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Emergency Communications: Broadband and
the Future of 911
Linda K. Moore
Specialist in Telecommunications Policy
December 13, 2010
Congressional Research Service
7-5700
www.crs.gov
R41208
CRS Report for Congress
P
repared for Members and Committees of Congress
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Emergency Communications: Broadband and the Future of 911
Summary
Today’s 911 system is built on an infrastructure of analog technology that does not support many
of the features that most Americans expect to be part of an emergency response. Efforts to splice
newer, digital technologies onto this aging infrastructure have created points of failure where a
call can be dropped or misdirected, sometimes with tragic consequences. Callers to 911, however,
generally assume that the newer technologies they are using to place a call are matched by the
same level of technology at the 911 call centers, known as Public Safety Answering Points
(PSAPs). However, this is not always the case. To modernize the system to provide the quality of
service that approaches the expectations of its users will require that the PSAPs, and state, local,
and possibly federal emergency communications authorities invest in new technologies. As
envisioned by most stakeholders, these new technologies—collectively referred to as Next
Generation 911 or NG9-1-1—should incorporate Internet Protocol (IP) standards. An IP-enabled
emergency communications network that supports 911 will facilitate interoperability and system
resilience; improve connections between 911 call centers; provide more robust capacity; and offer
flexibility in receiving and managing calls. The same network can also serve wireless broadband
communications for public safety and other emergency personnel, as well as other purposes.
Recognizing the importance of providing effective 911 service, Congress has passed three major
bills supporting improvements in the handling of 911 emergency calls. The Wireless
Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-81) established 911 as the number to
call for emergencies and gave the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) authority to
regulate many aspects of the service. The most recent of these laws, the NET 911 Improvement
Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-283), required the preparation of a National Plan for migrating to an IP-
enabled emergency network. Responsibility for the plan was assigned to the E-911
Implementation Coordination Office (ICO), created to meet requirements of an earlier law, the
ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 (P.L. 108-494). Authorization for the ICO terminated on September
30, 2009. ICO was jointly administered by the National Telecommunications and Information
Administration and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The FCC has included recommendations for advancing NG9-1-1 as part of the National
Broadband Plan it presented to Congress on March 16, 2010. It has proposed that the FCC take
on an expanded role in assuring that NG9-1-1 services meet future consumer expectations for
broadband-based communications. Congress may evaluate whether additional actions are needed
on its part in order to support a cohesive policy for transitioning to NG9-1-1.
Other types of citizen-activated emergency calls are handled in call centers. Increasingly many
calls for assistance are placed by dialing 211. The number has been provisionally designated for
community information and referrals. Service levels and response times for 211 calls would
benefit from a transition to IP-enabled networks and in many cases could share infrastructure with
911 networks.
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Contents
Introduction: An Outdated System............................................................................................... 1
The Next Generation: NG9-1-1 ................................................................................................... 1
Summary of 911 Legislation and Policy ...................................................................................... 3
The 911 Act and Federal Communications Commission Regulations ..................................... 4
FCC Study: The Hatfield Report ..................................................................................... 5
The ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 .......................................................................................... 5
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008................................................................................ 6
Funding and Grants..................................................................................................................... 7
Investment in Infrastructure .................................................................................................. 8
Wireless Devices............................................................................................................. 8
Local Networks............................................................................................................... 8
Call Centers .................................................................................................................... 8
Interfaces with First Responders...................................................................................... 9
Federal Grants....................................................................................................................... 9
Creating the Base for Change ...................................................................................................... 9
NG9-1-1 Transition: Department of Transportation ............................................................. 10
NG9-1-1 Transition: NENA ................................................................................................ 11
NG9-1-1 Transition: FCC.................................................................................................... 12
The Potential Role of the Department of Homeland Security ..................................................... 14
National Emergency Communications Plan................................................................... 14
Regional Emergency Communication Coordination ............................................................ 15
National Broadband Plan........................................................................................................... 15
Congressional Policy for NG9-1-1 ............................................................................................ 16
Appendixes
Appendix A. 911 Legislation and Policy.................................................................................... 18
Appendix B. Citizen-Activated Calls: 211 ................................................................................. 27
Appendix C. Grants Awards for 911 Programs........................................................................... 30
Contacts
Author Contact Information ...................................................................................................... 30
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Emergency Communications: Broadband and the Future of 911
Introduction: An Outdated System
The underlying systems for 911 calls today operate almost exclusively on analog technology,
using an architecture of circuits and switches developed when the American Telephone &
Telegraph Company was a regulated monopoly providing most of the nation’s telephone service.1
Modern communications innovations such as digitization, packet switching, and Internet Protocol
(IP) standards are alien concepts in an outdated system design that, critics maintain, “literally
chokes off the use of all but the most rudimentary features of modern end-user devices and stifles
the development of more specialized equipment and services.”2 Systems for 911, unable to
accommodate the latest advances in telecommunications technology, are increasingly out-dated,
costly to maintain, and in danger of failure.3
Consumer expectations for accurate and timely response to 911 calls are based on the advanced
features available on most communications devices, not on the reality of a faltering legacy
system. The analog system cannot carry text messages, for example. Calls are delayed or dropped
when analog and digital systems do not mesh. Information on the location of the call is lost
because the digital details cannot be transmitted by the underlying telecommunications
infrastructure or understood by the computers at Public Safety Answering Points (PSAPs).4 As
summarized in a National Emergency Number Association (NENA) report, “Simply put, the 9-1-
1 system has not kept up with technology and is badly in need of modernization.”5
The Next Generation: NG9-1-1
There is a general consensus that present and future digital communications for 911 services
would be best supported by Next Generation 911 technology (NG9-1-1). The term NG9-1-1 is
widely used to refer to the modernization of all parts of the 911 system, including hardware,
software, data, and operational policies and procedures, all supported by multi-purpose
emergency service networks. These IP-enabled networks rely on the same type of network
connections as business and consumer access to the Internet and can share capacity with other
users. A broadband connection built to a school, library, or hospital, can also reach a 911 call
center. Deploying NG9-1-1 is seen as an integral part of national broadband policy.6 Network
facilities dedicated to 911, or even exclusively to public safety, are not considered cost-effective.7
1 Dale Hatfield, Brad Bernthal, and Phil Weiser, Health of the US 9-1-1 System, sponsored by the 9-1-1 Industry
Alliance, 2008, Part II, “Section B. Background and Evolution of Our Nation’s 9-1-1 System,” page 20. Report at
http://www.911alliance.org/9IA_Health_of_US_911%20_2_.pdf.
2 Ibid., page 19.
3 Ibid. Part II, “Section D. Constraints and Shortcomings Associated with the Current 9-1-1 System.” See also, “An
SOS for 9-1-1 Systems in Age of High-Tech,” by Shaila Dewan, The New York Times, April 6, 2007.
4 PSAPs are the call centers that receive and relay 911 calls.
5 NENA, Next Generation Partner Program, A Policy Maker Blueprint for Transitioning to the Next Generation 9-1-1
System: Issues and Recommendations for State and Federal Policy Makers to Enable NG9-1-1, September 2008, page
2. Report at http://www.nena.org/sites/default/files/NG9-1-1PolicyMakerBlueprintTransitionGuide-Final_0.pdf.
6 FCC, Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan, Executive Summary, released March 15, 2010 at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296858A1.pdf.
7 Reducing costs by sharing network resources is frequently supported in policy reports such as one by NENA, Next
Generation 9-1-1 Transition Policy Implementation Handbook; a guide for identifying and implementing policies to
enable NG9-1-1, March 2010 at http://www.nena.org/sites/default/files/transition%20policy_final_2010v10.pdf.
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Future decisions about the technology, deployment, and funding of NG9-1-1 must therefore take
into consideration the opportunities for sharing resources with other broadband initiatives.
Implementing NG9-1-1 will require not only the development of an IP-enabled network and
systems but will also entail changes in operational procedures, training, funding models, and
state—and possibly federal—regulations and laws. The National Emergency Number Association
(NENA) began planning for the future of 911 under the banner of NG9-1-1 in 2000.8 NENA
started work on standards development for NG9-1-1 in 2003 and since then has taken the lead in
defining, designing, and developing NG9-1-1 systems and solutions in partnership with other
associations, as well as representatives from industry, government, and the public safety
community. Support for NG9-1-1 now comes from a relatively broad base, including
• State and local managers for emergency communications and 911.
• Associations such as NENA, COMCARE,9 the National Association of
Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC),10 the Association of Public-Safety
Communications Officials International, Inc. (APCO),11 and the National
Association of State 911 Administrators (NASNA).12 Many other international,
national, and state and local associations are also actively involved in supporting
NG9-1-1.13
• Alliances such as the 911 Alliance,14 the Alliance for Telecommunications
Industry Solutions (ATIS),15 the Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF),16 and
the E9-1-1 Institute, which provides support to the Congressional E9-1-1
Caucus.17
• Corporations and other commercial organizations serving public safety and
emergency communications.18
• The Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) Public Safety Program and the
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) within the U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT).
Notably, NENA and DOT have partnered to encourage the deployment of NG9-1-1. Among
DOT’s contributions in support of NG9-1-1 was the funding and supervision of five proof-of-
8 NENA NG9-1-1 Project at http://www.nena.org/pages/ContentList.asp?CTID=65.
9 COMCARE, Emergency Response Alliance at http://www.comcare.org/.
10 Information at http://www.naruc.org/about.cfm.
11 Information at http://www.apcointl.org/new/commcenter911/.
12 Information at http://www.nasna911.org/current-issues.php.
13 For example, the European Union supports the European Emergency Number Association—EENA 112, see
http://www.eena.org/.
