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Washington, DC — The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) International today released a position statement on the “IP-Enabled Voice Communications and Public Safety Act of 2005 (S 1063),” which was passed by the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee on November 2, stating its opposition to portions of the bill that would require the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to waive rules contained in its recent Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) order.
“We believe that the FCC’s ability to enforce existing rules is in the best interest of the public’s safety,” the statement from APCO International said.
Specifically, APCO International is concerned that a section of the bill would prevent the FCC from enforcing rules that require 9-1-1 and enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1) capabilities for all new VoIP customers. It is APCO International’s position that VoIP providers should not be able to offer services to new customers in geographic areas where the provider is not able to comply with the FCC’s 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 requirements contained in the FCC’s order.
“APCO International appreciates the efforts of Congress to focus on the VoIP issue,” APCO International President Greg Ballentine said. “However, given the language that is currently contained in the bill, we believe it is not in the best interest of public safety and will actively oppose its passage.”
Visit
http://www.apcointl.org/government/positions/S1063position_statement.pdf to read the statement.
About APCO International
The Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials International, Inc. is the world’s oldest and largest professional organization dedicated to the enhancement of public safety communications. APCO serves the professional needs of its 15,000 members worldwide by creating a platform for setting professional standards, addressing professional issues and providing education, products and services for people who manage, operate, maintain and supply the communications systems used by police, fire and emergency medical dispatch agencies throughout the world. For more information, visit www.apcointl.org.