Senators Hear 911 Location Accuracy Truths

A subcommittee of the U.S. Senate heard witnesses describe the current state of wireless 911 location technology, but the senators were divided on whether there should be new regulations to require improved accuracy. An increasing number of 911 calls are wireless, and more are being made indoors, limiting the ability of dispatchers to locate caller. The hearing was called to explore the current situation and possible legislative solutions. The Commerce subcommittee hearing last week included  witnesses from the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), National Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Cellular Telecommunications & Information Association (CTIA) a tech company Qualcomm, Inc. About 70 percent of the nation’s 911 calls are made using cellular telephones, according to NENA, and a combination of technical and geographic factors limits the delivery of a precise location to public safety answering points (PSAP). In particular, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has no location accuracy requirements for indoor 9-1-1 wireless calls, and an increasing number of these calls are being made, industry officials say. Gigi Smith, president of APCO, told the senators that “rebidding” the 911 system during a wireless call sometimes provides an improved location, but at the cost of time. Christ Guttman-McCabe, executive VP of the CTIA, focused on liability protection, funding and consolidation of centers. Trey Forgety, director of government affairs of NENA, said the Senate should support FCC rules to improve indoor 911 call accuracy. In their statements, the senators appeared divided on whether action is needed. Some spoke of new rules that would force wireless companies to advance location technology. However, others urged a collaborative process, saying new regulations without improved technology would be counterproductive. Watch video (2:42) of the committee hearing here, and download (pdf) the witness testimony here.