14 At http://www.911aliance.org.
15 At http://www.atis.org/esif/.
16 At http://www.ietf.org/overview.html.
17 At http://www.e911institute.org/e911caucus.html; additional information at the E911 Institute web page
http://www.e911institute.org/index.html.
18 For example, members of the NENA Next Generation Partner Program as listed in A Policy Maker Blueprint for
Transitioning to the Next Generation 9-1-1 System: Issues and Recommendations for State and Federal Policy Makers
to Enable NG9-1-1, op. cit.
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concept pilots to test key components of NG9-1-1 in PSAPs.19 In addition to the pilots established
by DOT, at least six states and the District of Columbia are reported to have IP-based networks
for emergency communications that will support NG9-1-1 systems.20
The emergency communications network being tested is envisioned as IP-based, using
standardized protocols, and providing a nationwide overlay of system links that can operate at the
national, regional, tribal, state, or local level to best meet the needs of specific circumstances. A
network overlay for 911 systems can, for example, facilitate interoperability and system resilience
by bringing extra resources to devastated areas where 911 call centers are damaged or
overwhelmed with calls. On a daily basis, it can provide foreign language assistance at any time,
anywhere.21 Other benefits include better connections between 911 call centers, emergency
responders, and alert and warning systems; more robust capacity; and the flexibility to receive
calls for help in any format.
Summary of 911 Legislation and Policy
This section summarizes how past federal 911 legislative and policy actions have established a
base for the transition to IP-enabled systems. Three major laws supporting improvements in the
handling of 911 emergency calls have been enacted since 1999. These and other laws support
policy objectives and strategies that provide the base upon which future policy might be built.
Analyzing the legislation as a continuum, these key goals emerge: equality of service and access
to 911; mechanisms to improve funding for PSAPs and monitor collections and disbursements;
federal leadership in developing better 911 capabilities; and transition to IP-enabled 911 systems.
The major bills enacted into law are
• The Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act of 1999 (P.L. 106-81), often
referred to as the 911 Act.
• The Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing 911 Act of 2004
(P.L. 108-494), also titled the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004.
• The New and Emerging Technologies 911 Improvement Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-
283), also titled the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008.
19 Participants that tested the network prototype are: City of Rochester, NY—Emergency Communications Department;
Seattle, WA—King County E-911 System; St. Paul, MN—Metropolitan Emergency Services Board, Ramsey County
Emergency Communications Center; State of Montana—Public Safety Services Bureau; and State of Indiana—Office
of State Treasurer, Indiana Wireless 911 Board. Results of the tests are presented in U.S. Department of Transportation,
Intelligent Transportation Systems, “Next Generation 9-1-1 System Initiative: Proof of Concept Testing Report,” NG9-
1-1, September 17, 2008 at http://www.its.dot.gov/NG911/pdf/NG911_POCTesTReport091708.pdf.
20 These are Florida, Indiana, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Rhode Island. Source: NENA, Status of NG9-1-1 Related
IP Networks, Demos and Trials at http://www.nena.org/pages/Content.asp?CID=373&CTID=65. Indiana is also
participating as one of the DOT pilot projects to test the interface between state IP-networks and the national overlay
being considered in DOT’s NG9-1-1 program. According to DOT, Vermont has also established an IP backbone and
numerous regional/local networks are upgrading to an IP-based network. Source: e-mail communication from Will
Otero, Director, Legislative Affairs, National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, October 21, 2008.
21 For example, the Washington Post reported that in 2007, in Fairfax County, VA, 911 calls were translated into 66
different languages. “Cellphones Drive Jump in 911 Use; Workloads and Costs Soar with Increased Calls and
Translation Needs,” by Amy Gardner, October 26, 2008, at http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/
2008/10/25/AR2008102502052.html.
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Provisions in other recently enacted laws have also contributed to the growing base of legislation
in support of 911.
• The 21st Century Emergency Communications Act, Title VI, Subtitle D, in the
Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (P.L. 109-295)
required that PSAPs be included as members of Regional Emergency
Communications Coordination Working Groups established by the act.22
• The Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (P.L. 109-295) required the
FCC to prepare a report on state, local, and tribal plans for backup service for 911
and E-911 when PSAPS are disabled.23
• The Deficit Reduction Act (P.L. 109-171),24 as amended by the Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L. 110-53)25 and the
NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008,26 provided up to $43.5 million for grants for
911.
• The Implementing Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 (P.L.
110-53) included financial support of PSAPs as eligible uses for Urban Area
Security Initiative and State Homeland Security Grant programs.27
• The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-234) included
language that authorized loans to improve 911 and other emergency
communications capabilities in rural areas.28
The 911 Act and Federal Communications Commission Regulations
To assist the effort to provide comprehensive 911 services nationwide, Congress in 1999 passed
the Wireless Communications and Public Safety Act (P.L. 106-81), often referred to as the 911
Act. This act mandated 911 as the national emergency number29 and provided for parity of
wireless 9-1-1 services with the protections and authorizations already extended to wireline
services.30 Among its provisions, the law required the FCC to work with the states and the many
other affected parties to deploy comprehensive wireless enhanced 911 (W-E911) service.
Enhanced 911 service provides 911 call centers with Automatic Number Identification (ANI) and
Automatic Location Identification (ALI).31 Most wireline phone services provide ANI/ALI
information.32
22 P.L. 109-295, Sec. 671 (b) “Title XVIII, “Sec. 1805, “(b) “(1) “(F); 120 STAT. 1439.
23 P.L. 109-295, Sec. 674; 120 STAT. 1444.
24 P.L. 109-171, Sec. 3011; 120 STAT. 27.
25 P.L. 110-53, Sec. 2302 and 2303; 121 STAT. 543.
26 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102 (1); 122 STAT. 2623.
27 P.L. 110-53 Sec. 2008; 121 STAT. 283.
28 P.L. 110-234, Sec. 6107; 122 STAT. 1198.
29 P.L. 106-81, Sec. 3. (a); 113 STAT. 1287
30 P.L. 106-81, Secs. 4 and 5; 113 STAT. 1288-89.
31 Automatic Number Identification (ANI) recognizes and displays the telephone number from which the call is placed.
Automatic Location Identification (ALI) provides—in the case of wireline—the address associated with the telephone
number or—in the case of wireless—the approximate geographic coordinates of the caller.
32 An estimated 96% of counties in the United States provide some form of 911 service, of which 93% support
(continued...)
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The 911 Act set the broad goal of facilitating “the prompt deployment throughout the United
States of a seamless, ubiquitous, and reliable end-to-end infrastructure for communications,
including wireless communications, to meet the Nation’s public safety and other communications
needs.”33 The FCC had taken a first step toward adopting rules for wireless enhanced 911 in 1996,
citing provisions of the Communications Act34 as the basis for its action. After Congress passed
the 911 Act, the FCC plotted a course for reaching wireless in two phases. For Phase I, the
wireless carriers were given a year to prepare for PSAP requests for Automatic Number
Identification (ANI) and location-finder capabilities using technology existing at the time. By
2001, for Phase II, the carriers were to have identified and implemented new location-finder
technologies (ALI). A 1999 FCC ruling established October 1, 2001, as the deadline for wireless
carriers to meet guidelines for connecting 911 calls to PSAPs.35
FCC Study: The Hatfield Report
Delays and complications in implementing rules for 911 prompted the FCC to commission a
study to examine deployment of 911 services in general and the cause of problems with wireless
911 calls in particular. The report—known as the Hatfield Report, from its author, Dale N.
Hatfield—was submitted to the FCC on October 15, 2002.36 Observations in the report that later
became the basis for Congressional initiatives included
• The critical nature of location information in enhanced 911 in supporting first
responders in emergencies.
• The “seriously antiquated” condition of the infrastructure that underlies 911 for
both wireline and wireless emergency calls.
• The need for a national 911 office to act as a “champion” at the federal level.
A follow-up study was published in 2007 with support from the 9-1-1 Alliance, an industry
group.37
The ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004
Congress responded to the issues raised by the 2002 Hatfield Report, the 9/11 Commission,38 and
by others, with the Ensuring Needed Help Arrives Near Callers Employing (ENHANCE) 911 Act
(...continued)
enhanced 911 for wireline services. Source: National Emergency Number Association (NENA), “9-1-1 Fast Facts,” at
http://www.nena.org/pages/Content.asp?CID=144&CTID=22.
33 P.L. 106-81, Sec. 2. (b); 113 STAT. 1287.
34 U.S.C. Title 47, Chapter 5, § 151, Communications Act of 1934. The FCC’s charter includes “promoting safety of
life and property through the use of wire and radio communication.” Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed
Rulemaking, adopted June 12, 1996, at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-96-264A1.pdf.
35 FCC, E911 Third Report and Order, FCC 99-245, released October 6, 1999, at http://www.fcc.gov/Bureaus/
Wireless/Orders/1999/fcc99245.pdf.
36 “A Report on Technical and Operational Issues Impacting the Provision of Wireless Enhanced 911 Services” at
http://www.locatemodelcities.org/library/HatfieldReport.pdf.
37 “Health of the US 9-1-1 System” at http://www.911alliance.org/9IA_Health_of_US_911%20_2_.pdf.
38 The 9/11 Commission recommended that 911 call centers be included in planning for emergency responses. Final
Report of the National Commission on Terrorist Attacks Upon the United States, Official Government Edition, 2004, p.
(continued...)
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of 2004 (P.L. 108-494). The act identified and addressed a number of concerns about the
deployment of 911, including compliance, coverage in rural areas, and the use of fees levied by
states and localities to help cover the cost of providing 911 services.
