House passes E-911 implementation law

The U.S. House this week passed by voice vote the E-911 Implementation Act, which the Cellular Telecommunications & Internet Association called "an important step" in speeding Phase II deployments. CTIA President Steve Largent said the bill would improve coordination between wireless carriers, wireline carriers and public safety organizations. "Just as important, it holds state and local governments responsible for directing E-911 funds to this vital public safety technology," Largent said. Previously, Senators Conrad Burns, R-Mont., and Hillary Clinton, D-N.Y., jointly introduced legislation in June 2003 that would force states to certify, through an audit process administered by the Federal Communications Commission, that no fees collected to support enhanced 911 services are used for any other purpose.