WASHINGTON-In comments filed late last week with the Federal Communications Commission, CTIA asked the regulator to provide nationwide liability protection for wireless service providers when their systems are used to connect callers to emergency services.
The Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association pointed out in its comments that California and 16 other states have not yet limited wireless carriers’ liability, while traditional wireline service providers are afforded this protection.
CTIA further asserted the cost of insurance coverage required by wireless carriers providing enhanced 911 services should be included in a state’s cost-recovery program. If wireless carriers are mandated to carry E911 calls, then responsibility for the costs of insuring against lawsuits should be shouldered by the state in which the system operates, CTIA said.
The industry trade organization further stated the FCC should leave the determination of routing wireless emergency calls to the states, instead of imposing a federal mandate.
CTIA said it urges the FCC to resolve these issues to avoid further delay in implementing wireless E911 service.
