FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 5, 2003

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT: John Winston (202) 418-7450

Washington, D.C. - Today, the Federal Communications Commission released a Notice of Apparent Liability (NAL) proposing that T-Mobile USA, Inc. (``T-Mobile'') be held liable for a $1.25 million forfeiture for violations of the Enhanced 911 (``E911'') Phase I rules.

Based on an Enforcement Bureau investigation, the Commission finds that in over 450 instances, T-Mobile apparently failed to provide E911 Phase I service within six months of a valid request for Phase I service from a Public Safety Answering Point (``PSAP''). Although T-Mobile had received a waiver of the E911 Phase II rules, T-Mobile never requested a waiver or other relief from the Phase I rules.

Under Phase I of the E911 rules, wireless carriers are required to provide to the designated PSAP the telephone number of the person making a 911 call from any mobile phone accessing their systems, as well as the location of the cell site or base station receiving the 911 call. Wireless carriers are required to begin providing this Phase I information by April 1, 1998, or within six months of a valid request from a PSAP, whichever is later.

Action by the Commission on March 4, 2003 by Notice of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (FCC 03-43). Chairman Powell, Commissioners Abernathy, Copps, Martin, and Adelstein.

Enforcement Bureau Contacts: John Winston at (202) 418-7450 or Kathy Berthot at (202) 418-7454.
TTY: 1 (888) 835-5322