Statement of FCC Commissioner Ajit Pai Regarding The Ongoing Inquiry Into Consumers’ Ability To Reach Emergency Personnel Whenever They Dial 911

Earlier this year, I started an inquiry to determine how we can ensure that whenever someone dials 911 from a hotel, motel, or office building, he or she can reach emergency personnel. Like many others around the country, I was moved to act when I learned about the tragic death of Kari Rene Hunt Dunn in Marshall, Texas. My inquiry began with our nation’s hotel industry. In March, I reported my initial findings regarding the status of 911 calling at lodging properties and the steps the industry is taking to ensure that someone who dials 911 will reach emergency personnel directly. Now, there is more news to share regarding the lodging industry’s efforts. For instance, when I launched this inquiry, the Wyndham Hotel Group reported that only 80% of its owned and managed properties allowed direct 911 dialing. Since then, Wyndham reconfigured the telephone systems at the remaining 20% of its properties, and it now reports that every one of its owned and managed properties allow direct access to 911. Similarly, Hyatt initially reported that only 75% of its managed properties allowed direct 911 access, but it now reports that it provides this functionality at 99% of those properties and expects to reach 100% within a few weeks. I applaud these efforts. I also expanded my inquiry beyond the lodging industry back in March because this isn’t just an issue for hotels. In light of the data I’ve gathered from the multi-line telephone systems (MLTS) and lodging communities, I now have a better sense of the scope and nature of the direct dialing issue. And the bottom line is this: There does not appear to be any technical reason why modern MLTS systems can’t allow direct access to emergency personnel. And it shouldn’t cost much to eliminate any access code requirement for existing systems, although it may require technical expertise and coordination with MLTS manufacturers or vendors.