WASHINGTON-The House of Representatives Tuesday passed the E911 Implementation Act of 2003 by voice vote.
“While most state governments tax cell-phone users for upgrades and implementation of enhanced 911 services, that money often has been diverted for other uses. The E911 bill gives states the powerful incentive of federal matching grants to direct funding back into E911 services and technology,” said Rep. Anna Eshoo (D-Calif.), sponsor of the bill and co-chair of the E911 Congressional Caucus.
Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), chairman of the House telecommunications subcommittee, had predicted quick passage of the bill last week when he appeared at the FCC’s Enhanced 911 Coordination Initiative. The E911 caucus is eager to get the E911 bill passed so that grant money can be figured into the fiscal-year 2005 budget. A similar bill is awaiting action by the U.S. Senate.
The bill was brought up under “suspension of the rules,” which prohibits any amendments and requires a two-thirds majority to pass.
“Wireless consumers often cite safety as an important benefit of carrying a wireless phone. Delivering location capability to wireless callers when they dial 911 is a priority for this industry,” said Steve Largent, president of the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association, in his first statement since assuming his position Nov. 3. “This legislation will enhance statewide coordination and cooperation among the local-phone companies, wireless carriers and public safety. And just as important, it holds state and local governments responsible for directing E911 funds to this vital public-safety technology.”
The National Emergency Number Association said that according to carrier reports filed last week, as of Oct. 1, 18 percent of public-safety answering points are Phase II capable. This is sharply lower than the 93 percent of PSAPs that have wireline E911 capabilities, but is much higher than the 2 percent of Phase II-capable PSAPs at the end of 2002 and 12 percent at the end of June 2003.