In response to the Hatfield Report’s call for a federal champion, the act created the E-911
Implementation Coordination Office (ICO) to be jointly administered by the National
Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the NHTSA. Among other
responsibilities, the ICO was to oversee a grants program for the “implementation and operation
of Phase II E-911 services.”39 Although funds were authorized in the law, no appropriations were
forthcoming until a sum was allocated by the Deficit Reduction Act of 2005.40 In FY2008, DOT
budgeted $1.25 million for the operation of the ICO.41
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008
In the 110th Congress, both the House and Senate passed bills focused on ensuring access to 911
call centers for users of Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services, and improving the delivery
of 911 services nationwide. These bills became the New and Emerging Technologies (NET) 911
Improvement Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-283). The key provisions of the law are
• Duty to provide 911 and E-911 as established in the 1999 law extended to include
IP-enabled voice services in accordance with existing FCC regulations at the
time of passage of the act or as modified in the future.42
• Parity of access to communications networks needed to complete 911 calls.43
• Parity of protection from liability—provided for wireline and wireless carriers—
extended to include communications through VOIP providers and other
emergency service providers.44
• National plan for migration to an IP-enabled 911 network, developed by the E-
911 Implementation Coordination Office.45
• Protection of the rights of states and other political subdivisions to levy fees on
911 services.46
• Requirement that FCC report annually on collection of state fees and other levies
on 911 and E-911 services.47
(...continued)
318.
39 P.L. 108-498, Sec. 104, “Sec. 158, “(b) “(1); 118 STAT. 3987-3988.
40 See further discussion in Appendix A. 911 Legislation and Policy under “Mechanisms to Improve Funding for
PSAPs.”
41 E-mail communication from Will Otero, Director, Legislative Affairs, National Highway Traffic Safety
Administration, October 21, 2008.
42 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6 “(a); 122 STAT. 2620.
43 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6 “(b); 122 STAT. 2620.
44 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 201; 122 STAT. 2624.
45 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102; 122 STAT. 2623.
46 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6, “(f) “(1); 122 STAT. 2621.
47 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6, “(f) “(2); 122 STAT. 2622.
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Prior to the passage of the 911 Act in 1999, the FCC had already established regulations for 911
compliance for a new category of service providers—wireless carriers. Similarly, the FCC had
established requirements for VOIP—another new category of service provider—in advance of the
passage of the NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008.48 The act confirmed the FCC’s authority to
require VOIP service providers to comply with 911 connectivity requirements established for
wireline and wireless voice and to include VOIP calls in its regulatory and oversight activities for
911. In accordance with requirements to issue regulations covering parity of access and related
technical needs and capabilities for VOIP calls, the FCC issued a Report and Order on October
21, 2008.49
Funding and Grants
Among the multiple factors and challenges of implementing NG9-1-1 are the costs of planning,
replacing, and upgrading systems, and maintaining and operating these new systems. Policies and
legislation intended to improve 911 service may need to address the substantial investments
required to provide these improvements, including, for example, financial assistance in acquiring
the needed technology. The twin policy goals of quality and equality may have bumped against
the limits of the technologies currently in place. Significant new gains in accessibility and level of
service appear to depend on implementing new technologies that are not supported by the current
network architecture.
An analysis of cost, value, and risk prepared for DOT, by the consulting firm Booz Allen
Hamilton, found that capital and operating costs for improving the existing 911 system would be
comparable to the cost of migrating to NG9-1-1 under several scenarios.50 Furthermore, several
trends were identified that would provide additional value, primarily
• NG9-1-1 provides greater opportunities for cost savings and increased
operational efficiencies than the current 911 environment.
• NG9-1-1 has greater potential to meet the public’s expectations for accessibility
than the current 911 environment.
• NG9-1-1 has greater scalability and flexibility than the current 911 environment.
• NG9-1-1 has greater potential to increase public and responder safety through
inter-connectivity and interoperability than the current 911 environment.
48 Notably, VOIP providers must: deliver all calls to a local 911 center; provide ANI/ALI information if the call center
can receive it; and inform customers of limitations in VOIP service for delivering calls to 911. The FCC has a website
with information about VOIP, E-911, and past FCC actions at http://www.voip911.gov/.
49 FCC, Report and Order, WC Docket No. 08-171, released October 21, 2008. A detailed discussion of the FCC’s
interpretation of the act’s requirements is provided in the Report and Order at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/
attachmatch/FCC-08-249A1.pdf.
50 U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems, “Next Generation 9-1-1 System Initiative:
Final Analysis of Cost, Value, and Risk,” March 8, 2009, at http://www.its.dot.gov/ng911/pdf/USDOT_NG911_4-
A2_FINAL_FinalCostValueRiskAnalysis_v1-0.pdf.
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Investment in Infrastructure
The costs to improve 911 through investments in infrastructure can be categorized by several
major and distinct functions of 911.51 For the purposes of this analysis, four cost centers and
typical sources of funding are summarized below. These are: devices, local networks, call centers,
and interfaces with first responders.
Wireless Devices
The cost of developing cell phones and other wireless devices that comply with FCC
requirements for caller information for 911 calls are borne by the communications service
providers and their suppliers, and by their customers. Some programs, primarily state and local,
offer assistance to consumers to help cover the costs of owning and operating a wireless device.
Local Networks
To accommodate the needs of enhanced 911, local networks that provide routers and other
infrastructure invest in upgrades to their facilities. Expenditures by these networks for
investments to route 911 calls may be reimbursed through a state’s 911 fund or may be passed on
to the PSAPs that purchase access to the lines. Charges to PSAPs for communications services
tend to rise as more features are added by their local exchange. In some areas of the country there
is little competitive pressure to upgrade these links; the lack of access to an up-to-date
infrastructure is one reason why some areas of the country do not have enhanced 911 or even
basic 911 services. The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA, P.L. 111-5)
provided for grants for investments in broadband infrastructure. Public safety agencies are
included under the act as potential beneficiaries of funding.52 The infusion of grant money to
build broadband and IP-enabled networks will help to expand the potential reach of NG9-1-1.
ARRA did not, however, address the long-term funding needs to develop and maintain a national
NG9-1-1 system. The FCC’s National Broadband Plan (also a requirement of the ARRA) did
address in part the question of upgrading local networks to handle broadband transmission and of
funding the deployment of broadband and NG9-1-1, as noted below, “Creating the Base for
Change.”
Call Centers
To accommodate the information delivered through enhanced 911, PSAPs are required to invest
in call-processing equipment, computers, databases, and other equipment. The capital for these
investments may come from 911 or E-911 fees paid by subscribers into state 911 funds; the funds
are also used for operating costs. State grants and local fund-raising initiatives are other sources
for capital investment and operating costs.53
51 Health of the US 9-1-1 System, for example, describes three major element of the process: “call delivery,” “call
processing,” and “radio dispatch.” Page 36 et seq. Report at http://www.911alliance.org/
9IA_Health_of_US_911%20_2_.pdf.
52 P.L. 111-5, Division B, Title VI, Sec. 6001 (b) (4) 123 STAT 513.
53 See Appendix A, “Mechanisms to Improve Funding for PSAPs.”
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Interfaces with First Responders
The final step in processing a 911 call is to relay information to emergency responders. After the
point of interface into the local first responder network, the effectiveness of the 911 system
depends on the capacity of the response network. The emergency communications networks for
public safety are also often constrained by the capabilities of old equipment as well as other
operational limitations, such as insufficient radio frequency spectrum and lack of communications
interoperability among different first responder groups. The upgrading of these networks are often
considered by state and local policy makers as separate from improvements in 911 systems
although some states have used 911 funds to help pay for public safety communications networks.
Federal Grants
The federal grant program administered by the ICO awarded over $40 million in matching grants
on September 25, 2009.54 Grants were available to all states, Washington, DC, Puerto Rico, and
the U.S. Territories; however, not all states met eligibility requirements and some states chose not
to apply. States receiving funds must use them within three years.55 Twenty-eight states, Puerto
Rico, and American Samoa received grants.56 Grant funds may be used for purchases of hardware
and software for enhanced 911 and IP-enabled systems, as well as training in connection with
these investments, as identified in each plan submitted by a State. Grant funds may also be used
to acquire alerting systems that can send warning messages to wireless devices.
Creating the Base for Change
Through the laws that it has enacted, Congress has established the principle that 911 calls should
provide the same level of information and responsiveness no matter what the communications
device, the location of the call, or the physical abilities of the caller. Congressional actions and
FCC regulations have sought to expand the capacity of the existing 911 infrastructure to
accommodate more types of devices, to improve caller location information, to provide wireless
support in more areas—with more precision—and to accommodate persons with disabilities.
Private and public sector investments in IP-enabled systems support the twin goals of equality
and quality. Only a digitized system with seamless IP-based connectivity can fully support the
needs of groups that are currently poorly served by 911 systems, including those with disabilities,
residents and travelers in rural areas, and workers and residents in high rise buildings. The current
analog system, for example, can only support text messages to 911 in work-around arrangements;
yet, text messaging is ideal for people with certain types of disabilities and many consider it to be
a more viable means of communication than voice in times of high demand and widespread
service outages, situations that often follow a disaster. Better information on the source of a call,
made possible by IP technologies, might be a boon for rural and urban areas, where different
54 U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs, News, “States and U.S. Territories Receive $40 Million
in Grants to Improve 911 Services,” September 25, 2009.
55 47 CFR Part 400, E-911 Grant Program, § 400.10 Closeout. Federal Register, Vol. 74, No. 107, June 5, 2009 at
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_e911grants_090605.pdf.
