Senate bill designates 911 universal emergency number
The Senate passed the Wireless Communication and Public Safety Act [S. 800, introduced by Sen. Conrad Burns (R-MT)] in August and which was awaiting President Clinton`s signature at press time. The House passed a similar bill [H.R. 438, sponsored by Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL)] in February.
The measure amends the Communications Act of 1934 and directs the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to designate 911 as the universal number within the United States for reporting an emergency to appropriate authorities and requesting emergency assistance. It applies also to wireline and wireless telephone service.
The FCC is also required to provide states with technical support for the deployment and functioning of a comprehensive emergency communications infrastructure, including enhanced wireless 911 service, on a coordinated state-wide basis. Among the bill`s other provisions are the following:
It gives providers of wireless 911 immunity from liability to the same extent as local telephone exchange companies.
It also authorizes telecommunications carriers to inform the legal guardian or family members of the user of the commercial mobile service unit–or emergency services providers–of the user`s location in an emergency involving the risk of death or serious bodily injury. Providers of information services are to be notified of the caller`s location if the information is needed to assist in the delivery of emergency response services.
In addition, automatic crash notification system information is to be transmitted as part of the system`s operation. A telecommunications carrier providing telephone exchange service must make available to providers of emergency services and emergency support services the subscriber list information it has in its sole possession or control. This information is to be used solely to deliver or assist in delivering emergency services.
