Calif. Commission Takes Limited Action on MLTS

Faced with its inability to legally require multi-line telephone system (MLTS) operators to provide E911 ANI/ALI service, the California Public Utilities Commission (PUC) has come up with other actions—a brochure, a new logo and Web links, all demonstrating that achieving full E911 service to all telephone callers is far from a reality. The PUC issued a proposed order last week detailing its actions that also include directing AT&T to file new tariffs for future MLTS E911, and asking the state’s Communications Division to take a “leadership role” in raising awareness of MLTS E911 shortcomings. Right now, various sources estimate that at least 16 million Californians are using telephones linked to MLTS systems on any given day. Of those systems, only about 30 percent transmit an accurate ANI/ALI to public safety comm centers, such as a building ID, floor or suite number or other specific location. That means that dispatchers don’t have a way of accurately locating callers if they are unable to speak or otherwise can’t provide a location. In the PUC’s 78-page order, they document the history of MLTS E911 in the state and their own actions, and acknowledge the important of accurate ANI/ALI information. But with no legal authority to act, the PUC can only emphasize, inform and suggest changes to the major stakeholders. Download (pdf) the full order for all the details.