Today:  FCC 911 Reliability Certification System, FCC Mobility Phase II Challenge Process, NTIA 911 Grant Program 

FCC 911 Reliability Certification System

The FCC’s Public Safety and Homeland Security Bureau (Bureau) announced that the FCC’s 911 Reliability Certification System is now open for filing annual reliability certifications, which are due on October 15, 2018.  FCC rules require covered 911 service providers to take reasonable measures to provide reliable 911 service with respect to: (i) 911 circuit diversity; (ii) central office backup power; and (iii) diverse network monitoring.  Covered 911 service providers must certify as to their compliance with each of these three requirements or to their implementation of reasonable alternative measures.

FCC Mobility Phase II Challenge Process

FCC Chairman Ajit Pai announced he has circulated for a vote by his fellow commissioners an Order to extend by 90 days the window to file challenges to the eligibility map for the upcoming Mobility Fund Phase II (MF II) broadband auction.  MF II will award, via a reverse auction, up to $4.53 billion to support deployment of 4G LTE mobile service where it is now lacking. In connection with the order on circulation Pai said: “The FCC has an important role in making sure that modern wireless services and the access they provide to emergency services, voice communications, and information are available to consumers living in and traveling through rural areas. Our Mobility Fund Phase II auction will go a long way toward fulfilling that goal. But it’s critical that we get it right: Our limited universal service funds for mobile service must be effectively and accurately targeted to areas that lack unsubsidized 4G LTE service. That’s why I’m seeking a 90-day extension of our challenge process, which will ensure fulsome participation in the process. I’m urging my fellow commissioners to vote this item quickly, so we can proceed with a robust challenge process, and then move forward with this important auction.”

NTIA 911 Grant Program

The National Telecommunications and Information Administration (NTIA) announced the revised rules for its $110 million grant program to support the transition to Next Generation 911 (NG911) technologies became effective August 3, 2018.   States and Tribal Organizations are eligible to apply for grants under the program.   The program, which is jointly administered by the Commerce Department’s NTIA and the Transportation Department’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), will take an important step toward modernizing today’s 911 services so that citizens, first responders, and 911 call-takers can use IP-based, broadband-enabled technologies to coordinate emergency responses.  Information on how to apply for grants will be released in a forthcoming Notice of Funding Opportunity.

In response to the announcement, House Subcommittee on Communications and Technology Chairman Marsha Blackburn (R-TN) issued the following statement: “Today’s announcement is welcome progress to help law enforcement and Public Safety Answering Points nationwide fully realize Next Generation 9-1-1 capabilities. It is critical for the nation’s 9-1-1 network to keep pace with 21st century technology, allowing that lifesaving call to take the form of voice, text, or video. This committee has been at the forefront of promoting Next Generation 9-1-1 and we will continue our efforts to deliver it to every corner of the country.”

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.