FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:        NEWS MEDIA CONTACT:
  October 13, 1999                   Meribeth McCarrick at (202) 418-0654
                                     Email: mmccarri@fcc.gov
  
        STATEMENT OF FCC CHAIRMAN WILLIAM E. KENNARD
           ON PASSAGE OF WIRELESS 911 LEGISLATION
  
       I congratulate Congress on passing S. 800, the Wireless Communications and
  Public Safety Act of 1999.  This legislation makes 911 the universal emergency number
  and clarifies important liability and privacy issues. America will be a safer place because
  this legislation helps ensure that wireless and wireline callers who dial 911 will receive
  emergency assistance.  This is an important step forward in the implementation of
  universal and enhanced 911. The FCC is committed to making Congress's vision for 911 a
  reality. 
  
                         -FCC