FCC proposes indoor-location requirements on wireless 911 calls

FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler said he understood the concerns, but noted that many of the same arguments were made about outdoor-location accuracy requirements for wireless 911 calls more than a decade ago. Despite this, the industry was able to develop technology to meet the FCC’s rules—an effort that can be repeated for indoor-location accuracy today, he said.

“[Wireless outdoor-location accuracy] wasn’t perfect, and it wasn’t smooth, and it can always be improved,” Wheeler said. “And, yes, the commission had to change its minds, and it had to change its roles along the way, which we should always do. But the commission and the wireless industry were setting out on a path to improve public safety and to save human lives—and it’s never wrong to overreach on those kinds of goals.”

“We will remain flexible, we will remain observant, and we will certainly deal with the realities of the marketplace and PSAP adoption. But we will move forward, because we are dealing with the most important trust that we have been given by the American public, and that is the safety of the American public.”

In addition, Wheeler noted that it is important that PSAPs also make the technological advancements needed to receive indoor-location information—the second consecutive month the chairman has stressed the importance of such enhancements.

“I’m going to challenge [PSAPs] again, because it takes two to tango here; you’ve got to be able to receive the information,” Wheeler said. “I understand that there are budget cuts you have to live under, and I understand the incredible situation [regarding] the tightness of funds, but this agency will [help] you deliver to those that you have to go to the message … about how important is it that the ability to summon help keeps pace with technology.”