Trade Decision Concerns NENA

NENA has issued a press released saying it is “concerned” about last week’s ruling by the International Trade Commission (ITC) that blocks import of certain future cellular handsets containing chipsets from electronics company Qualcomm. The ruling stems from a patent dispute, but NENA said the decision, “will have a negative impact on the delivery of 9-1-1 service for American consumers and first responder communications.” NENA explained that without new GPS-capable handsets for consumer upgrades, cellular users might be using older models that would not properly transmit Phase II location data when they dial 911. NENA also said the ITC ruling, “presents a significant obstacle for emergency response agencies” who are using broadband services. Read NENA’s press release here. In a seperate statement the group COMCARE called on President Bush to veto the ITC’s decision. Director David Aylward said, “The FCC’s mandate last week to improve wireless E9-1-1 accuracy will be undermined by this ill-conceived ITC order.”