What is Your Location?: Public Knowledge Petition Pushes FCC to Implement 911 Accuracy Rules

Public Knowledge submitted a petition with over 1,000 signatures asking the Federal Communications Commission to implement its proposed rules to ensure 911 dispatchers know where callers are, even when they call from indoors using their cell phones.

This petition comes as a response to concerning reports detailing the current failure of wireless carriers to convey the location of 911 callers. Despite the increasing prevalence of mobile-only households, the carriers have yet to improve or address the widespread reports of failed location accuracy in many states. The FCC must step in to require the basic safety and peace-of-mind that when you call for help, it will come. With this petition, Public Knowledge urges the FCC implement its proposed rules without delay. While we embrace new technologies, we cannot -- and need not -- trade public safety away during technology transitions. Today’s mobile communications infrastructure must ensure that every person -- regardless of race, sex, age, income level, or disability -- has adequate and reliable access to emergency services. Public Knowledge supports and applauds the FCC for presenting these stronger requirements, and we ask that the FCC not waiver in their resolve to ensure first responders can find those in need, no matter how they reach 911.