The E911 controversy

Meeting the enhanced 911 Phase II deadline does not look to be in the cards for some wireless carriers. A lack of confidence that today's technology can meet the accuracy requirements seems to have caught them off guard. They also realize a lot of cash is on the line.

While this has created some concern in the industry, the FCC is not buckling.

The commission has no intent to change the deadline, said Jim Schlichting, deputy chief of the wireless telecommunications bureau. He would not specify what would happen if carriers do not meet the deadline.

Carriers that have chosen the handset-based solution must begin selling location-enabled handsets by the end of October. By Dec. 31, 25% of their new subscribers must be supplied with this type of handset when they sign up for service.

AT&T Wireless and Cingular Wireless have been the most visible opponents to the FCC's deadline. AT&T Wireless recently filed a waiver request suggesting instead that it build Phase II compatibility into its GSM system. Cingular, which believes location-based technology currently does not meet the accuracy mandate, is expected to follow suit. Nokia and Motorola also have submitted letters to the FCC supporting a delay because it will take a substantial amount of time to produce the location-enabled handsets.

Despite this activity, Sprint PCS intends to stay on track with its location plans, though not without a struggle.

“We are dependent on our vendors to hit this date, and our strategy has been to work closely with them,” said Jim Setter, director of wireless intelligent network planning and development for Sprint PCS. The carrier expects to comply with the deadline in markets where it works with Lucent Technologies, but markets where Nortel Networks equipment is deployed will not be ready until June of next year, Setter said. Sprint PCS already has informed the FCC of the situation.

While carriers rely on vendors' timeframes, they also are at the mercy of the public safety answering points (PSAPs), which must be ready to receive the calls once the E911 technology is deployed.

“It is a struggle because we have to upgrade our infrastructure and make sure we have the handsets when we cannot offer safety without knowing for sure if the PSAPs will be ready to answer the calls,” Setter said.

To combat that perception, public agencies have embarked on public relations efforts indicating they will be ready. Still, Sprint PCS has doubts.

“How much of a financial risk would it be to invest if PSAPs are not ready?” Setter said. The carrier has received PSAP requests and is tracking which ones will likely be ready by the deadline.

Although the FCC has said it will consider waivers on a case-by-case basis, it is adamant about the deadline, believing ultimately that it will be met. Not everyone is convinced, however.

“I don't think the deadline will change. But this doesn't mean all carriers will meet it,” said Allen Nogee, senior analyst of wireless technology at Cahners In-Stat Group.

Some carriers may delay the rollout because they do not see location services generating revenue for several more years, Nogee said.

According to Sprint PCS, E911 is not about the additional location services carriers might be able to offer to increase revenue. Rather, it is a requirement carriers must meet because the FCC said so about five years ago.

Moreover it is a responsibility to the public, said Oliver Hilsenrath, CEO of U.S. Wireless. “A lot of subscribers assume this capability already exists on their phone and a lot view the phone as safety device,” he said.