56 Recipients are listed in Appendix C.
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technological problems lead to the same consequence: inadequate location identification for
incoming 911 calls.
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 required the ICO to “develop and report to Congress on a
national plan for migrating to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of receiving and
responding to all citizen-activated emergency communications and improving information-
sharing among all emergency response entities.”57 The plan was to have been delivered no more
than 270 days after enactment of the bill, a late April 2009 deadline. The plan was to be
developed in consultation with a broad range of representatives for public safety, persons with
disabilities, equipment and service providers and others.58 Congress required in the NET 911
Improvement Act of 2008 that the National Plan “assess, collect, and analyze the experiences” of
trial deployments such as those conducted for NG9-1-1 by the Department of Transportation.59
The various analyses of IP-based systems prepared as part of DOT’s NG9-1-1 assessment
provided the core of the ICO’s national plan for migrating to IP-enabled 911.
The national plan prepared by the ICO60 was required to describe positive steps to include 911 in
the transition to IP-enabled technologies and to provide recommendations where congressional
action could facilitate the process.61 The plan as submitted describes a number of steps for
governance but it is not clear what role, if any, a federal department or agency will have in
deploying the new technologies. The transition could occur through the combined efforts of states
with little participation by the federal government.
Based on the legislation calling for the 911 transition plan, Congress had expected the plan to
make recommendations, including congressional actions, if needed. Instead, the plan reiterated
DOT’s framework for areas where action might be taken without providing specific guidance to
Congress. The plan was presented on September 25, 2009, leaving no time for the ICO to develop
more detailed plans for action before its authority ended on September 30.
NG9-1-1 Transition: Department of Transportation
As an extension of its Emergency Medical Service (EMS) mission, the National Highway Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), has
provided the bulk of federal support in assisting wireless E-911. In 2002, under the leadership of
then-Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta, DOT created the Wireless E9-1-1 Steering
Council to foster cooperation and dialog among key participants.62 In 2005, DOT announced
plans to produce a national framework and deployment plan for an NG9-1-1 system, to be
developed over a three-year period. The new initiative built on earlier wireless 911 projects
within DOT. The NG9-1-1 program has been administered within the Research and Innovative
Technology Administration (RITA), part of DOT’s Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS)
57 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(1); 122 STAT. 2623.
58 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(3); 122 STAT. 2624.
59 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102 (3) “(d) “(2) “(H) ; 122 STAT. 2623.
60 The National E9-1-1Implementation Coordination Office, A National Plan for Migrating to IP-Enabled 9-1-1
Systems, September 2009 at http://www.e-911ico.gov/NationalNG911MigrationPlan_sept2009.pdf.
61 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102 (3) “(d) “(2) “(F) and (G); 122 STAT. 2623.
62 U.S. Department of Transportation, Wireless E9-1-1 Steering Council, Wireless E9-1-1 Priority Action Plan,
Foreword, at http://www.itsdocs.fhwa.dot.gov/JPODOCS/REPTS_TE/13884.html.
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program. Management of the program has been shared between the ITS Public Safety Program
and NHTSA, with assistance from the consulting firm, Booz Allen Hamilton.63
DOT has published technical requirements and a concept of operations for NG9-1-1, has
implemented a strategic outreach plan, has worked to develop and validate requirements for the
NG9-1-1 system, has produced a system design document,64 and has developed a transition
plan.65 In the concept of operations, DOT stated
The primary goal of the NG9-1-1 System is to save lives, health, and property by improving
emergency services access and response in the United States. The state of the NG9-1-1
System also has a major effect on transportation security, mobility, and efficiency.66
The major features of the envisioned NG9-1-1 System that support this goal are described as
• Quicker receipt of more robust information.
• Better and more useful information from any networked communications device.
• Geographic-independent call access, transfer, and backup among PSAPs and
between PSAPs and other authorized emergency organizations.
• Increased coordination and partnerships within the emergency response
community.
• Increased aggregation and sharing of data, resources, procedures, and standards
to improve emergency response.
• Maximized use of available public capital and operating costs for emergency
communications services.67
NHTSA continues its commitment to working with emergency responders and the 911
community. It plans to build on the relationships it has developed with local, state, federal, and
private stakeholders to support the development of NG9-1-1. Among its immediate objectives is
managing a national 911 resource center to support the development of new emergency access
systems, including a model state 911 law and a compilation of NG9-1-1 standards.
NG9-1-1 Transition: NENA
NENA has prepared a handbook that identifies six transition policy issues that could be could be
considered starting points in the transition to NG9-1-1.68 NENA has urged that these issues be
63 Background at http://www.its.dot.gov/NG911/.
64U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems, “Next Generation 9-1-1 System Initiative:
Final System Design Document,” February 2009, at http://www.its.dot.gov/NG911/pdf/
USDOT_NG911_FINAL_System_Design.pdf.
65 U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems, “Next Generation 9-1-1 System Initiative:
Transition Plan,” February 2, 2009, at http://www.its.dot.gov/NG911/pdf/NG911_Transition_PlanFinal.pdf.
66 U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems, “Next Generation 9-1-1 System Initiative:
Concept of Operations,” April 2007, page 8, at http://www.its.dot.gov/ng911/pdf/NG911ConOps_April07.pdf.
67 U.S. Department of Transportation, Intelligent Transportation Systems, “Next Generation 9-1-1 System Initiative:
Transition Plan,” February 2, 2009, at http://www.its.dot.gov/NG911/pdf/NG911_Transition_PlanFinal.pdf.
68 NENA, Next Generation 9-1-1 Transition Policy Implementation Handbook; a guide for identifying and
(continued...)
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considered as part of a larger review of strategy and implementation plans. To this end, the
handbook has listed proposed actions, implementation checklists, and other specific steps in
support of each goal. The objectives are
• Establish a state-level organization to plan, coordinate, and implement a
ubiquitous Next Generation 9-1-1 system.
• Provide sufficient resources to implement and operate the NG9-1-1 system.
• Modify and update current legislation, regulations, and tariffs to ensure a
competitive E9-1-1 environment and a transition to a full NG9-1-1 system.
• Establish statewide Emergency Services IP networks (ESInets), and ensure that
state and regional authorities recognize the need for statewide IP-enabled
networks for NG9-1-1 and other emergency services.
• Verify that information delivered over Next Generation 9-1-1 Systems can be
appropriately delivered to PSAPs and shared with emergency response
organizations while conforming to applicable confidentiality, disclosure, and
information retention statutes and rules.
• Assure that state and federal liability statutes cover all public and private entities
involved in the end-to-end provisions of NG9-1-1 and emergency
communications systems and services.
To achieve these objectives and carry out the recommended activities, NENA has suggested the
formation of regional, state, or multi-state working groups. The handbook has emphasized that
decisions about delivering 911 services at the local level would remain with the PSAPs. The
ESInets that the handbook has proposed would require a higher level of governance to assure
functions such as coordination and interoperability.
Although NG9-1-1 is being developed as an open standards/open interface system it is necessary
to establish standards that assure full interoperability among all systems and system components.
To this end, NENA has established a Certification and Accreditation program for NG9-1-1. To
draw all stakeholders into the process, NENA sponsored its first Industry Collaboration Event, to
test equipment and standards, in November 2009.69
NG9-1-1 Transition: FCC
The ARRA required the FCC to prepare a national broadband plan. Among the requirements for
the plan, Congress specified that it should include
a plan for use of broadband infrastructure and services in advancing consumer welfare, civic
participation, public safety and homeland security, community development, health care
delivery, energy independence and efficiency, education, worker training, private sector
(...continued)
implementing policies to enable NG9-1-1, March 2010 at http://www.nena.org/sites/default/files/
transition%20policy_final_2010v10.pdf.
69 See http://www.nena.org/ng9-1-1/ice.
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investment, entrepreneurial activity, job creation and economic growth, and other national
purposes.70
The National Broadband Plan (NBP) was submitted to Congress on March 16, 2010. In line with
instructions from Congress, the plan included a section on public safety broadband
communications that covered NG9-1-1, the Emergency Alert System, broadband radio networks
for first responders, cybersecurity, and protection of critical infrastructure.71
In most sections of the NBP, the FCC has recommended actions for Congress and for other
agencies, as well as laying out new steps that the FCC could take. As regards NG9-1-1, the plan
suggested that Congress might consider enacting a federal legal and regulatory framework for
NG9-1-1. It requested that the FCC be given the authority to implement this framework. To help
meet funding requirements, the report suggested that Congress might take actions to assure that
fees collected to fund 911 services are not used for other purposes. The plan also recommended
that Congress consider reauthorizing the ICO to “help ensure that NG9-1-1 is deployed in an
interoperable and reliable fashion.”72
The NBP requested that, by December 1, 2011, NHTSA prepare a report to identify the costs of
deploying NG9-1-1 and sources of funding. The NBP specified that the report should detail costs
for particular 911 requirements and specify how costs would be shared among PSAPs, broadband
service providers, and third-party providers for NG9-1-1. The FCC proposed that the report also
include a technical analysis and cost study of different delivery platforms, including VOIP. Based
on the information compiled for the report, NHTSA should make recommendations to Congress
for public funding, according to the FCC proposal.73
The plan also provided specific actions for the FCC to take. The NBP announced the FCC’s
intentions to address IP-based NG9-1-1 by refreshing a current proceeding on location
technology74 and opening a new proceeding to address how NG9-1-1 can accommodate
communications technologies, networks, and architectures beyond traditional voice-centric
devices.75 These proceedings might include consideration of a national strategy for NG9-1-1
deployment and how it should meet consumer expectations.76
70 P.L. 111-5, § 6001 (k) (2) (D); 123 STAT. 516.
71 FCC, Connecting America: The National Broadband Plan, Public Safety, released March 16, 2010 at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-296935A1.pdf.
