FCCFinal Rule

Facilitating Implementation of Next Generation 911 Services; Location-Based Routing for Wireless 911 Calls

TechnologyTransportationHealthcare

Summary

This regulation requires wireless phone companies to improve how they route emergency 911 calls by using location information to send calls to the nearest appropriate emergency center. The change aims to get help to people faster and more accurately by ensuring dispatchers know where callers are located, especially in areas with multiple emergency centers.

Key Points

  • 1Wireless carriers must use location data to send 911 calls to the correct emergency dispatch center based on where the caller is physically located, not just where their phone number is registered
  • 2The new system is called 'location-based routing' and is part of upgrading to 'Next Generation 911,' a more modern emergency system than the current one
  • 3This helps ensure calls reach the closest or most appropriate emergency center, which can reduce response times and prevent misdirected calls
  • 4The rule affects all wireless phone companies and emergency dispatch centers across the country
  • 5Wireless carriers are given time to implement these changes, with compliance deadlines phased in over the coming months to years

Key Dates

Published

March 25, 2025

This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.

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