Some members of Congress and industry agree that blame for delaye...

buildings were evacuated because of terrorist attacks earlier in day. Meanwhile, National Emergency Number Assn. (NENA) released 911 “Report Card to the Nation” that updated overall state of 911 systems nationwide. It assigned: (1) “A-” grade for general quality of 911 service. (2) “B” for 911 availability and public awareness. (3) “Incomplete” for wireless industry provision of location and call-back technology to 911 centers. (4) “D” for future 911 system preparation, saying “new technologies, increased competition and other institutional changes [were likely to] exceed current levels of funding.” When asked who was responsible for delayed phase 2 deployment, Sen. Burns (R-Mont.) said: “Everyone.” Deadline for Phase 2 compliance is Oct. 1, but many wireless carriers are seeking waivers and setting firm deployment schedules. CTIA Pres. Thomas Wheeler expressed commitment to work with public safety community to carry out E-911 mandates: “Some have claimed the industry is dragging its feet in implementing this new technology. But the excitement and energy generated by the commercial possibilities of location technology proves that industry is eager to make this a reality.” However, Rep. Eshoo (D-Cal.) recently (CD Sept 7 p3) lambasted industry for causing delays, saying it had 5 years to prepare. Eshoo, joined by Reps. Rush (D-Ill.) and Harman (D-Cal.) urged FCC to send message to industry by showing reluctance to grant deadline waiver requests. Rep. Boucher (D-Va.), although supportive of rapid E-911 deployment, has encouraged FCC to be flexible in granting waivers because of difficulties rural carriers face in effectively deploying location applications that meet FCC’s accuracy requirements.