72 Ibid., Recommendation 16.14, page 326.
73 Ibid., Recommendation 16.13, page 325.
74 On September 23, 2010 the FCC issued a Second Report and Order on wireless E911 location accuracy
requirements, PS Docket No. 07-114 at http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db1018/FCC-10-
176A1.pdf.
75 On September 23, 2010 the FCC issued a Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on wireless E911 location
accuracy requirements (PS Docket No. 07-114) and a Notice of Inquiry (PS Docket No. 05-196) concerning IP-enabled
service requirements, at http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db0927/FCC-10-177A1.pdf.
76 Ibid., Recommendation 16.15, page 326.
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The Potential Role of the Department of Homeland
Security
The Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (P.L. 109-295) provided for
coordination of emergency communication grants,77 and for the formation of Regional
Emergency Communications Coordination (RECC) Working Groups.78 The requirement to
establish regional working groups responded in part to requests from the public safety community
to include the second tier of emergency workers in planning for interoperable communications.
Non-federal members of the RECC groups are to include first responders, state and local officials
and emergency managers, and 911 call center personnel.79 The Department of Homeland Security
(DHS) is the lead agency for the RECC plans and for other emergency communications planning
initiatives, notably the National Infrastructure Protection Plan, FEMA Disaster Emergency
Communications planning, and the National Emergency Communications Plan.80
National Emergency Communications Plan
As part of the grants process for interoperable communications, Congress required the
preparation of a National Emergency Communications Plan (NECP).81 DHS issued the NECP in
July 2008.82 The primary purpose of the plan is to provide an overarching strategy for emergency
communications preparedness. To meet preparedness goals, the NECP provides guidelines and
deadlines for emergency managers at all levels of government. The improvement of 911 systems
and PSAP communications is among the plan’s objectives for Disaster Communications
Capabilities. Specifically, Initiative 7.2 of the NECP states that agencies with operational
responsibilities “should evaluate the readiness posture of communications centers (e.g., Public
Safety Answering Points)” for vulnerabilities. According to the plan, “System planning activities
should account for the availability of alternative and backup communications solutions and
redundant pathways (i.e., provided by different vendors) to support communications if primary
capabilities become unavailable.” A recommended first milestone for this initiative is for RECC
Working Groups to work with state and local agencies to assess priority vulnerabilities that could
weaken critical mission response. Later milestones that apply to PSAPs and 911 systems include
• Develop plans and procedures to enhance emergency 911 systems and PSAP
communications.
• Identify alternate and/or backup capabilities in emergency communications plans
defined by all federal, state, local, and tribal agencies.83
77 P.L. 109-295, Title VI, Sec. 671(b), “Title XVIII, “Sec. 1804; 120 STAT. 1438.
78 P.L. 109-295, Title VI, Sec. 671(b), “Title XVIII, “Sec. 1805; 120 STAT. 1439.
79 P.L. 109-295, Sec. 671(b), “Title XVIII, “Sec. 1805 “(b) “(1); 120 STAT. 1439.
80 DHS, National Emergency Communications Plan, July 2008, Exhibit A3-1: Key Emergency Communications Policy
and Planning Initiatives, page A-11. Plan at http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/
national_emergency_communications_plan.pdf.
81 P.L. 109-295, Sec. 671 (b) “Title XVIII, “Sec. 1802; 120 STAT. 1435-1436.
82 DHS, National Emergency Communications Plan, July 2008, at http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/assets/
national_emergency_communications_plan.pdf.
83 Ibid., Objective 7: Disaster Communications Capabilities, Initiative 7.2, page 38.
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These goals for states to improve 911 systems are compatible with DOT’s efforts with 911 and
NG9-1-1; the DOT programs are referenced in the plan.84
Regional Emergency Communication Coordination
Title VI of the Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2007 (P.L. 109-295). Title VI—the Post-
Katrina Emergency Management Reform Act of 2006—reorganized the Federal Emergency
Management Agency (FEMA), gave the agency new powers, and clarified its functions and
authorities within DHS.85 Among the new initiatives required by the law was the creation of
Regional Emergency Communications Coordination (RECC) Working Groups as part of ten
Regional Offices. These groups could provide a platform for coordinating emergency
communications plans among states and were intended to include representatives from many
sectors with responsibility for public safety and security.
The formation of the regional working groups, the RECCs, responded in part to requests from the
public safety community to expand interoperable communications planning to include the second
tier of emergency workers. Non-federal members of the RECC are to include first responders,
state and local officials and emergency managers, and PSAPs. Additionally, RECC working
groups are to coordinate with a variety of communications providers (such as wireless carriers
and cable operators), hospitals, utilities, emergency evacuation transit services, ambulance
services, amateur radio operators, and others as appropriate.
The RECC Working Groups could play a part in forming future policies for the transition to NG9-
1-1. The working groups could provide another opportunity for federal leadership in assisting
911, especially in coordinating the transition to IP-enabled emergency communications with the
deployment of new broadband infrastructure.
National Broadband Plan
Broadband is generally used to refer to fast transmission speeds, and the National Broadband Plan
(NBP) establishes benchmarks for minimum speeds for broadband services. The NBP also
equates broadband with the characteristics of ubiquity, efficiency, and effectiveness. Much of the
plan emphasizes the importance of having broadband access to the Internet to meet social and
economic goals. IP-enabled networks for emergency communications require broadband
infrastructure to operate effectively; however, they need not connect with the Internet. Using the
Internet Protocol, an IP-enabled network provides applications that meet specific needs. An IP-
enabled network for emergency communications has been defined as an “emergency
communications network or system based on a secured infrastructure that allows secured
transmission of information, using Internet Protocol, among users of the network or system.”86
Such a network, if fully realized, could support many types of emergency communications needs,
including first responder networks and emergency alerts.
84 Ibid., Exhibit A3-2: Federal Tactical and Emergency Communications Systems and Services, pages A12-A13.
85 Information on the FEMA reorganization is provided in CRS Report RL33729, Federal Emergency Management
Policy Changes After Hurricane Katrina: A Summary of Statutory Provisions, coordinated by Keith Bea.
86 47 CFR Part 400, E-911 Grant Program, § 400.2 Definitions. Federal Register, Vol. 74, No. 107, June 5, 2009 at
http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2009/FR_e911grants_090605.pdf.
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The NBP has discussed some of the ways that federal investment in broadband infrastructure
might be leveraged for community and state broadband services and it has explored the impact of
broadband technology on emergency communications services. The plan has recognized the
common elements of broadband use in emergency communications but it has not explicitly
addressed the possibility of unifying them as a common infrastructure project. In the NBP, the
FCC has made recommendations that support the transition to NG9-1-1 but it has not provided a
policy statement that captures the vision of shared capacity, with many applications riding on the
same infrastructure. Others, however, have described the future as a grid (Global Information
Grid, Department of Defense)87 or an Emergency Services Internet (ESInet, NENA).88
Congressional Policy for NG9-1-1
The implementation of IP-enabled NG9-1-1 embraces many complex and inter-related decisions
about, for example, governance, standards and technology, funding, and leadership. Congress has
addressed some of these issues in the context of existing 911 infrastructure and technology, and
has recognized the need to plan for the transition to the next generation. This transition will, over
time, present many new policy issues. Congressional policy goals for the future could include
• Addressing emergency communications needs and goals with a policy that
recognizes the convergence of technologies, especially IP-based networks and
standards, that will place first responder networks, 911 systems, and emergency
alert systems on common, interoperable platforms.
• Identifying the federal role in implementing national policies for emergency
communications without eroding state or local authority.
• Defining the role of the Department of Homeland Security, especially the
Regional Emergency Communications Coordination Working Groups that it
supports, in guiding policies to sustain and improve 911 as part of its Emergency
Communications Plan.
• Reviewing the federal regulatory role in promoting competition in the provision
of network services to PSAPs.89
• Designating radio frequency spectrum to provide connectivity to PSAPS, for
example by using wireless technologies such as microwave transmission in place
of fiber-optic cables.
• Addressing the quality of interfaces with other emergency communications
networks, especially the radio links to first responders, and their spectrum needs.
87 A full-color description is provided in “Vision for a Net-Centric, Service-Oriented, DoD Enterprise” at http://cio-
nii.defense.gov/docs/GIGArchVision.pdf. Department of Defense, Global Information Grid Architectural Vision, June
2007.
88 NENA, Next Generation 9-1-1 Transition Policy Implementation Handbook; a guide for identifying and
implementing policies to enable NG9-1-1, March 2010 at http://www.nena.org/sites/default/files/
transition%20policy_final_2010v10.pdf.
89 The wireline circuits that complete the connection to the PSAPs are usually owned and operated by either an
Incumbent Local Exchange Carrier (ILEC) or a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC), operating under different
regulatory requirements and protections. The Wireline Competition Bureau of the FCC oversees federal regulation of
ILECs and CLECs.
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• Providing funding solutions.
• Establishing national guidelines or requirements for minimum levels of 911
service.
• Establishing a program to assure that the quality of 911 services improves
steadily, nationwide.
Emergency communications professionals in the public and private sector deem it essential that
the full potential of a broadband emergency communications grid, what NENA calls the ESInet,
be recognized and supported by policy makers at all levels of government.
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Appendix A. 911 Legislation and Policy
This section provides further detail and documentation about 911 requirements enacted by
Congress and related administrative activities.
