445 12th Street, S.W.
Washington, D.C. 20554
Fax-On-Demand 202 / 418-2830
Internet: http://www.fcc.gov
TTY: 202/418-2555
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).
| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 13, 1999 |
NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0654 |
STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM KENNARD
ON FCC RULES TO IMPROVE E911 SERVICES
Each day, 98,000 people make 911 calls from their wireless phones. Many of these people purchased their wireless phone because they want the security of knowing that they can immediately access emergency assistance if necessary. However, there are times when these people may find themselves in the harrowing situation of being caught in dead zones, where these calls cannot be completed. Calling 911 is America's lifeline, and the Commission's action today will ensure this lifeline is available in these dead zones.
Our action today requires manufacturers of analog cellular phones to incorporate technology enabling the phone to use an alternative carrier, if the 911 call does not go though on the consumer's primary carrier. It seems like every day we hear of another story that shows how wireless phones are playing a vital role in emergency situations. The action taken today helps to increases the number of these types of critical calls that are completed, which literally can make the difference between life and death.