WASHINGTON-The Federal Communications Commission’s Wireless Telecommunications Bureau said Thursday that it expects that by the end of the year, 95 percent of the handsets used by customers of carriers that have chosen the handset solution to comply with the FCC’s wireless enhanced 911 rules will be location capable.
“I think we are on track, but these are technology issues and we certainly can’t predict the future,” said John Muleta, chief of the wireless bureau.
Muleta said that last month WTB held an informal meeting with 911 stakeholders including carriers and public safety to get a status check, and based on that meeting, the bureau “expects no surprises” as the Dec. 31, 2005, handset location capability deadline approaches.
Muleta was responding to a question from FCC Commissioner Michael Copps at an FCC meeting.
When the FCC allowed carriers to choose a handset solution to meet the wireless E911 Phase II rules, it said that 90 percent of all handsets in use must have location capability by Dec. 31. Some carriers have previously indicated that the deadline may not be achievable. Some rural carriers unsuccessfully tried to get the Senate to amend the recently passed E911 bill to delay the deadline.