Equality of Service and Access to 911
Many of the FCC’s regulatory efforts have supported this principle by requiring that different
providers of voice communications services be able to provide 911 facilities with basic
information about a caller, specifically call-back number (Automatic Number Information, ANI)
and location (Automatic Location Identification, ALI).90
Equality of Access Devices
The 911 Act assured that wireless carriers would have similar obligations and protections in
transmitting 911 calls as the wireline common carriers.91 The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008
extended these obligations and protections to include Voice Over Internet Protocol (VOIP).92 The
Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is responsible for promulgating and enforcing
regulations to assure that cell phone and VOIP calls, as well as those from wireline phones,
convey required information to the appropriate Public Safety Answering Point (PSAP). Providing
position information that locates cell phone or VOIP callers in a manner comparable to wireline
information is one of the challenges for parity among devices.
Another challenge is presented by connections to third-party service providers. For example,
telematics systems installed in cars, such as OnStar; direct emergency calls automatically to a
customer service operator who then places the call to 911, usually identifying the appropriate call
center from a database. Video Relay Service for the hearing impaired is another example of an
intermediary placing the call to a PSAP. Access to PSAP contact information for third-party
service providers continues to be an issue of concern to companies that provide services that
include contacting 911 for assistance. To address this concern, the National Emergency Number
Association (NENA) maintains a registry of PSAP information that it makes available to
validated call centers as well as PSAPs.93 The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 specifically
authorized, but did not require, the FCC to compile a list of contact information of public safety
answering points and make the information available where releasing it would benefit public
safety.94 The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 also extended parity of protection to duly
authorized emergency communications service providers that voluntarily offer these services.95
90 Also discussed in earlier section, “The 911 Act and Federal Communications Commission Regulations.”
91 P.L. 106-81, Secs. 3, 4, and 5. 113 STAT. 1286 et seq.
92 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6 “(a) and “(b) and Sec. 201; 122 STAT. 2620 and 122 STAT. 2624.
93 North American 9-1-1 Resources Database, information at http://www.nena.org/pages/ContentList.asp?CTID=40.
94 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6 “(g); 122 STAT. 2622.
95 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 201 (b) “(9) “(B); 122 STAT. 2625.
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Equality of Coverage
The location of a caller often determines the level of response from a PSAP. The likelihood of a
911 call being completed with accurate information depends on two essential components: the
capacity of the network and systems to capture and deliver the needed information and the
capability of the PSAP to receive it. Providing location information in rural areas, for example,
can be difficult for wireless carriers, partly because of inadequate infrastructure.96 Reflecting
concerns that some carriers would stop serving remote areas rather than invest in improving
location identification capabilities, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 directed the FCC to grant
waivers to Tier III wireless carriers97 in situations where strict enforcement would decrease access
to emergency services.98
The ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 also required the FCC to study the situation of Tier III wireless
carriers regarding the waiver process and to provide information on effective technologies for
implementing Phase II of W-E911.99 The FCC submitted a detailed report in April 2005 but made
no recommendations regarding technology.100
Improving Location Information
In addition to problems in rural areas, noted above, high-density urban areas also have location
problems, such as when a 911 call is made from inside a high-rise building. Even if wireless E-
911 is in place at the appropriate PSAP, location identification can provide a street address but not
a floor level. Location information is readily available for wireline phone subscribers, as most
telephone service providers have identifiable addresses stored in their databases. (Many rural
areas have invested in converting generic rural addresses, such as rural routes or post office
boxes, into house-specific coordinates for 911 location information.)
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. (APCO)
conducted an independent test of the accuracy of location information received by PSAPs that
indicated many failings in the provision of location information from wireless calls.101 Partially in
response to the APCO study, the FCC opened a new proceeding and in November 2007 proposed
rules for carriers to provide more accurate location information to PSAPs.102 Verizon, AT&T, and
96 Problems have included the switch from analog to digital technology for cellular services (digital technology
provides significantly better location-finding capability but analog transmissions have a wider reach), the difficulty of
installing a sufficient number of cell towers to provide “triangulation” for location technologies; and the predominance
of cell towers placed along major highways (sometimes referred to as a “string of pearls”), also a complication for
proper triangulation.
97 For enforcement purposes, the FCC divided wireless carriers into three tiers: Tier III (small); Tier II (mid-sized); and
Tier I (the largest carriers—Verizon, Cingular, T-Mobile, and Sprint Nextel).
98 P.L. 108-494, Section 107 (a); 118 STAT. 3991.
99 P.L. 108-494, Section 106; 118 STAT. 3390.
100 Amended report submitted April 1, 2005. The FCC concluded that technologies currently in use were all suitable
and that the choice depended on a variety of factors. “FCC Amended Report to Congress on the Deployment of E9-1-1
Phase II Services by Tier III Service Providers” at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-
257964A1.pdf.
101 “APCO Wireless Accuracy Testing Discovers Critical Information to the 9-1-1 Caller,” http://www.apcointl.org/
news/2006/20060822APCOWirelessAccuracyTestDiscovery.html Press release, August 22, 2006. The final report on
findings was released in April 2007, http://www.locatemodelcities.org/documents/LOCATE_Final_Report.pdf.
102 FCC News, “FCC Clarifies Geographic Area Over Which Wireless Carriers Must Meet Enhanced 911 Location
(continued...)
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other carriers and industry groups questioned whether the FCC’s ruling was technically feasible
and recommended a 911 working group to develop and agree upon standards for location
accuracy and other features of 911.103 The FCC withdrew the contested rules and in September
2008 sought comments on new service rules for location accuracy.104 The FCC has not issued a
final ruling and ex parte comments continue to be posted.
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 directed the FCC to work with PSAPs, the industry, and
the E-911 Implementation Coordination Office to improve standards and best practices for a
number of goals related to location identification. The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 also
requires that the National Plan identify location technologies for nomadic devices and for office
buildings and multi-dwelling units.105
Improving PSAP Capabilities
To meet anticipated new requirements for location information at the PSAP level, wireless
carriers will need to improve the technology they use. PSAPs must also invest in technology in
order to receive more detailed information. Guidance and assistance for these tasks are provided
primarily at the state and local level. NENA and APCO are active in providing frameworks for
decision-making, and technical reports.106 The Seventh National Reliability and Interoperability
Council (NRIC), a federal advisory committee to the FCC, provided best practices and other
analyses for PSAPs to improve 911 operations.107 It also urged the development of a common
platform that would link 911 to an interoperable communications network based on Internet
technologies.108 The FCC’s February 2008 summit for 911 circulated a list of best practices for
PSAPs.109 The 2009 summit for 911 discussed deployment and operational guidelines for next
generation IP-enabled 911.110 To address PSAP needs, the National Plan required by the NET 911
(...continued)
Accuracy Requirements,” September 11, 2007. FCC, Report and Order, adopted September 11, 2007, released
November 20, 2007,CC Docket No. 94-102; http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/Query.do?mode=advance&rpt=full
for all document links.
103 See comments at FCC Electronic Comment Filing System from, for example, CTIA, AT&T (various divisions),
Verizon Wireless, Inc., and Sprint Nextel Corporation. Docket No. 07-114. This letter filed by CTIA on September 6,
2007 is one example: http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6519722596.
104 FCC Public Notice, “Comment Sought on Proposals Regarding Service Rules for Wireless Enhanced 911Phase II
Location Information and Accuracy,” September 22, 2008, DA 08-2129, Docket No. 07-114 at
http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-08-2149A1.pdf.
105P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(D); 122 STAT. 2623.
106 NENA: information on courses, standards documents, and other resources for 9-1-1 Professionals at
http://www.nena.org/; APCO: Communications Center and 9-1-1 Services at http://www.apcointl.org/new/
commcenter911/.
107 NRIC VII, Focus Group I, “Enhanced 911,” subcommittee reports published in 2004-2005, at http://nric.org/fg/
index.html.
108 NRIC VII, Focus Group 1D, “Communications Issues for Emergency Communications Beyond 911; Report #1—
Properties and network architectures that communications between PSAPs and emergency services personnel must
meet in the near future,” December 6, 2004, pp. 12, 26-27, at http://nric.org/meetings/docs/meeting_20041206/
FG1D%20Final%20Report.pdf.
109 911 Call Center Operations and Next Generation Technologies Summit, February 6, 2008; recommendations at
http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/summits/911/improving911callcenterops2.html.
110 Summit, February 25, 2009, see http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/summits/ or http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/
attachmatch/DOC-288446A1.pdf.
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Improvement Act of 2008 must contain “specific mechanisms for ensuring the IP-enabled
emergency network is available in every community.... ”111
Equality for the Disabled
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 has required the National Plan to identify solutions for
providing 911 support and access to those with disabilities.112 The FCC currently enforces Title
IV of the Americans with Disabilities Act (P.L. 101-336) for access to telecommunications
services.113 Requirements for wireless carriers to accommodate TTY calls to 911 have been part
of the FCC regulations since rules were first promulgated in 1996.114 The FCC is endeavoring to
improve 911 support provided through Internet-based forms of the Telecommunications Relay
Service that allow persons with hearing and speech disabilities to communicate with hearing
users of telephone services.115
Mechanisms to Improve Funding for PSAPs
The ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 provided a mechanism for funding 911 with a program of
matching grants.116 Authorizations of up to $250 million annually for program activities and
grants were established for fiscal years 2005 through 2009, with authority for authorizations set to
expire on October 1, 2009. Despite the authorization, no appropriations were made, although
some funding was provided through the Digital Transition and Public Safety Fund, created by the
Deficit Reduction Act of 2005 (P.L. 109-171). The National Telecommunications and Information
Administration (NTIA) is responsible for administering distributions from the fund, as designated
by Congress in the act. Up to $43.5 million was designated specifically for 911, payable from the
proceeds of spectrum auctions that took place in early 2008.117 The Implementing
Recommendations of the 9/11 Commission Act of 2007 authorized the NTIA to borrow against
the $43.5 million from spectrum auction proceeds118 and included an amendment that favors
Public Safety Answering Points not capable of receiving 911 calls.119 There are 91 counties in the
United States where emergency calls are handled without the benefit of any 911 technology.120
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 further amended the guidelines for grant eligibility by
adding “migration to an IP-enabled emergency network” as a qualifying program for grant
funds.121 The program will be administered by the NHTSA.122 In addition to establishing a grants
program to help PSAPs install 911 systems, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 provided a
111 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(C); 122 STAT. 2623.
