Dialing 911 On Your Cell Phone? Not So Fast

Several wireless companies remain non-compliant with a federal government requirement that consumers using their phones can reach appropriate emergency services when dialing 911.

The Federal Communications Commission had issued a rule stating that 95% of consumer phones be equipped to make 911 calls. The agency says that three companies -- Sprint Nextel, Alltel and United States Cellular -- have failed to do so and will be fined.

In a decision published yesterday, the FCC said it would send Notices of Apparent Liability for Forfeiture (“NALs”) to the companies. The companies have 30 days to submit statements regarding their non-compliance. The Commission then has the opportunity to enforce fines ranging from $500,000 to more than one million dollars against the companies.

An FCC statement said that Alltel and US Cellular were now compliant, but had missed the deadline.

Labels: Alltel, FCC, Sprint Nextel, US Cellular, wireless

posted by George Bounacos at 1:19 PM |