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NEWS | ||||
Federal Communications Commission 445 12th Street, S.W. Washington, D.C. 20554 |
News media information 202 / 418-0500 Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830 Internet: http://www.fcc.gov TTY: 202/418-2555 |
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This is an unofficial announcement of Commission action. Release of the full text of a Commission order constitutes official action. See MCI v. FCC. 515 F 2d 385 (D.C. Circ 1974). |
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FCC TAKES STEPS TO IMPLEMENT THE WIRELESS |
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Washington, DC - The Federal Communications Commission has taken important steps to implement
the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (911 Act). In the adopted item, the FCC
designates 911 as the universal emergency number and seeks comment on a limited number of related issues.
The FCC's actions seek to implement the Congressional goals for an expanded and improved nationwide
emergency communications system across the United States. Picking up the telephone is usually the first and
most important thing to do when an emergency strikes. Making 911 the universal emergency number for
both wireline and wireless services and promoting the use of technologies that help emergency service
providers locate wireless 911 callers will improve the nation's emergency 911 communications systems and
save lives. The 911 Act was enacted on October 26, 1999 to enhance public safety by encouraging and facilitating the prompt deployment of a nationwide, seamless communications infrastructure for emergency services that includes wireless communications. To ensure a comprehensive approach to emergency service throughout the country, the 911 Act directs the FCC to make 911 the universal emergency number for wireline and wireless telephone service and to establish appropriate transition periods for areas in which 911 is not in use as an emergency telephone number on the date of enactment of the 911 Act. It further directs the FCC to encourage and support the States in developing comprehensive emergency communications throughout the United States so that all jurisdictions offer seamless networks for prompt emergency service. Specifics of FCC Actions:
Action by the Commission August 24, 2000 by Fourth Report and Order and Third Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FCC 00-327). Chairman Kennard, Commissioners Ness, Furchtgott-Roth, Powell and Tristani. FCC Contacts: (Wireless Bureau) David Siehl at (202) 418-1310 or dsiehl@fcc.gov; TTY at (202) 418-7233. (Common Carrier Bureau): Cheryl Callahan at (202) 418-2320 or ccallaha@fcc.gov; TTY at (202) 418-7223
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