FCC Adopts Rules to Promote Widespread Text-To-911 Availability

The Federal Communications Commission has adopted rules requiring text messaging providers to enable Americans to text 911 in an emergency.

Building on commitments made by America’s four largest wireless carriers to support text-to-911 by May 2014, the new rules will ensure that all remaining wireless carriers and certain IP-based text application providers are prepared to support text- to-911 by the end of 2014. After that time, if a 911 call center requests text-to-911, text messaging providers will have six months to deploy the service in that area.

Text messaging is also widely used by Americans who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities. The Commission’s text-to-911 requirements apply to wireless carriers and “interconnected” text messaging providers (i.e., those which enable consumers to send text messages to and from US phone numbers). This includes providers of “over the top” applications that support texting to and from phone numbers but not, for example, messaging apps that only support communications among users of games or social media.

The Commission also adopted a Third Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking that seeks comment on the continued evolution of text-to-911, including the delivery of location information and support for text-to- 911 when roaming.