When the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) ordered AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon to deliver vertical location information on 911 calls nationwide, they initially set a deadline for April 3, 2021. This was to allow deployment certification on June 2nd. But because of the health crisis, carriers struggled with testing delays. As a result, they have requested for an 18-month extension. And earlier today, the FCC agreed to extend this deadline by one year.
As revealed today, the three major carriers were able to reach a settlement with the FCC’s Enforcement Bureau. The agreement requires the three carriers to start providing z-axis data nationwide by June 11th.
By complying to this requirement, carriers will be able to provide a higher accuracy in determining a 911 call’s location. This will allow first responders to act quicker in responding to emergency calls. The consent decrees between the FCC and the three carriers allow them to implement compliance plans with “specific testing, reporting, and public interest conditions”. There is also a settlement of $100,000.
Through these settlements, the FCC is able to accomplish public safety and coordination in delivering information to first responders without further delay. This will help improve 911 location accuracy capabilities throughout the country and not just the top 25 markets.