112 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102 (3) “(d) “(2) “(I); 122 STAT. 2624.
113 More information at http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/.
114 TTY refers to a text telephone; another common term is TDD, for Telecommunications Device for the Deaf.
115 FCC, Report and Order and Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking, WC Docket No. 05-196, adopted June 11,
2008. At http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/FCC-08-151A1.pdf.
116 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 104, “Sec. 158 “(b); 118 STAT. 3987.
117 P.L. 109-171, Sec. 3011; 120 STAT. 27.
118 P.L. 110-53, Sec. 2302; 121 STAT. 543.
119 P.L. 110-53, Sec. 2303; 121 STAT. 543.
120 Provided by NENA, telephone discussion with Patrick Halley on October 21, 2008.
121 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102 (1); 122 STAT. 2623.
122 Published in the Federal Register October 3, 2008, link at http://www.ntia.doc.gov/frnotices/2008/
FR_E911grants_081003.pdf.
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mechanism to penalize states and other jurisdictions that diverted fees collected for 911 to other
purposes.123 This provision was in response to reports of abuses documented by CTIA - The
Wireless Association in 2003;124 later abuses have also been documented.125 To discourage this
practice, the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 structured its matching grants program to refuse federal
grants to jurisdictions where funds collected for 911 were used for other purposes.126 As required
in the act,127 the Government Accountability Office prepared a report about state and local 911
systems that included an analysis of surcharges and their uses.128
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 established an annual requirement for the FCC to prepare
a survey of the collection and disbursement of fees collected for 911 and by states and political
subdivisions and to report if fees are diverted.129 The purpose of the reporting requirement is to
“ensure efficiency, transparency, and accountability.” The act also specifically allows states to
collect a fee on VOIP services with the proviso that the fees must be used for 911 or E-911.130
Federal Funding for 911 in Rural Areas
The Food, Conservation, and Energy Act of 2008 (P.L. 110-234), referred to as the 2008 Farm
Bill, included language that can provide loans to improve 911 and other emergency
communications capabilities in rural areas. The provision amends the Rural Electrification Act
lending authority131 to include
“facilities and equipment to expand or improve in rural areas—
“(1) 911 access;
“(2) integrated interoperable emergency communications, including multiuse networks that
provide commercial or transportation information services in addition to emergency
communications services;
“(3) homeland security communications;
“(4) transportation safety communications; or
123 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 104, “Sec. 158 “(c); 118 STAT. 3988.
124 The CTIA maintains a database of expenditures from 911 and E-911 funds, available upon request through CRS.
125 FCC, “Second Annual Report to Congress on State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and
Charges,” August 13, 2010 at http://www.fcc.gov/Daily_Releases/Daily_Business/2010/db0817/DOC-300946A1.pdf
and “Report to Congress on State Collection and Distribution of 911 and Enhanced 911 Fees and Charges,” July 22,
2009 at http://fjallfoss.fcc.gov/edocs_public/attachmatch/DOC-292216A2.pdf.
126 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 104 “Sec. 158; 118 STAT. 3987-3990.
127 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 105; 118 STAT. 3990.
128 GAO, States’ Collection and Use of Funds for Wireless Enhanced 911 Services, March 2006, GAO-06-338. A
second report carried further documentation, Summary of State Wireless E911 Funds, March 2006, GAO-06-400SP.
129 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6, “(f), “(2); 122 STAT. 2622.
130 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 101, “Sec. 6, “(f), “(1); 122 STAT. 2622.
131 Interim rule with request for comment in effect January 16, 2009. See Rural Development Guaranteed Loans,
Federal Register, December 17, 2008, link at http://frwebgate6.access.gpo.gov/cgi-bin/PDFgate.cgi?WAISdocID=
863218460594+0+2+0&WAISaction=retrieve.
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“(5) location technologies used outside an urbanized area.”132
The bill allows government-collected fees such as state and local fees for 911 to be used as surety
against loans.133 It also permits loans to companies that will provide communications equipment,
if local governments with jurisdiction are not allowed to acquire the debt.134
Funding for 911 by States and Communities
A large share of the costs for implementing 911 services is covered by the telecommunications
industry and by state and/or local taxes or surcharges assessed on wireline and wireless telephone
bills.135 Most states have some form of 911 or E-911 fund that receives revenue from telephone
bill surcharges and distributes it to various jurisdictions; some states also compensate telephone
companies for 911-related expenses. Another source of funding, at the local or county level, is an
increase in property taxes with the additional monies going to PSAPs. Call center operators also
hold fund-raisers like fish fries and bake sales.
Federal Leadership in Improving 911 Capabilities
Language in support of a leadership role by a federal agency to guide 911 policy appears in each
of the major bills that Congress has passed. The ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004, for example, stated
Enhanced 911 is a high national priority, and it requires Federal leadership, working in
cooperation with state and local governments and with the numerous organizations dedicated
to delivering emergency communications services.136
The ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 recognized the role of the U.S. Department of Transportation
(DOT) in providing sustained support of 911 by making it a co-administrator of the E-911
Implementation Coordination Office (ICO). The FCC has also played a visible role in supporting
911, much of it through regulation.
The Role of the FCC
Charged in the 911 Act of 1999 to take positive steps to address the implementation of 911
services, the FCC has primarily played the role of regulator of wireless communications service
providers, promulgating and enforcing regulations to provide ANI/ALI information. Beginning in
2003, the FCC has held occasional public forums to discuss 911 deployment and possible
actions.137
132 P.L. 110-234, Sec. 6107 “Sec. 315 “(a); 122 STAT. 1198.
133 P.L. 110-234, Sec. 6107 “Sec. 315 “(b); 122 STAT. 1198.
134 P.L. 110-234, Sec. 6107 “Sec. 315 “(c); 122 STAT. 1198.
135 A summary of surcharges is at http://www.nena.org/media/files/9-1-1UserFees4_1.pdf.
136 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 102 (4) 118 STAT. 3986.
137 Agenda for the first meeting of the Wireless E911 Coordination Initiative, April 23, 2003 at http://hraunfoss.fcc.gov/
edocs_public/attachmatch/DA-03-1172A1.pdf. Subsequent public meetings were held on October 29-30, 2003;
February 12, 2004; April 27-28, 2004; November 15, 2006 (on access for the disabled); and February 6, 2008.
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After the establishment of the Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau in 2006, the FCC
took action on another requirement of the 911 Act: to “encourage each State to develop and
implement coordinated statewide deployment plans, through an entity designated by the governor,
and to include representatives of the foregoing organizations and entities in development and
implementation of such plans.”138 It has contacted each state governor and requested information
about points of contact for emergency communications. As these are provided, the FCC posts
them on a website established for that purpose.139
The 2007 appropriations bill for the Department of Homeland Security included a requirement
that the FCC submit a report to Congress on the capacity, nationwide, for rerouting 911 calls
when call centers are disabled by disaster. The law specified that the report would cover the
“status of efforts of State, local, and tribal governments to develop plans for rerouting 911 and
E911 services in the event that public safety answering points are disabled during natural
disasters, acts of terrorism, and other man-made disasters.”140
In the required report, the FCC focused on administrative mechanisms not system capacities,
indicating that most states had some form of backup plan. The report did not explore the
limitations of existing technology nor consider possible changes to improve backup capacity. The
report was submitted to Congress in September 2007 but has not been made public.
The Role of the E-911 Implementation Coordination Office
The keystone of the ENHANCE 911 Act of 2004 was the mandate to establish a program “to
facilitate coordination and communications between Federal, State, and local emergency
communications systems, emergency communications personnel, public safety organizations,
telecommunications carriers, and telecommunications equipment manufacturers and vendors
involved in the implementation of E-911 services.”141 The act designated the director of the
National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) and the Administrator of
the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to direct the program as co-
administrators of an E-911 Implementation Coordination Office. The two offices were to develop
a management plan to be submitted to Congress.142 Once the office was established, the co-
administrators were required to report to Congress annually on activities “to improve
coordination and communication with respect to the implementation of E-911 services.”143 Absent
funding from specifically-designated appropriations, the program as required by Congress was
not established at the time. NHTSA, in conjunction with DOT’s Intelligent Transportation
Systems program, moved forward with the Next Generation 911 Initiative. Once funding became
available as part of the Deficit Reduction Act, the NTIA moved to sign a memorandum with DOT
and prepare regulations for the grants programs for public comment. The NET 911 Improvement
Act of 2008 gave the ICO the new responsibility of creating a National Plan for the migration to
IP-enabled emergency communications network to support 911 and other citizen-activated calls.
138 P.L. 106-81, Sec. 3 (b); 113 STAT. 3.
139 At http://www.fcc.gov/pshs/services/911-services/state.html.
140 P.L. 109-295, Sec. 674; 120 STAT. 144.
141 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 104, “Sec. 158, “(a) “(1) “(A); 118 STAT. 3987.
