E9-1-1 Institute Issue Committee

On Internet Protocol Based Services

Background

The emergence of Internet protocol based services provides both a challenge and an opportunity for the Nation’s 9-1-1 emergency call system. Controversies over the failure of access to 9-1-1 over some voice over IP services (VoIP) have stimulated regulatory actions and policy debates at the federal and state levels. In addition, some significant research and development have occurred which highlight some of the enhancements to public safety communications and the 9-1-1 system that IP-based systems can provide.

The FCC Report and Order 05-116 requires all VoIP operators to provide access to 9-1-1 and E9-1-1 services to their customers. While the FCC requirement imposes a 120-day deadline for compliance, implementation issues are likely to be ongoing for an extended period of time. Furthermore, VoIP and E9-1-1 implementation issues will remain an important element of discussion in various advisory commissions to the FCC and organizations such as the VON Coalition are working with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) and others to address a number of the technical and standards issues related to VoIP service and 9-1-1/E9-1-1.

In addition, legislation that would impose additional requirements related to E9-1-1 and VoIP services as well as provide liability protection – issues that were not addressed in the FCC Report and Order – is under consideration in the U.S. Congress.

Establishment of an Issue Committee to Examine the Challenges and Benefits of IP-Based Services for E9-1-1

The E9-1-1 Institute hereby establishes an “Internet Protocol Issue Committee” (IPIC) that would examine the challenges and benefits of IP-based services for the Nation’s E9-1-1 system. The mission of the IPIC is to:

Ø Create a dialogue among a broad range of stakeholders, including public safety, industry (providers, vendors, and technology innovators), academics, and consumers to examine the challenges and benefits of IP-based services for the Nation’s E9-1-1 system;

Ø Develop consensus on recommendations for policy makers to ensure a successful implementation of E9-1-1 access requirements on VoIP systems; and

Ø Identify areas of opportunity for future IP-Based applications and make recommendations to the Institute on how the Institute and its members can help to advance some of the opportunities to improve the E9-1-1 system.

The IPIC would not seek to duplicate ongoing work that is occurring between some of the stakeholders on this subject. The scope of work for the IPIC would be focused on broad policy issues as well as serve as a clearinghouse of information on the many areas of activity related to IP-based services and 9-1-1/E9-1-1.

Deliverables and Timetable for the IPIC

The Executive Director shall solicit participation from Institute members hold an initial organization meeting sometime in July, 2005. At the initial meeting, the Committee members will select a chair or co-chairs for the Committee.

The chair or co-chairs, working with interested Institute members, shall identify a list of specific topics that the IPIC should examine, establish a working group for each specific topic area and identify at least one individual to lead the working group. Each working group shall establish a scope of work, set a timeline, and identify specific deliverables (such as production of a white paper, collect and review reports and studies, etc.).

The IPIC shall provide a report to the Board of Directors for each monthly meeting of the Board of Directors. Deliverables should be balanced and represent each of the perspectives of all the stakeholders.