Public Safety in the District

An Update on the Legislative and Regulatory Activities of APCO International

 Monday, June 21, 2004

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 APCO DISCUSSES VoIP WITH BURNS

 

APCO International met with the office of Senator Conrad Burns last week to discuss Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and enhanced 9-1-1 (E9-1-1).  In addition, APCO International met with the staff of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation on this issue.

 

APCO ENCOURAGES STRONGER POSITION ON VOIP E9-1-1

 

APCO International sent a letter last week to Senator John McCain (R- Ariz.) and Senator Ernest Hollings (D- SC) encouraging them to take a stronger position on VoIP E9-1-1.  The letter was sparked by the release of the agenda of the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, chaired by McCain, hearing on the "VoIP Regulatory Freedom Act" (S. 2281) held on June 15.

 

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NPSTC HOLDS QUARTERLY MEETING

 

The National Public Safety Telecommunications Council (NPSTC) held its quarterly meeting near Washington, DC on June 14 and 15.  APCO International was represented at the meeting by President Vincent Stile, Director of Legal and Government Affairs Bob Gurss, and Automated Frequency Coordination (AFC) Director Ron Haraseth.   Several past-presidents of APCO International are also active participants, including Marilyn Ward (NPSTC chair), John Powell, and Joe Hanna.

 

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SAFECOM ADVISORY GROUP COMMENCES

 

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) SAFECOM Program Executive Committee met in Philadelphia on June 16, followed by the first meeting of the SAFECOM Advisory Group on June 17.  APCO International is a member of the Executive Committee, represented by President Vincent Stile, with Director of Legal and Government Affairs Bob Gurss as his alternate.

 

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E9-1-1 INSTITUTE HOLDS VoIP ROUNDTABLE

 

The E9-1-1 Institute will hold a luncheon and roundtable discussion on “Voice on the Net: An Informational Discussion on Voice-over Internet Protocol” on June 24 at the Rayburn House Office Building.

 

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APCO URGES ACTION ON DTV TRANSITION

 

On June 9, the Senate Commerce Committee, chaired by John McCain (R-Ariz.), held a hearing on the digital television (DTV) transition, which is critical to the ability of public safety agencies to use newly allocated spectrum in the 700 MHz band.   APCO International sent a letter to the Committee urging support for a recent FCC proposal to expedite the transition through changes in the cable-television must-carry rules.

 

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For more information on these and other public safety communications issues, contact your APCO International Office of Government Affairs staff.

 

Robert M. Gurss                                                   Yucel Ors

Director of Legal and Government Affairs              Legislative Affairs Manager

202.833.3800                                                              202.833.1997

 

Courtney McCarron                                                        Betty Nelson

Communications Affairs Manager                                   Administrative Assistant

202.833.9600                                                              202.833.2700

 

APCO International Office of Government Affairs

1725 DeSales St., NW Suite 808 Washington, DC 20036

(v) 202.833.2700  (f) 202.833.5700  dcoffice@apcointl.org

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