142 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 104, “Sec. 158, “(a) “(2);118 STAT. 3987.
143 P.L. 108-494, Sec. 104, “Sec. 158, “(a) “(4);118 STAT. 3987.
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Citizen-activated calls for help currently go to 911, to 311, to 211, and to other call centers in both
the public and private sector.144
Transition to IP-Enabled 911 Systems: The NET 911 Improvement
Act of 2008
The NET 911 Improvement Act of 2008 has required that the ICO “shall develop and report to
Congress on a national plan for migrating to a national IP-enabled emergency network capable of
receiving and responding to all citizen-activated emergency communications and improving
information-sharing among all emergency response entities.”145 The plan was to have been
delivered in April 2009.146 The plan was to have been developed in consultation with a broad
range of representatives for public safety, person with disabilities, equipment and service
providers and others.147 Some of the requirements for the plan have been referenced in the
preceding sections of this report. They are recapped below, organized by the policy goal that each
provision would support.
Equality
• Provide mechanisms to ensure that the IP-enabled emergency network is
available in every community and is coordinated at the local, state, and regional
level.148
• Identify location technology for nomadic devices and for office buildings and
multi-unit dwellings.149
• Identify solutions for those with disabilities, steps to be taken, and a timeline for
action.150
• Analyze efforts to provide automatic location information and provide
recommendations for necessary regulatory or legislative changes.151
Funding
• Identify barriers that must be overcome and funding mechanisms to address
barriers.152
144 An overview of 211 is provided in Appendix B.
145 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(1); 122 STAT. 2623.
146 Ibid.
147 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(3); 122 STAT.2624.
148 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(C); 122 STAT. 2623.
149 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(D); 122 STAT. 2623.
150 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(I); 122 STAT. 2624.
151 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(J); 122 STAT. 2624.
152 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(B); 122 STAT. 2623.
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Transition to IP-Enabled Networks
• Outline the potential benefits of migrating to a national IP-enabled emergency
network for citizen-activated calls.153
• Include a proposed timetable, an outline of costs, and potential savings for the
transition to IP technologies.154
• Provide specific legislative language, if necessary, for achieving the plan.155
• Provide recommendations on any legislative changes, including updating
definitions, necessary to facilitate a national IP-enabled network.156
• Assess, collect, and analyze information from trial deployments of IP-enabled
emergency networks.157
153 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(A); 122 STAT. 2623.
154 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(E); 122 STAT. 2623.
155 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(F); 122 STAT. 2623.
156 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(G); 122 STAT. 2623.
157 P.L. 110-283, Sec. 102, (3) “(d) “(2) “(H); 122 STAT. 2623.
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Appendix B. Citizen-Activated Calls: 211
The term citizen-activated emergency call refers generally to calls placed by individuals seeking
assistance in an emergency. These calls are differentiated from alerts sent by authorities to warn
communities of potential danger or to provide instructions after a disaster. Citizen-activated calls
for help currently go to 911, to 311, to 211, and to other call centers in both the public and private
sector. The 311 code was created by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1997 to
take non-emergency police calls as a means to reduce congestion on 911 lines.158 The 211 dialing
code is reserved by the FCC on a provisional basis as a universal number for community
information and referral.159 The 211 call centers support a variety of social service hot lines—
including assistance in foreign-languages—and can also be used to provide information and
guidance in emergency situations.160 A large part of the U.S. population has access to 211 call
services but no state has statewide service.161 Many cities have adopted shared-service
communications hubs handling 211 and 311 calls. Service levels and response times for all types
of citizen-activated calls would benefit from a transition to IP-enabled networks and in many
cases could share infrastructure with 911 networks
Call Centers and Post-Disaster Response
Call centers are identified as a pivotal link in an end-to-end network of emergency
communications, information, response, and post-incident care. A report by the Wireless
Emergency Response Team (WERT) discussed the valuable help provided to victims of the
September 11, 2001 World Trade Center attack through call center services donated by
BellSouth.162 Over 400 hotlines were established in New York City after 9/11, however, creating a
confusing network for victims and volunteers.163
After Hurricane Katrina, call centers, including 211 call centers, were used to help locate
displaced victims and direct them to shelters and social services.164 A post-hurricane evaluation
by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) after the 2005 season recommended
that states establish 211 systems as part of their plans for response and recovery.165
A study of the role of 211 call centers during the Florida hurricane season of 2004166 documented
a number of ways that the call centers were of assistance:
158 FCC News, “FCC Creates New 311 Code for Non-Emergency Police Calls ... ,” Report CC 97-7, February 19, 1997
at http://ftp.fcc.gov/cgb/dro/311news.html.
159 More information is on the FCC website at Consumer and Governmental Affairs Bureau, Consumer Alerts and Fact
Sheets, http://www.fcc.gov/cgb/consumerfacts/211.html.
160 More information on 211, including links to cost-benefit studies, is available at http://www.211us.org.
161 In November 2008, the percentage was 78%. Thirty-one states covered more than 90% of the population. Statistics
and U.S. map showing coverage is available at http://www.211us.org/status.htm.
162 Wireless Emergency Response Team (WERT), “Final Report for the September 11, 2001 New York City World
Trade Center Terrorist Attack,” October 2001, Section 3.14, page 18, at http://www.nric.org/meetings/docs/
wert_final_report.pdf.
163 Cited as Findings in S. 211, Sec. 2, (9) and H.R. 211, Sec. 2, (9).
164 Findings, H.R. 211, Sec. 2 (10).
165 FEMA, FEMA Recovery Division 2005 Hurricane Season After Action Report, June 26, 2006.
166 Trial by Wind and Water: How 2-1-1 Played a Vital Role During the 2004 Florida Hurricanes, United Way of
(continued...)
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• expanded the capacity of Emergency Operations Centers by providing trained
information and referral specialists;
• offered additional access points for public information;
• managed information about the availability of services;
• identified unmet and emerging needs;
• helped prioritize and direct resources;
• provided reassurance and crisis support;
• helped mobilize and manage volunteers and donations;
• served as intake points for government agencies and non-profit organizations;
• offered sustained support for long-term recovery efforts.167
In addition to disaster recovery efforts, 211 call centers respond to a wide range of social service
needs for information and counseling, such as parent support, suicide prevention, health
information, traveler’s aid, tracking and helping welfare clients, and housing assistance.168
Call Centers and Federal Policy
In 2008, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) awarded a grant to Texas A&M Research
Foundation to study 211 calls, initiating what DHS calls the Public Needs Project. The objective
of the research was to provide information for state call centers to develop systematic approaches
to responding to calls after major disasters. The study was to analyze calls for assistance made to
the 26 211 call centers in Texas during a four-month period before, during, and after Hurricanes
Katrina and Rita. The study’s conclusions could provide the basis for incorporating 211 call
centers into federal planning for emergency response and funding for infrastructure. The target
date to provide initial conclusions from the study was year-end 2009.169 The WERT report issued
after the September 11 attacks urged that national planning for emergency preparedness and
response include the mobilization of private-sector call centers to field calls for information and
assistance for non-life-threatening needs.170
Call Centers and Congress
Legislation introduced in the 111th Congress includes two bills covering 211 call centers: S. 211
(Senator Clinton) and H.R. 211 (Representative Eshoo). Both would authorize funds and require
improvements in the capacity of 211 help lines operated by nonprofit call centers. A question for
the 111th Congress might be whether federal funding for 211 call centers meshes with other goals
(...continued)
America at http://www.211us.org/documents/TrialbyWindandWater.pdf.
167 Ibid. Executive Summary.
168 “50 Ways 2-1-1 Works,” complied by United Way of Pennsylvania, at http://www.211us.org/documents/
50ways.pdf.
169 “DHS Seeks Template for Responding to Emergency Calls,” by Brian Robinson, FCW.com, August 26, 2008.
170 “Final Report for the September 11, 2001 New York City World Trade Center Terrorist Attack,” op. cit., Section 1,
Recommendation PCC-2, page 9 and Section 6, Public Call Center, page 40 et seq.
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that are expected to have priority, such as job creation and investment in infrastructure.
Recommendations from the DHS study on 211 might advocate additional funding for 211
services because of their role in emergency response. This could provide a different viewpoint for
Congress to evaluate funding programs.
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Appendix C. Grants Awards for 911 Programs
Following is the list of award recipients of federal grants for 911 and related programs.171
Alabama $950,000.00
American
Samoa
$200,000.00
Arizona $1,250,725.39 Arkansas
$594,060.05
California $4,346,352.77 Colorado
$487,500.00
Connecticut $792,125.65 Florida
$2,669,728.30
Indiana $1,563,140.00
Iowa
$1,333,456.30
Kansas $385,450.00
Kentucky $1,165,593.68
Maryland $955,680.53 Massachusetts
$1,051,135.47
Michigan $1,699,999.99 Minnesota $1,744,926.44
Missouri $1,694,889.24 Montana
$871,597.80
Nebraska $484,000.00 New
Hampshire
$642,948.39
New Mexico
$888,893.68
North Dakota
$912,722.58
Oklahoma $1,396,871.63 Pennsylvania $2,478,157.16
Puerto Rico
$500,000.00
South Dakota
$910,365.39
Tennessee $1,499,557.54 Texas
$5,390,760.71
Virginia $1,000,000.00 Washington $1,464,362.35
Author Contact Information
Linda K. Moore
Specialist in Telecommunications Policy
lmoore@crs.loc.gov, 7-5853
171 U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Public Affairs, News, “States and U.S. Territories Receive $40
Million in Grants to Improve 911 Services,” September 25, 2009.
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