FCC to sunset network-based accuracy rules for 911 service: CORRECTED

Wireless operators will have to transition to handset-based enhanced 911 accuracy requirements after 2019, as the Federal Communications Commission sunsets accuracy requirements for network-based E911 technology. Handset-based E911 delivers better location information, the agency said as it adopted a report and order on the matter. The actual sunset date has not been decided, however. New networks being built out will have to use handset-based preformance requirements for E911, the agency ruled, but operators can continue with either network-based or handset-based 911 solutions.
The agency also is seeking more comments on how VoIP services and other new technologies should implement 911 service, as well the costs associated with implementing the technology.
A total of 69% of 911 calls are made from cellphones, said James Barnett Jr., chief of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau at the FCC. Today’s ruling spells out a migration path to eventually implementing 911s under one rule, he added.
Network-based accuracy requirements require 100 meters accuracy 67% of the time and within 300 meters 95% of the time. Handset-accuracy requirements are more stringent: within 50 meters 67% of the time and within 150 meters 95% of the time.
Operators also are now required to test 911 calls on their networks and share that information with the FCC and public-safety agencies. 911 calls made from landline networks are accurate 98% of the time, Genachowski said, but calls made from wireless networks are 50% less likely to be precise. If consumers can get text messages telling them about discounted meals at a nearby restaurant, they should expect that same kind of accuracy from a call made to 911.
Regarding VoIP providers, the commission is seeking comment on whether 911 calls should automatically register the location of the caller, rather than manually, which is how the practice takes place today.
The agency also adopted a notice of proposed rulemaking that will help consumer prevent and detect unauthorized charges on their telephone bills, commonly called cramming, by improving how third-party charges appear on phone bills. The FCC estimates between 15 million and 20 million households are victims of cramming, but only one in 20 people even realize they have been fraud victims, said FCC Chairman Julius Genachowski during today’s FCC meeting. Verizon Wireless (VZ) refunded $53 million back to customers and a $25 million fine for unauthorized data charges last October. Genachowski said sometimes the operators are victims of cramming themselves because they have to deal with customer complaints. The NPRM also seeks comment on whether cramming is common with cellphone users, said Commissioner Mignon Clyburn.