FCC Seeks Comment on Rules To Implement Text-to-911

March 2014 — The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released a Second Further Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (FNPRM) in the Matter of Facilitating the Development of Text-to-911 and Other Next Generation 911 Applications and Framework for Next Generation 911 Deployment [PS Docket No. 10-255 and PS Docket No. 11-153] regarding the implementation of text-to-911. Primarily, the FCC seeks comment on the feasibility of a proposed timeframe, which would require text-to-911 to be made available by all text providers by December 31, 2014.  Additionally the FCC seeks comment on location accuracy of emergency texts, “delivery of text over non-cellular data channels,” and the use of text-to-911 for consumers who may be outside of their typical network and considered “roaming.”  A final concern presented in the FNPRM is that of relay services used by individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing, or have speech disabilities.  Accordingly, the FCC seeks comment on whether relay services should provide text-to-text and text-to-voice services “to support communication with [Public Safety Answering Points]” for consumers.  Comments on the document are due April 4, 2014 and reply comments are due May 5, 2014.