[Federal Register Volume 65, Number 108 (Monday, June 5, 2000)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Page 35601]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 00-14032]


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FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION

47 CFR Part 20

[CC Docket No. 94-102 and WT Docket No. 00-80; DA 00-1098]


Wireless E911; Call Back Number Issues Associated With Non-
Service Initialized Wireless 911 Calls

AGENCY: Federal Communications Commission.

ACTION: Proposed rule.

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SUMMARY: The Commission, in this document, seeks comment on a request 
for further consideration of call back number issues associated with 
non-service initialized wireless 911 calls. The action is needed to 
establish a strong, inclusive record on these issues that the 
Commission may use in making well-informed decisions in this critical 
enhanced 911 proceeding.

DATES: Submit comments on or before June 19, 2000; submit reply 
comments on or before July 5, 2000.

ADDRESSES: Send comments and reply comments to the Office of the 
Secretary, Federal Communications Commission, Washington, DC 20554.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Barbara Reideler or Jay Whalely, 202-
418-1310.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
    1. On April 28, 2000, the Texas 911 Agencies,\1\ the National 
Emergency Number Association (NENA), the Association of Public-Safety 
Communications Officials-International, Inc. (APCO) and the National 
Association of State Nine-One-One Administrators (NASNA) (collectively, 
the Public Safety Entities) filed a letter with the Federal 
Communications Commission (Commission) seeking further consideration of 
call back number issues associated with non-service initialized 911 
calls.
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    \1\ The Texas 911 Agencies are comprised of the Texas Commission 
of State Emergency Communications (a state agency) and the following 
local Texas Emergency Communications Districts: Tarrant County 911 
District, Bexar Metro 911 Network, Brazos County Emergency 
Communication District, DENCO Area 911 District, 911 Network of East 
Texas, Galveston County Emergency Communication District, Greater 
Harris County 911 Emergency Network, Henderson County 911 
Communication District, Howard County 911 Communication District, 
Kerr Emergency 911 Network, Lubbock County Emergency Communication 
District, McLennan County Emergency Assistance District, Midland 
Emergency Communication District, Montgomery County Emergency 
Communication District, Potter-Randall County Emergency 
Communication District, and Texas Eastern 911 Network.
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    2. Phase I Enhanced 911 rules require that a dialable number 
accompany each 911 call to enable Public Safety Answering Points 
(``PSAPs'') dispatchers to either call back if the call is disconnected 
or obtain additional information. (47 CFR 20.18((d)). In its E911 First 
Report and Order (61 FR 40348, August 2, 1996) the Commission 
recognized that it would not always be possible for carriers to provide 
reliable call back numbers for all wireless 911 calls. Thus, the 
Commission exempted covered carriers from providing reliable call back 
numbers to PSAPs in cases where the wireless telephone is not 
associated with a dialable telephone number, such as those designed or 
offered on an originate-only rate plan or those never initialized with 
an underlying carrier service.
    3. The Public Safety Entities note that, increasingly, refurbished 
wireless telephones are being distributed by many organizations. While 
not challenging the benefits of these donations, the Public Safety 
Entities note that these distributed telephones and other 911-only non-
serviced initialized telephones, may not provide valid call back 
emergency information even when used in areas where 911 Phase I 
services have been implemented. The Public Safety Entities assert that 
increased sales and use of these wireless telephones create a public 
safety concern that should be further considered. Accordingly, the 
Public Safety Entities request that the Commission seek additional 
comment concerning call back capabilities for non-serviced initialized 
handsets and address whether further Commission action, such as 
technical solutions or educational programs, is needed or appropriate.

Procedural Matters

    4. Pursuant to Sec. 1.45 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 1.45, 
interested parties may file comments on the proposed implementation 
deadline no later than June 19, 2000. Replies shall be filed no later 
than July 19, 2000. All comments shall reference the docket number of 
this proceeding. Comments may be filed using the Commission's 
Electronic Comment Filing System (ECFS) or by filing paper copies. 
Comments filed through the ECFS can be sent as an electronic file via 
the Internet to http://www.fcc.gov/e-file/ecfs.html. In completing the 
transmittal screen, commenters should include their full name, Postal 
Service mailing address, and the docket number of this proceeding. 
Parties filing electronically should also e-mail a copy of their 
comments to [email protected]. Parties who choose to file by paper must 
file an original and four copies of each filing with the Commission's 
Secretary (Magalie Roman Salas, Office of the Secretary, Federal 
Communications Commission, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554) 
and a diskette copy to the Commission's copy contractor (International 
Transcription Service, Inc. (ITS), CY-B400, (202) 857-3800).
    5. Pursuant to Sec. 1.1206 of the Commission's Rules, 47 CFR 
1.1206, this proceeding is a permit-but-disclose proceeding in which ex 
parte communications are permitted subject to disclosure.

Federal Communications Commission.
Magalie Roman Salas,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 00-14032 Filed 6-2-00; 8:45 am]
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