PUBLIC NOTICE FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION 1919 M STREET, N.W. WASHINGTON, D.C. 20554 News media information 202/418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202/418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov ftp.fcc.gov DA 96-1463 CC Docket No. 94-102 Tracking No: 960224 Released: September 6, 1996 COMMON CARRIER BUREAU TO HOLD EX PARTE MEETINGS ON WIRELINE PORTION OF ENHANCED 911 RULE MAKING On Thursday, September 19, and Friday, September 20, 1996, the Common Carrier Bureau will hold ex parte meetings concerning the wireline portion of the Commission's Enhanced 911 rulemaking proceeding. Revision of the Commission's Rules to Ensure Compatibility with Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling Systems, Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, CC Docket No. 94-102, 9 FCC Rcd 6170 (1994) (E911 Notice). These meetings will be from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., and will be held in the Commission Meeting Room (Room 856, 1919 M Street N.W., Washington, D.C. 20554). On October 19, 1994, the Commission adopted the E911 Notice to ensure the broad availability of 911 and enhanced 911 (E911) services to users of the public switched telephone network whose health and safety may depend on the 911 services. Specifically, the E911 Notice proposed rules that: (1) would require private branch exchanges (PBXs) and other dispersed private telephone systems (for example, the smaller key and hybrid systems) be compatible with E911 services; and (2) would require wireless service providers, particularly commercial mobile radio service providers, to include features that would make E911 available to their customers. The wireless issues were referred to the Wireless Telecommunications Bureau last summer. On February 12, 1996, the public safety community and wireless providers filed a Consensus Agreement on the provision of E911 service with the Commission. Subsequently, the Commission sought additional comments on the Consensus Agreement. Public Notice, Commission Seeks Additional Comment in Wireless Enhanced 911 Rulemaking Proceeding Regarding "Consensus Agreement" Between Wireless Industry Representatives and Public Safety Groups, CC Docket No. 94-102, DA 96-198 (released Feb. 16 1996), 61 FR 6963 (Feb. 23, 1996). On July 26, 1996, the Commission released a wireless E911 order emphasizing the Commission's long-term commitment to managing the electromagnetic spectrum in a manner that will promote the safety and welfare of all Americans. Revision of the Commission's Rules to Ensure Compatibility with Enhanced 911 Emergency Calling Systems, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, CC Docket 94-102, FCC 96-264 (released Jul. 26, 1996). Several commenters responded to the wireline portion of the E911 Notice by raising concerns regarding the cost and technical feasibility of the E911 system that commenters believed the E911 Notice might require. Commenters also raised the issue of the extent to which the Commission should preempt state and local E911 regulation. It is anticipated that these ex parte meetings will facilitate the exploration and resolution of those issues. Interested parties who wish to be included on the agenda of the ex parte meetings as speakers should contact Gregory M. Cooke, (202) 418-2351, or Alan A. Thomas, (202) 418-2338, Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau, 2000 M Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20554, no later than September 12, 1996, to identify themselves and the topics they plan to discuss. The documents in this proceeding are available for public inspection and duplication during regular business hours in the FCC Reference Center, Federal Communications Commission, 1919 M Street, N.W., Room 239, Washington, D.C. 20554. Copies may also be obtained from International Transcription Service, Inc. (ITS, Inc.), 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 140, Washington, D.C. 20037 (202) 857-3800. For further information, contact Gregory M. Cooke, (202) 418- 2351, or Alan A. Thomas, (202) 418-2338, Network Services Division, Common Carrier Bureau, 2000 M Street, N.W., Washington D.C. 20554. FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION