone providers. It authorizes VOIP service providers to provide customer location information to public safety answering points in an emergency.
H.R. 3403 also extends existing state laws protecting 911 calls made using wireline and wireless phones to not only VOIP 911 calls, but also to any service obligated by the FCC to provide 911 in the future, and any service that coordinates local 911 authorities and voluntary 911 emergency services.
“This ensures consumers don’t compromise their safety when they use new technologies like car-based 911 services and video and text services used by people with disabilities,” said Gordon.
Gordon’s legislation also seeks to modernize the nation’s 911 system by requiring the National 911 Coordination Office to establish a national plan to move to an IP-based emergency response network and allowing 911 PSAP grants to be used for IP-based equipment.
“Our 911 system uses 30-year-old technology and is simply outdated,” said Gordon. “National emergencies like September 11 and Hurricane Katrina overwhelmed the 911 system and highlight why a strong IP-based system must be a priority.”
The bill is supported by numerous telecommunications and public safety groups, including the National Emergency Numbering Association, the National Cable and Telecommunications Association and the Coalition of Organizations for Accessible Technology.
“The NET 911 Improvement Act will improve access to 911 for all Americans and help ensure that our nation’s 911 system is able to keep up with advancements in communications technology,” said NENA CEO Brian Fontes. “This legislation will save lives. We want to thank Rep. Bart Gordon for his continued leadership and support of the 911 community.”
