FCC Proposes Action to Improve Next Generation 911

The Federal Communications Commission proposed rules to help ensure that emerging Next Generation 911 networks are reliable and interoperable, which will help first responders save lives. The nation is transitioning from legacy 911 technology to NG911, which will use Internet Protocol-based infrastructure to support new 911 capabilities, including text, video, and data. For NG911 to be fully effective, these networks must safeguard critical components and support the interoperability needed to seamlessly transfer 911 calls and data from one network to another. The Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking adopted seeks comment on proposals to:

• Update the Commission’s existing 911 reliability rules to ensure that they apply to service providers that control or operate critical pathways and components in NG911 networks.
• Update the reliability standards for providers of critical NG911 functions to ensure the reliable delivery of 911 traffic to NG911 delivery points.
• Establish NG911 interoperability requirements for the interstate transfer of 911 traffic.
• Modify the certification and oversight mechanisms in the current 911 reliability rules to improve reliability and interoperability in NG911 systems while minimizing burdens on service providers.
• Empower state and local 911 authorities to obtain reliability and interoperability certifications directly from covered 911 service providers, so that 911 authorities can more easily address reliability and interoperability concerns within their jurisdictions.